Road Bumps - Triathlon Week

dcornettjr · 08-17-2006, 05:56 PM

The bumps are killing me. I have an old Swin World Sport. I belive the fram is still. I fill every bump in the road... on short rides no bigges..... but when with the long rides that is a different stoy.

I am getting a new bike for next seaion (looking at aTrek 1500 or a Felt S33). Will this take of the dreaed BUMPS.

Dennis

hmullett · 08-17-2006, 06:34 PM

Bar end plugs! Go to your local bike store and ask for them. They really do reduce road shock. But, with the upgrade for next season, you should take care of about 80% of the road shock, but you can still use bar end plugs to reduce it even more. Good luck!

Heather

sfricks · 08-18-2006, 08:06 AM

A few other pointers...
- Check your tire pressure. Over or under inflated tires will cause unnecessary vibration.
- Properly torque all bolts.
- Loosen your grip. Try resting your your palms lightly on the top of the bars but make sure to keep one finger wrapped around.
Good luck!

usasportstrain · 08-23-2006, 09:52 AM

If you could afford it, you could also look for a used (or maybe even new) carbon fiber bike.

Also, you should probably make sure your bike is fitted properly. Perhaps you're leaning forward too much/stretched out too much/ or the handlebars are too low for your comfort or proper position.

Just my thoughts. :)

hmullett · 08-23-2006, 12:20 PM

Another thought....aerobars. I love mine and my hands don't go numb anymore. I won't own a bike without them now.

Heather

sfricks · 08-23-2006, 01:49 PM

Heather is right about aerobars but make sure they're right/legal for the type of riding you're doing. They're not legal in road races and a lot of bike clubs won't allow you to pack ride with them.

One more thing... Try double wrapping the bars, but wrap in the same direction both times to avoid one or the other from unwinding.