The Katy Trail- What tires?

[mzimmerm]

We are preparing to ride The Katy Trail in Missouri starting June 7th. We have “gravel” bikes that can accommodate 35’s and more- but we don’t want too big to avoid excess drag. What tires would be recommended?
30’s with Road tread?
35’s with knobby tread?
Thoughts?

[John Nettles]

I have ridden the Katy a couple of times.  I would go with 32 road tread and you will be fine for 98% of it.  There are a few soft spots here and there but otherwise it is packed finely crushed granite.  The main drag is if it is wet.

Be sure to check out the state's KATY website as there are a couple of detours due to the flooding last year.  Some of the detours have noteworthy hills.

Tailwinds, John

[mzimmerm]

Thanks John. Makes perfect sense.

[aggie]

I rode it a couple of years ago using Armadillo 30's and had no problems.  Like John wrote if it is wet/muddy it can be a problem regardless of the size of the tire.   Last time I looked there were still some areas that were closed.  Check out this web site before you go.

https://katytrailmo.com/katy-trail-closures-and-conditions-spring-2020/

[mzimmerm]

Thank you so much Aggie!
Really appreciate it!!!
BTW- so are you a Texas A&M Aggie?!

[BikePacker]

When The Katy is wet I have found the wider the better..... Times I've done it I've always had intermittent showers, thus if I were to go after it again I could only go wide for max enjoyment.
Knobs not needed.

[mzimmerm]

Thank you!!
Makes perfect sense.
Seems like that’s the trend these days- regardless of surface- wider is better.

[aggie]

Gig'em

[John Nettles]

Go Sooners! 

[oldguybiker]

The KATY is a neat trail but does get wet and can stay wet in some places. I had a good experience on both my trips running 35 CX tires on a moderately loaded touring bike (rider 180 plus gear at roughly 25-30). I was glad to have the versatility, stability and traction of a bit wider semi-knobby tire, especially since after months of planning and being pretty much locked into a travel schedule I ended up riding it not long after some flooding. Hope to get back there soon and will plan on using the same size/type tire, just in case.     

[mzimmerm]

Thanks! Appreciate it.

[mzimmerm]

So, after just completing the Katy Trail- I would DEFINITELY recommend 35’s or larger.
BTW- y’all get out there. It’s a WONDERFUL trail and there’s NOONE out there!!