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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

3142.0. "Ride is too harsh" by QUAKKS::BURTON (Jim Burton, DTN 381-0272) Tue Sep 03 1996 13:24

My wife complains that her road bike is too stiff, allowing all the little
bumps and pavement cracks to be absorbed by her body. She doesn't like to ride
it anymore because it's just too tiring. I took it for a ride and it was indeed
very stiff compared to my road bike. We bought her a new seat and that did not
fix the problem because the jolts come up through the handlebars as well. 
The wheels that came with the bike are 700C X 25 clinchers with straight
gauge spokes.  If I relace the wheels using double-butted spokes, will that
soften the ride somewhat?

Jim
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
3142.1STOWOA::SWFULLERTue Sep 03 1996 14:3620
    Do not bother changing the wheels, unless you have some hanging around
    already.  
    
    First do the following:
    1. Increase tire size to a 28 or even 32.  Use a good tire like
    Continental.
    
    2. Put some good handlebar tape on
    
    3. Check the angle of the handlebar, setup the bike so her hands
    feel comfortable on the brake hoods.
    
    4. Don't overinflate the tires.  If your wife is light, put a few
    pounds less than recommended at the start. 
    
    
    Do this first before spending real $$$
    
    Steve
    PS: What kind of frame is it?
3142.2SMURF::LARRYTue Sep 03 1996 15:1810
    I agree.  I dont think double butted vs straight gauge spokes will help
    much. The number of spoke crossings probably would help more but even
    that is marginal unless she has a radially spoked wheel (no cross)
    which is highly unlikely.   
    
    You can also spend (less) money by getting a suspension seat post,
    saddle, and/or stem.  But .-1 gave the correct advice to start with.
    BTW what bike does she have?
    
    -Larry
3142.3QUAKKS::BURTONJim Burton, DTN 381-0272Tue Sep 03 1996 20:257
It's a 1983 Club Fuji.  When we bought it, we were told it is a triathalon
bike.  The wheels are already spoked 4-cross, but the diameter of the spokes
is .077 inches which is .005 larger than the ends of my DT double-butted
spokes on my wheels.  I'll try popping my wheels on her bike to see if the
ride improves.

Jim
3142.4Gel Gloves and Good ShortsSTRATA::HUIWed Sep 04 1996 17:0012
I think the 28 or 32mm tire would definitely improve the riding comfort along
with good padded handlbar tape. I would not even bother with the spokes because
they are already 4 crossed. I really don't you will feel the differnce between
DB and not DB spokes.

Also try a pair of the Gel gloves and riding shorts should also reduce
vibration. Liek previous noters indicated, check the fit. If all this still
doesn't work, you might want to look into a new bike. or put a suspension stem
or shock on. 

Dave