Originally Posted by
staehpj1
So for that route would you prefer to run fat knobbies or slicks? If it is fairly non technical I might consider using drop bars and medium to fat slicks on my rigid MTB. My wrists really hate the MTB bars anyway, even with bar ends I am not as comfortable with flat bars.
Edit: I would be interested in some more description of the route you linked if you have time to comment in some detail.
Knobs would be better since some of the roads are rough. You could probably get by with a low knob race tire like a Hutchinson piranha. It would roll well on pavement (about a third of the route) and give you enough traction on the dirt.
The rout follows some of Colorado's old rail lines and pass through some gorgeous places. The Rollins Pass route out of Rollinsville is stunning. You will have to carry your bike over Needle's Eye tunnel but that's not to hard. I'd suggest riding down to the Devil's Slide tressels which are about 1/2 a mile from the tunnel. It's up to you if you walk across them or take the old wagon road. The view into the Indian Peaks Wilderness is breathtaking.
Hagerman Pass is equally beautiful. On the Leadville side ride or hike up to the old Grand Tressle. On the Basalt side you'll ride through Hell's Gate which has bits of train at the bottom.
I've got you going up to near the Alpine Tunnel. Take the side trip to the west portal and tour the old buildings. You might want to go over Williams pass which is rough (you'll have to push some) but it's shorter than Hancock pass.
There's a lot more but typing on my I-phone is a pain. PM me for more details.