Stiffer Cockpit?
06-10-11, 12:00 PM
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Stiffer Cockpit?
Hello all. A friend and i swapped bikes the other day just to change things up. After riding mine, he told me that my bars flexed when he sprinted. My cockpit is the specialized expert bar and stem that came on the tarmac expert 2010. I have never noticed this on sprints or hill climbs. I was wondering if this was something that he was more in-tuned to, or if I am simply not making them flex like he can. If it is happening but I am not percieving it, is there a point in upgrading to stiffer stuff? Also, he is about 20-25 pounds heavier than me, but cannot outsprint me on a flat. Is the flex simply due to his weight? If I can gain some sort of performance benefit from a stiffer bar and stem for less than 200, then I would. I just don't want to waste money on nothing though.
06-10-11, 12:39 PM
#2
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You are looking for validation on the internet of a decision you want to make but can't justify to yourself.
Think about that for a second.
Think about that for a second.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
06-10-11, 12:55 PM
#3
I got 99 problems....
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It might not be the bars, but just the stem.
If you didn't notice a difference in stiffness when you used his bike, then you most likely won't notice a difference with new bars or stem.
If you didn't notice a difference in stiffness when you used his bike, then you most likely won't notice a difference with new bars or stem.
06-10-11, 01:02 PM
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Haha, I knew that was going to happen. Also, I do not believe I am looking for validation, but seeking a genuine answer. As I said, I wanted to make sure there was something I was not percieving that he, a more experienced rider, was. If not, I'm not going to change anything. thanks for the help though guys.
06-10-11, 01:04 PM
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pan y agua
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Unless your handlebars are flexing to the point that you don't feel confident, it doesn't matter.
The only way flexing handlebars/stems is going to affect performance is if 1) they are so flexy it affects control, or
2) they make you hold back for fear of flexing/ breaking them.
The fact that you don't feel the flex means its not a problem.
The only way flexing handlebars/stems is going to affect performance is if 1) they are so flexy it affects control, or
2) they make you hold back for fear of flexing/ breaking them.
The fact that you don't feel the flex means its not a problem.
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OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
06-10-11, 01:37 PM
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Okay, we've had a cialis and a viagra post.
Let's try to keep it on topic so we don't have to close the thread.
Let's try to keep it on topic so we don't have to close the thread.
06-10-11, 02:24 PM
#10
Recusant Iconoclast
06-10-11, 03:34 PM
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I didnt even know bikes had cockpits. Is a handlebar and stem the cockpit?
06-10-11, 03:51 PM
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06-10-11, 04:35 PM
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he said member
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I think your buddy is just trying to get in to your head. like the old golfers joke... do you inhale or exhale when you swing?....
I have an older aluminum orbea that is a noodle up front. If its flexable you will know it.
I have an older aluminum orbea that is a noodle up front. If its flexable you will know it.
06-10-11, 04:47 PM
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If you cannot percieve, ergo, it is not there. Decide on upgrades later, when you actually know what you want out of the bike.
Viagra and Cialis...incorrect! For a stiffer cockpit, you need kegel exercises...
Viagra and Cialis...incorrect! For a stiffer cockpit, you need kegel exercises...
06-10-11, 07:45 PM
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06-10-11, 08:22 PM
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06-10-11, 09:05 PM
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If there is indeed flex, it could be coming from the fork's steerer tube. It can be difficult to isolate it down to one particular part without systematically swapping out components one at a time. I went from an Easton EC90 full carbon fork with a 1" steerer to a basic Performance Forte fork with a steel steerer, and the bike's handling actually improved noticeably.
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06-10-11, 09:22 PM
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downhill quickly
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^^ This OP
BS on the flex. He's a tool. For a "friend" to give you that type of dig on your bike (your bike components are fine btw) hints that he's into holding authority...ditch the dude and find someone or group to ride with that you could share honest experience as you grow in cycling.
PS...you'll drop him soon
BS on the flex. He's a tool. For a "friend" to give you that type of dig on your bike (your bike components are fine btw) hints that he's into holding authority...ditch the dude and find someone or group to ride with that you could share honest experience as you grow in cycling.
PS...you'll drop him soon
06-11-11, 05:58 AM
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ka maté ka maté ka ora
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really depends on what type of rider you are. if you are a bigger, stronger rider, flex can be an issue. track sprinters regularly use steel handlebars and stems. or look at sprinters and rouleurs in the pros. they're not using superlight components up front.
if you're the average rec. cyclist, flex won't be an issue for you.
if you're the average rec. cyclist, flex won't be an issue for you.
