maltess2

Hello, Cannondale is using the SAVE system in most hybrids, Trek is using Isozone and Specialized the Zert Inserts. All these are annoince as road vibration absorbing systems. Its this true or just marketing? Any actual experience with any of these?

Best regards

Burton

Maybe vibration damping is a better description. Do they work? Sure. They reduce the amount of road vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted through the frame, forks and seatpost. OK - thats my experience from a Specialized Roubaix Ultegra with Zertz Inserts.

On the other hand - a hybrid with 700x50 tires doesn't need them.

doctor j

My 2012 Cannondale Synapse carbon has the SAVE system, and it works well. It provides a smoother ride than my aluminum bike which has a very similar geometry, curved seat stays, "relaxed" frame etc.

maltess2

I guess the carbon frame has to do with that

rolliepollie

I had handlebars with zertz before I pretty much replaced almost every part of the bike except the frameset and seatpost, and couldnt tell a difference before. Obviously my wheelset, tires, bar tape, and saddle could've affected it but I wouldn't get zertz to smooth out a ride. You're better off switching one of the above parts. Plus for hybrids and wider tires, I don't see the point. Kind of like getting a carbon mtn frame to smooth out a ride even with tubeless tires and full suspension.

martianone

Unless you are racing, why get a frame that is so uncomfortable that it needs damping ? Try a modern steel frame and wider tires ?

Nightshade

Funny how the solution to vibration is well known but ignored anyway.

Looigi

I have a Specialized Rubaix I got back in 2004 when they first came out. The frame had a pretty nice ride but I attribute that more to compliance than damping the inserts provided. Damping and compliance are, of course, two different things, though they can work together to provide smooth ride quality. An example is the typical suspension system where springs (coil, torsion, or air) provide compliance and oil filled dampers (aka shock absorbers) provide damping. Some elastomers can function both as a spring and damper.

fietsbob

Trek Domane, adds an elastomer at the top/chainstay union,
and so seat tube flexes from the BB upward, how far is controlled by the elastomer..

Then there is the Pan Tour hub, it places an elastomer between the axle and the hub shell
to soften up road buzz.. reads like they sell quite a few to Recumbent builds
most of which have no suspension.
and obviously you cannot rise from the saddle and put your weight, on the pedals
and bend your knees when you see a Bump ahead, like on a traditional bike.

dynaryder

FRACK THAT! My Mu SL has one of those god-forsaken things. Such a pain to set up unless you've got a friend to adjust the brakes while you sit on the bike. And then you have to witness mark it so you can get the wheel back on solo. And then the suspension action isn't all that great(not compared to a properly set up fork).

When I ride my Mu,I swap on the front wheel from my Pro TT.

maltess2

The steel can ba a solution for those who like steel bikes. This is out of the topic, I am triying to find out id SAVE, Zerts and Isozone works, I am interested in alu bikes

Burton

'Works' is relative. You should have noticed by now they pretty much come on road bikes equipped with 700x23c tires, which due to the narrow high pressure tires, tend to transmit more road vibration through the frame. The improvement is marginal at best. Double taping handle bars and/or moving to a 700x25c tire is just as or more effective - it just weighs more.

bkaapcke

I have an aluminum framed LWB recumbent with a 20" front tire (real stiff). Pavement vibration drove the nerves in my hands nuts. Eventually I had carpal tunnel surgery, which helped a lot. However, the vibration was still there. Slightly fatter folding bead tires with thin sidewalls have really reduced the vibration and brought comfort back to riding. I experimented with lower tire pressures and found a combo that reduces vibration well and maintains decent riding speed. Not racing speeds, but good workout speeds. bk

maltess2

I trying to find out if when choosing a hybrid bike these damping systems are something to consider. For example a Specialized sirrus comp (Zerts) vs. a Jamis Allegro (No damping system at all)

You mean in the case of a Sirrus, the 28 tyres makes actually pointless the use of Zerts inserts

maltess2

MemberJoin DateJun 2012Posts43

I trying to find out if when choosing a hybrid bike these damping systems are something to consider. For example a Specialized sirrus comp (Zerts) vs. a Jamis Allegro (No damping system at all)

You mean in the case of a Sirrus, the 28 tyres makes actually pointless the use of Zerts inserts

fietsbob

Supple, light wider, tires will do more .. they will cost more ..
The RBW/Panasonic Jack-Brown 33.333 wide tires are quite nice..

my test-bike , a Cross bike, steel, Pinarello..