Author Topic: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O  (Read 8359 times)

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Offline Alameda

Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« on: September 27, 2017, 05:12:08 pm »
I hope to ride the GAP/C&O trail next summer.  My impression is that the trail is mostly compacted dirt (when dry) or crushed granite or the equivalent.  (I hope I'm wrong.)  I have a Gunnar touring bike and will be using panniers and carrying camping gear.  Could somebody recommend the minimum size tires I should have for this surface?  If my current rims cannot accommodate the recommended tires, I may choose to rent.  Thank you

Offline ggwbikemt

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2017, 05:58:13 am »
I have done the GAP twice with a loaded Cannondale touring bike using 700x35 tires which worked very well. The GAP is well packed finely crushed limestone most of the time. I have only done bits and pieces of the C&O trail which has more variable dirt and gravel so hopefully another post can better answer the C&O part of the question.  For the GAP take a look at gaptrail.org for more information. 

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2017, 07:39:31 am »
Did the GAP fully loaded on 32c Conti Top Touring II tires. (The "Top" is important. There is an inferior model named the Touring II. They are narrower than advertised.) No problems. The TOP also comes in a 37c model which is true to size.

Bring ear plugs if you camp at Husky Haven in Rockwood. (Turn up your computer volume to get the full effect.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eBa1j8F0dk

Offline zzzz

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2017, 09:53:03 am »
I've done the C & O but not the Gap. 32 mm would be plenty of tire for anything I saw.

I'll add something else:

Put a bell on your bike. The tow path is very heavily used even when you get away from the DC metro area. The number of folks on the trail, hiking or riding, who are in their own world is constant.  I  came to feel like a jerk for constantly coming behind people deeply engaged in conversation and making them jump no matter how far back I tried to warn them I was coming up on them. Giving them a ring from way back and if they didn't take note another as I got closer (I think) would have solved the problem.

Pete


Offline jbruced

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2017, 06:08:40 pm »
My bike has 32mm tires and I was told they would be just fine for the GAP. I have not yet ridden the GAP though.

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2017, 10:12:15 pm »
I rode part of the C&O a few days after rain with 32s.  I'd have preferred something wider, especially with the slick mud.  I never went down, but I felt pretty smug about staying up going through some of those puddles.  Dang, I'm good! kind of thing.  Not to mention the buzziness of the gravel sections. 

If your bike will take 35s, go wide!

Offline staehpj1

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2017, 07:31:57 am »
I rode part of the C&O a few days after rain with 32s.  I'd have preferred something wider, especially with the slick mud.  I never went down, but I felt pretty smug about staying up going through some of those puddles.  Dang, I'm good! kind of thing.  Not to mention the buzziness of the gravel sections. 

If your bike will take 35s, go wide!
Not sure how much the condition of the trail has changed has changed over the years, but I recall that when I last rode it there were sections of deep mud and standing water.  That was after a period of really wet weather.  At that time a mountain bike would have been most suitable.

On the other hand, 28mm tires wouldn't be out of the question when it is in good shape.

Offline Alameda

Re: Appropriate Tires for GAP/C&O
« Reply #7 on: October 16, 2017, 10:31:23 pm »
Thank you to all.  I'll be talking with my local bike shop.