What are Zertz inserts on a Specialized Vita?

So the Zertz are supposed to make carbon and aluminum feel more like steel?


(I know a really easy way to make a bike feel like steel, and last for several decades as well!) ;)

Thanks luv2climb and KnottedYet, much appreciated!

I'd defiantly give some steel a try.. The Jamis Coda Femme is a nifty looking bike. I'm sure there are some good steel builders there in the UK. Jamis and Surly are two of the bigger steel manufactures here. Catrin is in love with her custom steel Gunnar by Waterford... I think Serrota also makes custom steel bikes but they are really pricy.

I always assumed Zertz was pure marketing hype. This spring I rode a Specialized Tarmac and Roubaix back-to-back at the dealer. Wasn't I surprised when I could indeed tell the difference! The Roubaix (w/Zertz) was noticeably smoother at the high vibration end of the scale. It had NO effect on bumps...we're just talking road vibration.

However, while the difference was noticeable it was minimal. I certainly wouldn't pay extra for it but it did make a slight but noticeable difference.

I think it depends to the road surfaces too... nice smooth Tarmac is much different the chip seal. Nothing except suspension is going to help with really truly bumpy roads.