avidone1

I tried out a specialized sirrus today and it rattled my spine so badly I may need traction LOL
I understand that carbon frames will reduce the harsh ride, but to what extent?
The sirrus also utilized zertz inserts to further dampen jolts but man,,, it would have to be
pretty substantial increase in compliance before these old bones and joints could tolerate the ride.
How do you guys do it?

RonH

You're talking about a flat bar road bike. You're supposed to sit more upright than with a road bike so it could be harder on the spine, I guess.

DiabloScott

Sounds like you're riding on horrible pavement... I've got a pretty stiff bike and I don't have any rattling problem.

pdlamb

Some roads are so bad they should probably be ridden on mountain bikes with wide, soft tires.

For other roads, you may be able to lift the weight off your saddle while you ride over the rough spots.

Blue Belly

Tough saddle eh?

obed7

carbon fiber frame, forks, bars, help with road buzz... but nothing helps with pot holes and bumps...
those you learn to avoid or come off the saddle and take the hit with your legs.
The only real shock absorption you have is in your tires and legs...
The reason the old cruisers and comfort bikes feel smoother is the wide tires and lower air pressure...
If i know I am going to be riding really bad roads, I leave my road bikes at home and take my cross bike with 35's running 60 psi.

Hypno Toad

I don't know, maybe I'm just 20 years younger, but I have no issues. I have a Kona Dew Drop with a very stiff AL frame bike with a very stiff steel fork. I typically ride 28mm tires at 100 psi. Saturday, I rode the Kona 150 miles, with a 106-mile gravel racing in the middle of my day. I was riding 35mm tires at 80 psi, so a little softer tires. I will admit that the washboard sections of gravel rattled me.

OldsCOOL

You can go bigger, heavier tires or a bigger, heavier seat. Or both. I ride a vintage aluminum racer ('88 Cannondale Criterium Series w/abrupt angle alu fork). To some it's inhumane but I like it. Some of involves the routes you choose. To me, I love the feel of the road and crisp, twitchy handling. As a bailout "comfort"nride there is the Trek 760 with full 531c frame.

GlennR

You just have the "man up".

Seriously, everyone is different and not everyone can ride a road bike 100 miles.

Mobile 155

Everyone has given you good answers on how it is done. Bigger wider tires help. The design of the bike helps. My Klein Quantum is stiff but I tend to use 25s on it. My CF bike takes out the buzz but I still avoid roads that remind me of the Roubaix. Sometimes we ride them any and it simply means going slower and picking a path more carefully. Real bad roads and out comes the 29er.

Wileyrat

I think it's just what you're used to riding.

I've been riding my old steel frame Team Fuji with 700x23 wheels for so long, I really just don't like riding wider tires on the road. What I really don't like is riding my aluminum frame mtn bike on the road, that to me feels like I'm riding a frame made out of concrete.

I'm hoping to go N+1 on a new roadie this fall, and I plan to go carbon or titanium with 700x23 wheels again.

BlazingPedals

Carbon frame and a 60" wheelbase (see avatar.) Still have to avoid hitting pot holes, though.

tsl

If you're expecting the bike to do all the work for you in evening-out the ride, then don't buy a road bike.

Road bikes require participation on the part of the rider. You need to lift yourself out of the saddle over major bumps. Knees and elbows, along with anticipation of the event, are what makes it work.

If you want to just sit there over bumps like you would in a Buick, you need a Buick of a bike--a cruiser.

EDIT: Also check to be sure the tires weren't overinflated. Many people still think the "Max" inflation on the sidewall is the same as the "optimum" inflation. This is dead wrong.

For example, on my roadies with 25mm tires rated for a max inflation of 115PSI, I run 65-70PSI front, 75-80PSI rear. I weigh 165-170. See PSI-Rx for details.

GlennR

And if you don't see a pothole, you're spine will shift a few millimeters closer to you're head.

Every body is different. Some are in better shape than others. Some have physical limitations and some live where the roads are smoother. You need to have realistic expectations and buy a bike that fits your needs.

If you haven't ridden in years, are overweight and out of shape, don't expect to get on a road bike and do more than a few miles.

A bike that "fits" will give you the best experience. Nothing wrong with a cruiser or hybrid but don't expect to do a century ride on one.

It took me 4 years to go from a couch potato to a "C" rider to a "B" rider and this year i'm gonna try to hang with the "A" guys.

Just last Saturday I went out with my son and his friend, both 24 year old triathletes, on a 30 mile ride with hills. I was quickly reminded that i'm 59 years old. They were kind enough to soft pedal at the top of the hills for me to catch up. But Sunday I went out solo and did 63 miles with more climbing at the same average speed. So I only compete against myself.

MRT2

Steel is real.

GlennR

Seriously?

MRT2

Why not try steel, if aluminum is loosening your fillings?

GlennR

Or carbon or maybe a better bike in general.

jon c. 

I ride steel and find it quite comfortable. I did find when I started that flat bars seemed to give me a more jarring ride than road bars.

DBrown9383

What's wrong with a Buick? Have you seen the new buicks?

OldsCOOL

I prefer a Ferrari. A red Ferrari.

GlennR

Sunday I went to a driving experience where you got to pick one of 5 exotic cars and drive it on a closed autocross track. When asked what car I picked the 911 Turbo, the instructor said good choice because there was a on hour wait to drive the Ferrari or Lamborghini. I told him that wasn't the reason, I picked the Porsche because it was the fastest.... he agreed.



The red Ferrari was the flashiest but not the fastest.

bakes1

I am working through the initial (I hope lol) aches and pains of getting back onto a road bike after 30 years myself.
Two months ago I purchased a Specialized Secteur Elite and have been riding 12-20 miles daily.
I left the low end factory seat on it and haven't bought my first pair of padded shorts yet. Call me crazy but I wanted to just get used to riding it as is and figure that when I do finally get the upgraded seat and shorts it will just be that much better after having roughed it for a little while.
I live in North Jersey and my local roads can be iffy but I am usually able to pick my way through and avoid most of the really bad areas.
So far my only real nagging issue is some mid - lower back pain on my right side. But only during the day after I am done riding. No real discomfort while on the road.
I am loving it though so small price to pay imo.

I am not sure how long of a test ride you took but I know that the first time I tested a road bike for my recent purchase I felt the same way. I think it is just the shock of being out there for the first time in many years. I don't think any type of frame/equipment can help or change that.
After my second or third test ride though I was noticing the road less and less and concentrating more on the feel of the bike.
If you really want to ride I would suggest just getting a decent road bike and jumping right in but starting out with very short rides until you feel comfortable. If you get the bike fitted correctly and don't have a history of back/spine issues you should be fine.

avidone1

You just have the "man up".


My thoughts exactly!!!!
OR.........
Go back to hybrids and be happy I'm healthy, fit, and can ride pain free

Wanderer

Like TSL says, you gotta learn to ride lighter! Let your big springs (legs) and little springs (arms) start to carry some of your weight. Get your butt off the saddle over harsh stuff.