Planning Ahead--Riding the Whole C&O Canal

[Zen]

Just looked at that Portland again, it does have drop bars. And disc brakes. Unfortunately for me, it's cost prohibitive.
i really like the looks of it.

[withm]

Just looked at that Portland again, it does have drop bars. And disc brakes. Unfortunately for me, it's cost prohibitive.
i really like the looks of it.

$igh. There i$ that problem.....

[7rider]

Withm...Here's a good beach bike for you on the Eastern Shore: http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bik/527350339.html

[withm]

Withm...Here's a good beach bike for you on the Eastern Shore: http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bik/527350339.html

Wow - that's close enough to go and try it, but I'm wavering between the 17 and 20" frames, and well the WSD model is just a little too cute for me I'm afraid. But it's good to know that they are out there.

I felt kind of scrunched up on the regular Trek 7300 in the 17" frame, so tried a 20" in a slightly different model - where I was more stretched out. Seemed more comfortable, but I only rode each one about 5 miles or so. I was liking the 20"

But here's the killer: I got back on my road bike to go home, and there I was all scrunched up again, and now wondering if my frame is a smidge too small. So... the next day I went out and did about 24 miles or so, and raised the seat about 1/4 inch. All was well. But the next morning when I got up my lower back was in spasm and it was all I could do to get out of bed. When I got dresseed I could barely bend over to put my socks on. Copious amounts of Advil and 4 hours of sitting at work perfectly straight and I was fine, but what happened? Now maybe I should put the seat down again, but maybe move it back just a tad, or do something with the bars. Just when I think everything is perfect on my bike I go and mess it up.... lol.

[Zen]

Not all WSD bikes have little flowers on them. it may be just what you need.

And a definite yes to bar ends.

[Kalidurga]

I ride the C&O on a 'cross bike (drop bars) with either 30c cyclocross tires or 32c semi-slicks that have just a little tread on the sides. Both do just fine, you really don't need to worry about having full-on mtb tires. The main thing is to have enough tread to handle any muddy or gravelly areas you may hit, and to have some cushioning for all the vibration.

Bar ends are definitely a good idea if you do flat bars, though. When I used to ride on my old mtb/hybrid, installing bar ends made a huge difference in increasing my comfort on the towpath.