16 inch wheel bicycle ok?

Hi all, I am planning to ride/camp from Pittsburgh to Washington DC next week on my Brompton (tiny folding bicycle).

What are the worst spots for tiny 16 inch diameter wheeled biking? I have read of loose gravel, and muddy potholes,(in the rain).

Anything else i should know about?

thanks, see you out there...

Ha Ha. Your joking right. I looked online at this bike and it looks like you could fit it in a small suitcase.

Alright now. Be nice. This is a forum to encourage riding the trails, not to be judgemental of the types of bicycles used.

I too looked up a Brompton bicycle. I have not read anything about them nor do I know anything about them. Is it a sturdy bike? The C&O can be fairly rough in some spots. I guess I would be worried how well it will hold up. I am not sure what terrain / purpose it is designed for. I am curious if you are doing a supported ride. If not, may I ask what you will do for storage of supplies? Panniers?

Back to the trail. The C&O can get some good sized mud puddles that can be relatively deep too. Your feet could get soaked(?) The GAP should not cause you any problems as far as roughness goes.

Good luck on your ride and let us know how it goes. Someone else may be able to use the info. you provide.

I just biked the entire PGH to DC trail about a week and a half ago. I had a hybrid with 700x38c tires and had no problems, but my bike is a dual sport with front-suspension and designed to take a bit of a pounding, which it certainly got on the C&O.

I think you'd be perfectly fine on the the GAP, it was in great shape, and even when it rains, the crushed limestone surface drains well. There was some patches of loose gravel between Ohiopyle and Connellsville, but I don't think that would be a problem for your bike.

Now the C&O is another story. When I passed through, the first several miles of the trail from Cumberland was basically a mud pit. I stopped and helped one guy with a mountain bike remove his fenders because the mud was caked up in them and causing issues. I can't imagine your tiny wheels with fenders would handle that well. Then, you'll face the constant barrage of roots that you WILL hit hard because the trail is covered with leaves this time of year and it makes obstacles hard to see. My least favorite part was actually between Great Falls and Georgetown where the trail basically becomes embedded rocks, where it's like riding on a cobblestone street. Is your bike rugged enough for all this? :) Good luck and have fun!

I just biked from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh last week - Wed through Fri, and I found the trails to be in wonderful shape. Stick to the route used the most on the trails and you will have smooth travel the entire way. Enjoy your ride!

I was thinking of riding the trail on a tricycle with little red ribbons. I was going to tie a radio flyer wagon behind to haul my gear. Do you think that will be okay? LOL :)

I think it would be a great idea, just don't forget your light and horn.

Come on guys.Let up. I suggest you go to another site if you are just going to be sarcastic. Sorry, just the way I feel. Keep it positive.

Well, i took my Brompton in an Ortlieb backpack on the MegaBus from Philly to Pittsburg with a tent and sleeping bag. Got out of the bus Monday 3:30 pm and made it to DC by Sunday 11 am. 6 days with peak colors in the leaves and rain only one night; no rain during any riding.
I'm 48 and did the ride solo with no assistance, carrying my camping gear on my bike, (nothing on my back).
I am used to sharing the road with auto drivers, (why would anyone drive a car anywhere?).
I'd like to think nobody has ever ridden a Brompton from Pittsburgh to DC on this trail, (or at least not as fast as me).
Next time, I'll use a bigger wheel bike though.

It's funny how some of you pups are trying to break my balls. None of you can do what i did on 16 inch 100 psi wheels in November even though i averaged under 60 miles per day.

Yea, i carried my folding bicycle, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad in a backpack on my back onto the bus, and stowed it in the cargo hold for $24 one way total.

It was a great trip and I'm sure to do it again.

thanks for the comments, (some were funny).

philly painter

A big congratulations to you. That is definitely a big achievement. Yes and the color of the trees are just beautiful this time of year. Glad you followed up with your original comment, completed your ride and were able to have a laugh at some of the other comments. Again, congratulations.

I to congratulate you.

I'm glad to hear you had a good trip. It doesn't matter what size wheels you did it on as long as you enjoyed yourself. Heck, I didn't use any wheels, I hiked the trail.

Congratulations and I too am glad you responded. I have ridden the northern stretches of the trail on my folding bike (DAHON) and it has always held up well. I ride rail trails nearly every wknd all over the East Coast and have never had a problem with my bike. Mine is full size 26" wheels , 7 speeds which is all i ever need on the trails. I really loved the Paw Paw tunnel! BG

In September I did the GAP from the Pittsburgh Amtrak to Cumberland Amtrak with a group of 6, 4 of who rode 20" Dahon's.

For those who might not be aware, Brompton and Dahon are bitter enemies, sort of like two religions. I suspect that the negative comments came from Dahon owners in disguise.