Road Cycling - Crosswinds

I got out for a first true ride on my new bike. It's a Litespeed Arenberg, Litespeed carbon fork, Mavic 32 spoke Open Pro rims, 700X23 tires, 80 mm stem. Question is, it seems to be effected considerably by cross winds like no other bike I've ever ridden. Is it the short stem, wheels, frame, light weight (compared to what I had) or a combination of all. I have my ideas but wanted a wider base of opinions. This bike has a 99cm wheelbase measured hub to hub. My last bike, 19 years old, has a steel frame & fork, a 100 cm wheel base, 100 mm stem, 36 spoke wheels and same size tires. A good gust feels like someone is grabbing the front of the tire & pushing. Thanks! :beer:

I would guess that the weight of your old bike was considerably heavier than the new steed. A lighter bike will be a lot more susceptible to crosswinds than a heavy bike.

It is the same for MTB's and road bikes, MTB's are hardly affected by crosswinds.

CHEERS.

Mark

I agree w/Dutchy. In particular the weight (or actually, the lack of it) of the front wheel/rim. 'Course if the wind there was anything like it was here yesterday, it's no surprise.

give me your bike and I'll "test" it out for crosswind effect...just to make sure :D

All bikes feel a bit weird at first, compared to the old bike. Your reactions to crosswinds will probably speed up as you get accustomed to the new steed.