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C&0 AND GAP suitable for road bike
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rollingbean from baltimore on 7/15/2014 4:55:29 PM:
Hey- Thinking of riding from Gtown to Pitts and wondered if the whole deal (both paths) are suitable for a touring bike (i.e.) NON mountain bike? I've toured both the North and South Islands of New Zealand and most all of Scotland. A bit tired of the "road" and wanted to try this…be riding either my Serotta Fierte or my custom built Spectrum…both steel and tour ready--any feedback about the overall condition of the path and the slope factor would be appreciated-- many thanks!
 
lenny on 7/16/2014 4:09:49 AM:
me and most of my companions have never used a mtn. bike we use. hybrids, cross and dual sport bikes.
 
Anonymous on 7/16/2014 9:03:06 AM:
Thanks Lenny!
 
Bob on 7/16/2014 3:17:56 PM:
A Mountain Bike would be your preferred choice. A Hybrid would be your second choice.
***
The trail is hard packed dirt and rough stone. Lots of Tree Roots and is bumpy in some spots. It can also be very muddy. This is not a Rail Trail. Be sure to carry spare inner tubes and know how to change a flat.
***
Have a great time!
 
wayne from W'burg VA on 7/17/2014 10:22:41 AM:
My experience is if you have tires sized 700X32 or larger, you'll be fine.
 
Greg K from Chicago on 7/17/2014 3:18:07 PM:
Depends on what your touring bike is. I ran 700x35s self-supported with no trouble. 32s and a lighter weight would be okay, but below that you may sink into the sand around Washington a bit. Plus as people say it's rough and bumpy so a bigger tire is more comfortable.
 
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 7/19/2014 8:17:38 AM:
Myself and two friends rode from Pittsburgh to DC on touring bikes in June and the worked fine. Tires are the more important issue, and I would recommend 32s or larger with some tread if possible
 
Rick from Grafton, Va on 7/20/2014 8:37:25 AM:
People have ridden the C&O route with anything from high end mt bikes to beat up paperboy bikes with catlitter panniers. You do need a wider tire for comfort and ease of travel. Wider tires just make life easy. Last Oct. while heading from Pittsburg to Cumberland my wife and I spent the evening with a group from Ohio (I think) and several of them had busted derailers, broken chains, and other mishaps from the mud and rough conditions along the C&O. This occurred just after a major storm along the east coast. I use a Trek Mamba with 29x2" tires and seem to have minimal to no issues. I would use my Trek Dual Sport 700x 38c tires and feel pretty confident. Don't think I'd go much smaller though.
 
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 7/21/2014 9:13:54 AM:
To answer the rest of your question. Slope/elevation shouldn't really be much of a concern. The Gap does climb but the grade is only 1-2% there's a gentle uphill grade from west to east. The C&O is mostly flat with slight uphill at each lock. Hope this helps.A
 
Roger W. on 7/28/2014 2:23:51 PM:
My preference would be a Mountain Bike. Definitely pack some spare inner tubes. Lots of sharp rock on the trail. Like the other guys mentioned, very bumpy and rocky in spots, lots of tree roots. It's relatively flat on the C&O, but it hard packed dirt and rough stone. It can get very muddy also. Some spots never seem to dry out. Lots of ruts. Yeah, the more I think about about it, a Mountain Bike is your best option. I'd put Kenda Kevlar tires on it as well to reduce the potential for flats. That area has seen quite a few storms this Season so pack the rain gear. Good luck.
 
Lenny on 7/28/2014 2:27:09 PM:
If you have options, I'd choose a Mountain Bike. In my opinion and I have lots of experience riding the C&O, I'd go with a Mountain Bike. Like Roger mentioned make sure you pack some spare inner tubes.
 
lenny on 7/29/2014 4:10:19 AM:
Isee we have another Lenny contributor, not to be confused with lenny.
 
Al from Monkton, MD on 7/29/2014 8:30:50 AM:
I have been on the trail dozens of times and experienced the trail at its best and worst. I recommend a Mountain Bike. Like the others mentioned be sure to pack spare inner tubes.
 
Zac on 7/29/2014 8:34:35 AM:
I also recommend a Mountain Bike on the C&O. I have ridden the entire trail and am also a section rider.
 
B One on 8/4/2014 9:05:00 PM:
I road the trail from Pittsburgh to DC on a road bike with 700x28 Conti Touring Tires. September of last year. Some sections were a little bumpy and rooted, but very manageable. Depends on your ability and comfort level. Max grade from Cumberland to the Continental divide is reported as 1.5%. Visit http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfm for details. Its a great ride. Enjoy
 
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