The Rock Island Trail

Reply to Rigid suspension or fork compression

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Reply to Rigid suspension or fork compression

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May from Alaska on 9/12/2025 2:40:31 AM:

I have two bikes to choose from. The first is a Marin Stinson 2 step. I am reluctant to rent this bike as it has a rigid front suspension. I never done the trail before and if it is bumpy I'm going to hate this bike. My current bike is like this. I used to have a mountain bike and I loved it because of the forks took all the brunt. The second bike I can rent is jamis citizen 2. I'm thinking I would like this bike better because of the front suspension. Any insight how bumpy is this trail? If the trail is bumpy I'm going to watch some spension. Thank you

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 9/12/2025 9:14:34 AM:

The trail is mostly compact chat/pea gravel. The only time you may encounter rough areas would be after heavy rains where the water runs across parts of the trail. If that happens pick yourself up out of the saddle and use your built in shock absorbers. A mountain bike would be overkill in my opinion and you would suffer from the low gearing on long flat stretches of the trail.

May from Alaska on 9/12/2025 1:01:00 PM:

I would not be taking a mountain bike. It would be the Jamis citizen 2.I would be renting it.It has suspension. I realize the trail is crushed gravel. I've never rode on that terrain .I don't know how smooth it can be. I'm trying to avoid having my shoulders take a lot of the shot from the front. Thank you

Gary from Neat Tebbetts on 9/12/2025 2:23:10 PM:

I looked up a review of the Jamis 2. It looks like a very comfortable hybrid bike well suited for the Katy with a configuration of upright sitting posture and step thru frame design.

Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 9/13/2025 4:02:50 PM:

I'd go with the Marin Stinson 2. Run those fat tires at about 30 to 40 PSI and that's all the suspension that you will need. My wife and I have a fat tire MTB tandem that we've done the entire Katy Trail plus GAP, C&O, and cross Florida. One of the first things I did to it was remove the front suspension fork. We just run lower tire pressure.

I see one issue with both bikes. They only have a place for one water bottle holder. Water stops can be far between on the Katy. You might want to investigate getting a water bottle holder for the handlebars or something like a Camelbak backpack.

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