Continental divide advice

[Salsa fan]

I'm considering riding the continental divide on a fully loaded ( racks, panniers, etc.) Salsa Vaya. Is this advisable as the trail is considered more for mountain biking? I'm looking at the sections through Wyoming, Colorado and northern New Mexico. Any previous rider's advice would be well appreciated.

Thanks.

[mathieu]

There is nothing wrong with racks and panniers. I suggest to fit the widest tires that your bike frame allows, both to cushion your body for the rough, often washboarded roads and also to protect spokes and rims from heavy impacts.
I would also mount a horizontal bar or riser bar instead of a drop bar.  It is more important to look constantly ahead for obstacles and potholes than you are used to on a road bike and aerodynamics is of lesser importance.  It also gives your body a more relaxed position.
Further recommendations on http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=310026&v=3V

[Salsa fan]

Thank you!! I currently have drop bars but in a more relaxed position. Thanks for the straight bar advice.

Happy trails.

[velomaman]

What about a straight mountain bike? I am looking at a steel hardtail like the Jamis Dragon (I'm short so standover on a 29er is a problem.


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[paddleboy17]

I only rode central and southern New Mexico.  I did it on a hard tailed mountain bike, towing a trailer.  As I remember, there was lots of washboarded dirt roads and two track.  Washboard sucks no matter what you do, but I liked having a suspension fork.