I am new to the bike scene, I want a good hybrid to ride the trail, almost all other uses for the bike will be 95% trail riding. So please help out with suggestions on a decent quality bike for my journey. Thanks in advance Jim

Hi Jim,

There are lots of people riding hybrids on the GAP and C&O. There are also plenty of bicycle shops along the way, just in case you have a mechanical issue. The most important thing for you to find in a bike is comfort, something that will be comfortable for hours of riding each day. No one can really tell you what works for you, as a lot of it is trial and error.

You may even want to consider just renting a bike from Golden Triangle in Pittsburgh or C&O Bicycle shop in Hancock, MD.

I could recommend plenty of bikes, but what matters is what is available to you at the local shops. What do they carry? What is your budget (for both bike, and for gear)? Do you plan to camp along the way or find a bed at the end of each day?

I want a decent bike, I want to buy one and get working on practice rides. also 1st time trip, i would bed along the way. bikes seem to run 500 to 1000 the ones i was looking at? I keep heraing about a brooks saddle... a few people saying its the best. Again nebie.. Thanks