Bike advises for C&O

[Adventure Velo]

Hello,
I am new for touring , i am looking to get a light touring bike + commuter. However, the ultimate goal is doing a trip on C&O from DC to Cumberland or may be from Cumberland to DC.

I don't know which bike I should get for C&O road condition. I am thinking of

1. 2013 Charge Filter HI with disc brake , tiagra 11-28  and 46-36 crank.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1123218_-1_400318__400318

2. Or a regular cross bike.

3. May be a 29er mountain bike hard tail.

Thank you very much for your help.
Anh

[Tandem Tom]

I have ridden the GAP & C&O 3x. Two times with my wife. We ride Giant Escape Hybrids. I usually change the tires out for a bit more aggressive tread as the C&O can get muddy. The Giant Escape is a great bike! I now work PT at a local bike shop and sell quite a few of them and everyone loves them. They use them as commuters and longer distance rides.

[Adventure Velo]

Hello Tom,
Thanks a lot for your help. I decided to get the Charge Filter HI with disc brake so I can do commuting and also the bike can do 700x35 or more so I can use it to do C&O trip. I would love to ask you more about the detail how to do the trip since you did it few times already. Where are you located? MD or VA?
Thank you.

[Tandem Tom]

We lie in NE Ohio. The last time I rode the GAG & C&O was the end of October 2012. I took the train to Pittsburg and rode to DC then took the train back to Cleveland. I would recommend buying the guide book as it contains a wealth of info. Here is a link http://www.atatrail.org/

[Adventure Velo]

Tom,
Thanks a lot, wow, the website is great with tone of resources. I will order the guide book.
I will surely ask you for more information.
Take care,
Anh

[Adventure Velo]

hello Tom,
In your experience , what size tire I should use ? Can I use 700cx28 ?
Thank you.

[Greg in MO]

You might be able to get away with 700 x 28, but you will be better off with a wider tire, especially if it is wet at all.

Greg

[Tandem Tom]

Hey Day Tripper,
I use 700 x 32mm. I feel pretty comfortable with these. I bought some Continental Travel Contacts.