Road vibration

[Chicken Little]

Let me state that I am a profound advocate of the steel frame.

However, with the recent post-holiday sale assault via the internet, I have noticed some smokin' deals on aluminum frames/carbon forks with high end components and cry- for- your- mommy prices.

In the forum opinion, could I reduce the transfer of road vibration from the frame with, say, a sprung Brooks saddle, slightly wider tires, even a mild suspension seat post? (I realize I risk roadie ridicule with any of these modifications.)

I have ridden steel for the last 10 years, do 6 or so centuries a year, lots of time on the bike, blah, blah, blah....

[Seajay]

Tires tires tires tires tires tires Carbon seatpost. Good bike shorts, carbon handlebar.

[Eden]

How a bike feels has a lot to do with its construction and geometry as well as the material it is made from... not all steel bikes are plush and not all aluminum ones buzz. I know someone who had to give up her custom ti because it was too stiff and too harsh a ride....

If you see a sale price you like, look up some reviews - see what other people have to say about the road feel.

If you are simply looking to reduce buzz from a harsh riding frame, I'd look at handle bar solutions as well - reducing the buzz on your butt is good, but I think it's probably more bothersome to your hands.

[SadieKate]

Yeah, what Eden said.

[ridebikeme]

+1 on Eden's suggestions. I'd also like to give you something else to think about. Let's say that you buy a bike on sale, and upgrade it to take away some of the "sting". As an end result are you financially any better off than simply buying what you wanted? Tires, carbon seatpost, handlebar, all of that can be pretty pricey...

Food for thought that's all...


http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Kiwi Stoker]

With some of the prices out there I'm tempted to buy a bike simply for it's components as buying the bits seperately is sooo expensive.

[Chicken Little]

All good thoughts. Now, will my Mavic road rims fit a set of Fat Marvins?

[SadieKate]

I have no idea what rims you use, but rims can be a HUGE cause of ride harshness. Good ol' low profile rims are the most comfy.

[Sky King]

Yes, geometry and tires make the biggest difference. If you find yourself falling for an aluminum bike with carbon fiber fork be sure to confirm what tire size the bike can accommodate - many are not designed for a wider tire.
of course I love my 650 B nifty swifties

[Owlie]

For some reason, the "plush" geometry aluminum frames (Synapse, Avail, possibly the Dolce but I didn't notice it so much) are a much harsher ride than the aggressive geometry aluminum. Pity it's so hard to find those now, at least on the floor.

BTW, the max tire size my road bike can accommodate 700x25. At least, that's what the brake can take. There may be a little more clearance on the fork side, but I'm not strictly sure about that.

[ny biker]

Another thing to think about is using a lower tire pressure than you might use now. I know a guy who runs such a low pressure that it looks like his tires are flat as he rides. He does lots of touring, rides at least 4 days/week year round. He doesn't have problems with pinch flats and he also doesn't complain about bumpy roads like many of his fellow riders.

[Seajay]

Another thing to think about is using a lower tire pressure than you might use now. I know a guy who runs such a low pressure that it looks like his tires are flat as he rides. He does lots of touring, rides at least 4 days/week year round. He doesn't have problems with pinch flats and he also doesn't complain about bumpy roads like many of his fellow riders.

+1. Most people run higher pressure or smaller tires than they should. Thinking they are getting higher performance. In reality they are getting HIGHER rolling resistance (except on glass smooth roads), harsher ride and worse grip.