First step to making ride less harsh?
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 17
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First step to making ride less harsh?
So i have two aluminum frame bikes that are okay but harsh on rides. Can feel every bump.
I was wondering what should i replace first to make it more comfortable.
Would getting new wheels or fork help?
Everything is stock.
Please don't say sell it cus thats not an option.
I was wondering what should i replace first to make it more comfortable.
Would getting new wheels or fork help?
Everything is stock.
Please don't say sell it cus thats not an option.
#2
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 59
From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Lower air pressure, wider tires/tubes;
what kind of bike/tires, size-pressure?
what kind of bike/tires, size-pressure?
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#4
So i have two aluminum frame bikes that are okay but harsh on rides. Can feel every bump.
I was wondering what should i replace first to make it more comfortable.
Would getting new wheels or fork help?
Everything is stock.
Please don't say sell it cus thats not an option.
I was wondering what should i replace first to make it more comfortable.
Would getting new wheels or fork help?
Everything is stock.
Please don't say sell it cus thats not an option.
#5
I suggest you go all crabon: fork, stem, seatpost, seat, handlebar. It will soften the ride. Though I suggest you buy all new parts because used carbon fibre could cause some problems. I hope this helps. Good luck with your aliminum bicycle!
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
I'd simply switch tyres to the widest ones you can fit into the frame/onto the rim. These can be run at a lower pressure for the same load, giving you a slightly smoother ride. A sprung saddle will also help. You've most likely already got a steel fork.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 2
From: Modesto, Ca
Bikes: klein quantum, litespeed tuscany, bianchi pista concept, centurion comp ta, centurion super le mans, traitor ringleader
suspension seatpost, sprung saddle, carbon fork, and probably number 1: the fattest tires you can fit.
i guess the easy way to gauge this is check what size tires you are currently running, and see how much space you have between the tire and the top and sides of the fork, and between the tire and seat tube. all tires, although supposedly being 700 x 23 or 25 or whatever, all vary. but if you are running 25s and it looks like you have a ton of room, you could maybe pull off 32s.
i guess the easy way to gauge this is check what size tires you are currently running, and see how much space you have between the tire and the top and sides of the fork, and between the tire and seat tube. all tires, although supposedly being 700 x 23 or 25 or whatever, all vary. but if you are running 25s and it looks like you have a ton of room, you could maybe pull off 32s.
#9
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,350
Likes: 5,259
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
+1 this, before you spend big bucks on forks.
#13
This is a bit off topic: but how did you end up with 2 aluminum bicycles? You are obviously having problems riding on aluminum and yet you have two rides made of the same type of material. You don't like riding them, but selling is not an option - Whuh?!? Maybe you just like the way they look or maybe you're a weight weenie? Just curious.
Anyway, I hope our suggestions above like help to smooth the ride out (a bit)
Anyway, I hope our suggestions above like help to smooth the ride out (a bit)
#14
I wouldn't doubt it. I touched on the subject in my diatribe that I posted in that tire thread.
OP, seriously, check that thread out. You should also read up on your Sheldon Brown. That man was a cycling genius, in my eyes.
broakland, good point. OP should buy an NJS frame asap, as to preserve street cred while also improving ride quality.
OP, seriously, check that thread out. You should also read up on your Sheldon Brown. That man was a cycling genius, in my eyes.
broakland, good point. OP should buy an NJS frame asap, as to preserve street cred while also improving ride quality.
#21
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
thanks for all the suggestion. I currently have gatorskin 25 on both bikes, but idk if 28 can fit.
I'm fine with the harshness and i know its not comfy but i was just wondering if i can make it comfier.
Would thicker wheels like the b43 help at all?
I'm fine with the harshness and i know its not comfy but i was just wondering if i can make it comfier.
Would thicker wheels like the b43 help at all?
Last edited by pockyzftw; 03-01-12 at 12:31 AM.
#22
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
This is a bit off topic: but how did you end up with 2 aluminum bicycles? You are obviously having problems riding on aluminum and yet you have two rides made of the same type of material. You don't like riding them, but selling is not an option - Whuh?!? Maybe you just like the way they look or maybe you're a weight weenie? Just curious.
Anyway, I hope our suggestions above like help to smooth the ride out (a bit)
Anyway, I hope our suggestions above like help to smooth the ride out (a bit)
I just wanted to know if its possible to make it smoother, since i'm giving away my fuji feather to my gf. I want to make it softer for her.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,239
Likes: 8
From: Bay Area, Calif.
I agree with 1nterceptor - get the widest, most supple, tires that'll fit and run them at the lowest pressure that still avoids pinch flats. Note that different tires vary in width from their nominal values - i.e. not all 25mm tires are actually 25mm wide. If there's any significant clearance with your current tires then you should be able to find some slightly wider ones that'll still fit. A few extra mm of width won't make any noticeable difference in your speed (unless you're missing a podium appearance by a couple seconds), but will make a difference in ride harshness. And the extra Kevlar belt in the Gatorskins is good for flat resistance but makes for a slightly harsher riding tire.



