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Questions: Tires, Best Route


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Tonya from Center of the U.S. on 8/8/2017 8:23:54 AM:
We will be heading to SD the end of this week. We are planning to ride the Mickelson. We turned 50 this year and it is our goal to ride 50 miles of Mickelson. I have been reading people's comments, but haven't gotten a clear answer. Is the trail too soft for a hybrid bike? Do I need knobby tires for this ride? What is the easiest 50 mile trip? Deadwood to Hill City, or the other direction? I would appreciate any comments.

 
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 8/8/2017 9:33:29 AM:
The trail is not too soft for a Hybrid and you can get by without Knobby tires. There are a few soft spots but not many and you can see the few spots before you get to them so you have time to ride along the edge. I did Deadwood to Hill City in both directions and they are both challenging with up grades and nice down grades. In my opinion Deadwood to Hill City is the way to go. Hope that helps and have a great trip. You will be stopping lots to take pictures. Last...Remember when starting in Deadwood you then going up the trail and at 3.6 miles you will come to the beginning of the loop. You can go right or left. Going to the right is longer but great views from the top of the hill. Go 4.7 miles and you will see a sign to continue on to Dumont or take the loop back to Deadwood.

 
WBM from Springfield, IL on 8/31/2017 5:03:10 PM:
Is it possible to do the trail with a traditional road bike using 700x28mm tires. I've read that a road bike with thin tires is not recommended, but I've heard others dispute that. Thank you.

 
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 9/1/2017 10:29:34 AM:
Hi. I did the trail in both directions with 700x38c tires but I don't know how much skinnier 28s are but for 98% of the trail I had no problem. That's the best answer I can give you. If I where you I would find a bike with my tire size so you can see the different side by side then make a decision.

 
WBM on 9/1/2017 8:53:40 PM:
Thanks...I think I'm going to rent a bike for the trail instead of bringing my road bike...and leave the 28s on my road bike.