Is there any way to make the ride smoother on a specialized explorer elite? the tires are too thick maybe?help

Question

I am trying to ride more than 10 miles daily. what do i need to change on the bike so that it becomes faster and smoother on main roads and freeways?
Thanks.

It is a 2000 specialized explorer alite I am trying to ride more than 10 miles daily. what do i need to change on the bike so that it becomes faster and smoother on main roads and freeways?
Thanks.

Answer 1

If the older model 'Explore' is like the more modern 'Expedition', what you have is a basic touring / commuter bike.

From what I've been able to track down, you're already riding 26.0x1.90 inch wheels, with (probably) some sort of puncture-proofing. Given the nature of the bike and its price range, there's probably some significant tread pattern on the wheels ... not enough to class as a 'knobby', but certainly more than a 'road slick'.

To smooth out the ride, you can go to a tire with a smoother tread pattern. Talk to your local bike shop - there's likely to be a choice of several available to fit your rims. The type you're looking for are sometimes classed as 'slicks' or 'semi-slicks'. These will be almost treadless on the center portion (that makes contact with the road), with some small tread on the corners to help with direction changes.

One other thing - in most states, it is against the law to ride a bicycle on the freeway (highway or interstate), unless the road use has been cleared with the department of transportation in advance for something like a charity ride. Even then, you should stay well off to the shoulder.

Some of your perceived 'ride roughness' may have nothing to do with your bike at all; it may simply be the surface of the road or trail you're riding on. Smooth asphalt is just that, smooth; tarmac and chipseal surfaces tend to feel 'rougher' to the rider because the surface has more irregularities in it.

To become faster - figure out which pedalling cadence works best for you. Some are mashers (which means they use bigger gear ratios and generally move their feet slower), while others are spinners (who choose lower gear ratios and move their feet faster). Then work at getting stronger (by spending the time in the saddle and putting in the miles) and moving your feet slightly faster (5 rpm can make a huge difference over the longer rides, particularly if you're already a 'masher').

Answer 2

I can't find anything on the Specialized Explorer. Are you sure you have the model name correct? In any case, rolling resistance is largely based on texture not width. As long as you are not riding knobby mountain bike tires, you should not have a problem riding a 10 mile ride. If you are using mountain bike tires, you should get a pair of slicks or semi-slicks that will reduce your rolling resistance.

Answer 3

Whatever you get make sure they are high pressure and get narrower, smoother tires, this will roll with the least effort but make sure you keep them inflated to the max. Another tip is to get proper cycling shoes that clip into the pedals, these are stiffer, which means more of your pedaling effort is transmitted into forward motion on bike as well as allow you to pull as well as push on pedals. Learn to pedal a higher cadence (pedal revolution), this is a lot more efficient, should be no less then 85 revolutions a minute.
Happy Cycling!!