Reducing jarring from rubbish roads

[Cyclist33]

My Giant commuter / daily rider has a good frame and carbon forks, and now 3mm Fizik tape. It still runs on 25mm stock Giant tyres. I have brand new Specialized gel mitts which have a lot of thick padding. I mostly ride on the hoods

Other than trying to avoid every drain, pothole, repaired bit of road surface, lump and bump which would be nigh on impossible even if I ride suicidally in the middle of the road, is there any way to reduce the effect of hitting the imperfections (lol understatement around here ) on elbows, forearms, wrists and hands which can be sore while riding or after any distance (I have had a tennis elbow repair on left arm last November and currently have tenosynovitis in the base of my right thumb).

My Whyte hybrid is better at absorbing the bumps but I don't want to ride it all the time and the carbon isn't practical as a commuter!

go

Different tyres, wheels, something else or just hope the whole country is resurfaced?!

Cheers

nothing we can tell you will actually help. youll have to try stuff. or pay for a fit. youre not a beginner so you know what your options are. anatomically, not one of our ideas will give your body the answer.

stu

 

[vickster]

I have discussed fit, hence the new handlebars on both bikes. I discussed gel tape but neither of the two LBS i spoke to felt that this would actually be any better than the 3mm fizik tape, hence having that wrapped.

Other than when hitting the holes, I get little discomfort through my arms when actually cycling. The new gloves were bought following a discussion with my elbow specialist.

I may not be a beginner given I have been riding a while and have had a few bikes, but I am also not technically minded. Hence asking about wheels and tyres, the relevant responses have been most helpful and I shall look at lowering tyre pressure and changing the tyres. It doesn't look like wheels make much difference to comfort, more performance.

I do fear I shall just have to put up with it, unless I change to a bike fatter tyres, although that too comes with compromise.

Maybe I shall start riding on the pavements, as they generally have a much better surface than the roads

 

[vickster]

Which of the fancy tyres are more puncture resistant?

Michelin Pro4 vs Conti GPS4000? I get the impression from the Wiggle site that these are more racing tyres, so perhaps not very fairy resistant?

How about the http://www.wiggle.co.uk/michelin-pro4-endurance-folding-road-tyre/ ? They sound pretty good http://road.cc/content/review/76068-michelin-pro4-endurance-tyre

If I can find stock anywhere!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Which of the fancy tyres are more puncture resistant?

Michelin Pro4 vs Conti GPS4000? I get the impression from the Wiggle site that these are more racing tyres, so perhaps not very fairy resistant?

How about the http://www.wiggle.co.uk/michelin-pro4-endurance-folding-road-tyre/ ? They sound pretty good http://road.cc/content/review/76068-michelin-pro4-endurance-tyre

If I can find stock anywhere!

Have you thought about these

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=45443

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ.../product/review-schwalbe-durano-plus-11-44381

 

[mark st1]

Retul bike fit worked wonders for me its the appliance of science admittedly and quite expensive but far cheaper than buying a different bike. Ive gone from aching limbs to comfort and the stuff which was changed on my bike was quite vast. I used this bloke but im sure there must be someone closer to your area.
http://adamwhitebikefit.co.uk/

 

[vickster]

I really don't think it's a fit issue. I don't get pains on the bike

 

[MikeW-71]

I'm still thinking it's mostly to do with the tyres. If you don't want to go as far as GP4000S, then 4seasons ones should be similar. Both available on 25mm

 

[vickster]

Well I rode into London, and was ok especially on cs7 where it is lovely and smooth. I am tired and hot but no worse off than expected. I was going to take the whyte but the wretched fairy decided to visit me 10 minutes from home grrrrrrrr so I went and changed bikes.

I think tyres are the way to go. Comfort, good rolling, followed by p protection. I assume there is no difference between inner tubes in this respect!?

 

[vickster]

Have you thought about these

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=45443

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ.../product/review-schwalbe-durano-plus-11-44381

Quite expensive, and are they comfortable or just strong?

 

[Crackle]

The old way, pre-gel tapes, was to double wrap the bars.

 

[vickster]

Does that really help with jarring or just road buzz. The fizik tape is 50% thicker than the cheap cork stuff

 

[Crackle]

Does that really help with jarring or just road buzz. The fizik tape is 50% thicker than the cheap cork stuff

A Million Dollar question and I don't know. I do remember from test riding some road bikes that 'buzz' varied from bike to bike. I'm afraid it's why I ended up with a steel framed bike but that doesn't help you. A change of forks might do it as well but with personal stuff like this, because every rider has different tolerances, experimentation might be your only option.

 

[vickster]

I have carbon forks already. Just the roads are so rubbish

 

[Crackle]

I have carbon forks already. Just the roads are so rubbish

No, I know but maybe not all carbon forks are equal.