Reducing jarring from rubbish roads

[vickster]

On my steel tourer with 32c tyres I can ride comfortably over surfaces that would be really jarring on my Scott Speedster.

N +1 time?

I already have 3 bikes...I would need to sell the Giant if I was to get another drop bar bike. I also like light bikes, so not sure steel would do for me

 

[vickster]

I'm just wondering whether you're riding with locked elbows. A slight flex in the arms will allow the muscles to absorb the jolts. Although you might have a very slightly greater weight on your wrists, they, like the elbows, will be spared some of the jolting. If you've already got flexed arms, then this advice is useless!

My elbows aren't locked I don't believe - I think that was the issue that caused the tennis elbow on a too big bike, so I am pretty conscious of this now

 

[vickster]

Something like this might work but the colours are just so ugly
http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/3287/products/2013-giant-tcx-2-cyclocross-bike.aspx

 

[MikeW-71]

Are you still on the stock Giant tyres?

I've just switched my Giant 23mm to Continental GP4000S along with Continental tubes. At the same pressures, the ride is much more comfy! The Giant tyres had good grip and only punctured once, but quite a harsh ride in comparison. Heavy too, the GP4000S are 50g lighter per tyre. I didn't think I'd feel that much difference, but woah, they roll fast!

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

My elbows aren't locked I don't believe - I think that was the issue that caused the tennis elbow on a too big bike, so I am pretty conscious of this now

I've had an almost exact conversation with @wanda2010 - maybe she will have some suggestions because she's been knocking out some very decent mileages since.

 

[Summerking]

can you fit the gel pads to the hoods with a couple of turns of bar tape? so as not to interfere with the brake/shifter, I've seen Tour riders with their hoods padded and wrapped to fairly large sizes.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

can you fit the gel pads to the hoods with a couple of turns of bar tape? so as not to interfere with the brake/shifter, I've seen Tour riders with their hoods padded and wrapped to fairly large sizes.

Yes its generally not an issue, I run specialized bar phat which is gel pads and bar tape on my flat areo bars (zipp vukasprint) which features additional shifters, I find that it does not interfere with the brake/shifter or additional shifters

 

[jowwy]

I already have 3 bikes...I would need to sell the Giant if I was to get another drop bar bike. I also like light bikes, so not sure steel would do for me

maybe the n+1 could be titanium

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Something like this might work but the colours are just so ugly
http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/3287/products/2013-giant-tcx-2-cyclocross-bike.aspx

Maybe a 2012 model then:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tcx.w/9360/49942/

I have a TCX1 on 32mm Marathon Supremes and it's by far the comfiest bike I have ridden since I restarted.

 

[Amanda P]

Answer is simple (Glasshopper). Buy a Moulton.

Okay, the looks take some getting used to, but they're every bit as quick as a 28" wheeled bike (small wheels are much lighter and stiffer) and the suspension makes the ride very smooth, even on rough roads.

And they don't bob like a mountain bike going uphill - although they do reward a smooth pedalling style.

 

[Broadside]

Stock tyres are often 60 TPI, buy some 120 TPI and you will definitely feel the difference, they transform the ride.

GP4000 and all the usual suspects (don't like Continental myself), but my personal favs are the Michelin pro4 Service Course; luvverly.

M

 

[Fab Foodie]

2 things apart from better quality tyres in 25c is to get the headset checked-out, any small amount of play will men that the frame and forks are slightly disconnected and don't absorb the vibes properly, in fact a tiny bit of play will make the bike seem even more jarring. Have just had the headset serviced on my Giant (£15 apparently replacements are not available ) and the difference (even on a badly notched headset), is significant. Ride is much smoother.

 

[Gravity Aided]

How about your saddle? Is it level, or canted forward? If this isn't the problem, another layer of bar tape may be your solution.

 

[Gravity Aided]

can you fit the gel pads to the hoods with a couple of turns of bar tape? so as not to interfere with the brake/shifter, I've seen Tour riders with their hoods padded and wrapped to fairly large sizes.

Guilty as charged.

 

[vickster]

maybe the n+1 could be titanium

Not got that sort of cash right now.

The blue wsd tcx is rather lovely though