White Rim Trail - Canyonlands, Utah

[JRA]

Question for those who may be familiar with this trail:

I'm heading to the WRT with friends in a few weeks to ride the loop, (with a support vehicle).  We will be sharing driving duties and car-camping at night, (already have the permit).  My question is which bike to ride...?  I have a full suspension XC bike and a rigid Salsa Fargo.  I'm sure either would work but I'm not familiar with the terrain on this particular trail.  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[HOser]

The short answer is, either would work fine. However, assuming you're acclimated to your fully rigid Fargo, I suggest it's the best choice. The terrain is not techy at all, almost all of it is driveable in a regular car.

I've done the standard WRIAD (White Rim in a Day) trip a few times, always on a hardtail 29er with a suspension fork and thought it was a perfect middle ground. But, I've done it with friends on fully rigids and full suspension rigs, and everyone was 100% happy with their choices. (One guy did suffer a bit with his 1x8 drive train when climbing Shafer at the end of the day, but that has nothing to do with choice of suspension. Spinny gears will come in handy, suggest you have some low gearing on whatever bike you choose).

Have fun and explore all the detours and off shoots, there are some amazing views to be had out there.

[goldenboy]

It depends on what type of trip you want to have. Having to average only thirty miles a day, you can knock out the ride in under three hours if you want,  but is that the purpose. Ride time, is it > or < camp time.

Amy bike you choose will be the best choice because you can't not have fun.  I ridden the loop a couple dozen times and in all different formats. My favorite bike choice so far was a $100 chopper from malwart. Not so good for climbing or rough sections but felt awesome on the cruisers.