I&M Canal Path Tire Selection

I'm doing the I&M path from Channahon to Utica and back one day next week. Just looking for some feedback on tire choices from those that have ridden it already. I have 28c Gatorskins on my cross bike for road riding now but could throw on some 32c knobbies. I also have some 2.35 Big Apples ready to go on my monstercrosser/tourer. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Mysz on July 27, 2014 at 1:45pm

Given those options, I'd go with the 32c. 2.35 is overkill. 28c might be a little too narrow for comfortable handling in a few places

Last time I rode the I&M was last year. The surface is generally hard packed crushed stone, but there some pretty soft parts between Marseilles and Ottawa. I believe it is still routed onto Dee Bennett Road between Ottawa and Utica thanks to flooding last year, and there may still be a detour near Morris.

I'd suggest calling IDNR in Morris 815.942.0796 about trail conditions

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Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on July 27, 2014 at 3:19pm

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on July 28, 2014 at 3:11pm

So I ended up going with my Big Apples which are essentially 2.35 slicks. They were great and I had a great time. I think I could have ridden my Gatorskins but we weren't going at a breakneck pace so they were fine.

I rode with a buddy and we did about 60 miles or so, riding from Channahon to Marseilles and back. The weather was great and the trail is really well maintained. The DNR was out in various spots doing maintenance today. There is spot which was closed at Morris so we cut through town and picked up the trailhead at the next entrance. Next time we will go all the way to Utica (we left too late today). Thanks for all of your feedback.