I moved out of the St.Louis area about 20 years ago and I don't miss much about it but I do miss the KATY Trail. True, it can get kind of mushy this time of year. I used to use my 3-Speed that has 26 x 1-3/8" tires and that worked well.

In the summer it is much more firm and would suit your 27 x 1-1/4" tires, which would be fine.

Rick / OCRR