Thread: New commuter
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Old 06-13-13 | 04:51 PM
  #31  
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RubeRad
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From: San Diego

Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus

Originally Posted by jyl
Change to a larger tire, 35mm or larger if you can fit them, but leave room for fenders which you will want come fall/winter. I'd suggest going to a LBS for this.

On those larger tires, you can run much lower pressures which absorbs shock better.

See

http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf

Though I would run about 10 psi higher than recommended there, since you hit potholes a lot.

As you get more comfortable on the road, and get more familiar with the route, you'll hit fewer potholes and will learn to "ride light". Riding light means lifting your butt of the seat just a little, softening your arms and legs just a little, so that when the bike hits the bump, the bike moves freely without being jammed into the bump by your body weight. It also means lifting the front wheel just a bit when you come to the bump. And of course it means swerving around potholes when you can. On a route that you ride regularly, you will come to remember where the worst potholes are.
+1 to all of that. At 130lb you are a very light rider, so you should be able to get away with lower tire pressures. The chart at that link will allow you to optimize your tire pressure individually front/rear according to how much weight you measure or estimate each one bears. That plus wider tires plus learning to ride light and learning your route so you can avoid a lot of the nastier stuff should put you in good shape.

BTW I hope the 35s fit, I would have suggested 32s, and/or go to a bike co-op and try on and maybe even buy some used tires for cheap. For a couple years now I've been very much enjoying nearly-new good brand (Continental) tires for only $5 a pop!

Also, that's a pretty sweet lookin bike comin from Target!
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