Originally Posted by
Vexxer
What style tires should be used on the Gap/C&O? I know chances of mud or poor conditions on the C&O are possible, so I am wondering if Cyclecross tires would be best. I'm going later this summer or early fall. I will be using my Tricross, which I'm told can take up to 38mm tires. I currently have 28mm Gatorskins for road riding on it.
I just did the ride from PGH to DC last month and had the time of my life in spite of rain almost constant every day. More to the point... my ride was my 2010 Tricross Triple fitted with fenders and racks/panniers. I worried about tires and gave consideration to using 35mm ContinentalCyclocross Speed tires that are on my older S-Works Tricross. But I opted for a straight touring tire... 32mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus. They were... and are... one great tire and worked wonderfully well for what has been described by trail maintenance folks (C&O) as "the worst we've ever seen it." The Gatorskins will work fine... but the Schwalbe's give you a little more tread, a lot more flat prevention, and a good bit more breadth if the mud persists.
I should note that I was traveling only partially loaded... 7 pounds in the bar bag and 25 pounds in the rear panniers for a total load of 32 pounds give or take. The ride was never harsh. Yes there are roots and mud pits and a loose rock here and there on the C&O but it was far from harsh.
