I'm planning a full west -> east run of the Missouri Katy Trail next month on a Specialized Sequoia Expert towing a ~50 pound gross trailer. That's gross weight... the trailer is kinda cute. The bike is equipped with a triple, lowest ring is 30, cassette is 11-30. For the Katy Trail, am I going to regret this gearing?

IDK. Maybe you can find out here.

I think you are good to go Yokey Dokey! A 30 is what I have on my Fuji and I ride the Katy fully loaded quite often. The trail for the most part is flat, a few steady grades between Sedalia and Boonville but nothing really challenging. You'll be fine, enjoy your trip, maybe I'll see ya out there!

By the way, I seldom use anything other than the center chain ring on the entire trail.

You shouldn't have any issues at all.

On the trail you should have no problem.

If you leave the trail, maybe. After I left the trail, I used some very low gears on hills in St Louis suburbs to get to where I parked a car at an Amtrak station.

Tourist - that's a whole separate concern; I'm told Amtrak won't haul bike trailers. I'll try one of the local shuttle services, I guess. Or maybe I'll just turn around and ride back to Clinton...

Anyway, this is the info I was looking for, thanks all!

Riding both ways is a solution if you have the time. I stayed in the big ring for the whole trip. I was unloaded on a Trek 520. I would probably start in the middle ring loaded. Railroad roadbed is all on flat or small grades like you were told. Clinton to Boonville is the slightly steeper section. The railroad used 5% grade or less as a rule. You could go from Boonville or Rocheport to St Louis and back if you were concerned but you won't find it necessary. Try https://www.bikekatytrail.com/default.aspx for information and additional links if you need more information.

I did not use a trailer. Amtrak website said no more than two carry on items. I used 4 panniers and small duffle and handlebar bag on the bike. The large red backpack/duffle in the photo has my four panniers and the gear that was in the panniers. My biking partner put a strap around his two really big panniers to call it one item.



Took the train to Sedalia.


I have no suggestion on how to deal with a trailer. Good luck.

Just did the Katy last week...nice little ride. Only trouble you might have is if it pours like it did on Wed for us. Might get a bit sloppy.

Great input, and right on time! We'll be jumping on the California Zeypher outside of San Francisco in August. I was planning to repack stuff I'll need while on the train into two panniers and ship the others home. I may still do that, since I also have to ship my bike back home anyway (Galesburg, IL is a non-baggage stop). It's good to have options. Thanks!