Which Erie Canal guide book "best"?

[mucknort]

Which Erie Canal guide book is the "best" if I pick just one?
As part of our cross country bike trip this summer, we will take the Erie Canal path from Albany to Buffalo. AC's Northern Tier Route veers off to the north, so I'd like to carry one book for that section. I've found 4 (there are probably more) books and am wondering if anyone would recommend which to buy? Thank you!

This one will have most recent update, 3rd edition comes out March1:
Erie Canal Bicyclist & Hiker Tour Guide
http://www.cyclotour.com/Erie%20Canal.htm

Cycling the Erie Canal
http://www.ptny.org/guidebook/index.shtml

Cycling Along The Canals of New York State, 2nd Edition: Scenic Rides On The Historic Waterways Of The Empire State
http://www.amazon.com/Cycling-Along-...6343441&sr=8-8

Cycling Along The Canals of New York: 500 Miles of Bike Riding along the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego Canals
http://www.amazon.com/Cycling-Along-...6343386&sr=8-4

[JimF]

Last year, I used the PTNY guidebook and found it very useful. It was nice to call their office about a couple of questions and get answers. Enjoy the tour.

[jimbo]

Also used the PTNY book from Buffalo to St Johnsville. It was good enough, though we had some confusion getting started on the "trail" after entering Buffalo from the Peace Bridge. You should not have that problem since you are ending in Buffalo. There are numerous sections that put you back on roads so you need to stay alert.  We found painted signage on the road surface (white circle with a directional line) a huge help. Those signs were from the annual 400 mile Erie Canal ride (http://www.ptny.org/canaltour/index.shtml).