Thinking about riding the GAP trail from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle on a road bike. An '83 Schwinn Le Tour with very basic road bike tires. Is this doable without any serious upgrades?
dicken74
2013-09-30 12:28:17
I rode that same route last month. There is a thread about it Millvale to Ohiopyle. People gave me very helpful advice. I used a road bike and was fine, but I could see how skinny tires could be an issue after a rain.
turboweasel
2013-09-30 13:17:13
There are some bumpy spots climbing the last few miles to OhioPyle and they would be very bothersome on the way back down with 23s but otherwise you'd be OK. I think 28 to 32 is ideal for the GAP. The C&O is much worse (gravel is bigger and less packed down; there are more ruts) and 32 is the absolute minimum there.
headloss
2013-09-30 17:49:41
It depends on the rain. You might be uncomfortable on 23s on a dry trail but you'd be extremely stressed in steady rain. The 2012 CtC being an example.
jonawebb
2013-09-30 18:46:00
Jonawebb is right - you might want to check the weather before you leave and consider other options.
Aside from anything else, the grooves skinny tires leave in a wet trail are a hazard when they dry and harden up.
mick
2013-09-30 20:34:30
I also suggest not staying in Ohiopyle. The road going up the the campsite is terrible. Go the extra few miles and stay at the next town. Read about my struggles here:
http://faunaviolet.blogspot.com/2013/09/pittsburgh-to-ohiopyle-fail.html
faunaviolet
2013-10-01 13:18:42
