Short of getting a new fork/suspension, i don't know any way to make small things like riding off curbs less jarring. My bike is a sort of hybrid between a road bike and a mountain bike, with a moderately light frame. but the thing about the suspension is it doesn't exist. i don't have any shock absorbers, springs, etc, and i can't afford to go all out and get a good fork. what are some (cheap) things i can do to make a smoother ride in that respect?
Would tire pressure have an effect? i'm saying this because of the Hummer H2's CTS system, which at the press of a button basically deflates the tire for tough off-road situations, and replaces the air for the road.
2007-08-07 10:23:19 · 13 answers · asked by Adeel 4 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Ok, so tire deflation is out, and my seat is very soft. So is there absolutely nothing I could do besides getting a new fork??
2007-08-07 10:36:04 · update #1
Yes, slightly deflating the tires would increase the smoothness of your right, but may cause damage to the rims if you deflate them too much. Also, you might try to find a softer seat. The gel ones are pretty nice. But yeah, I usually stand up on the petals when I go off a curb on my BMX bike, so it isn't so bad.
2007-08-07 10:28:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hybrids have road tyres. The suspension is good for gravel paths or bumpy roads. Thats it. You have three potential areas to improve your ride.
Firstly, the tyres. You can deflate your tyres slightly. This will improve your comfort, but make peddling harder. You might consider adding larger tyres. These will increase your rolling resistance, but may add to your comfort. Try an MTB tyre, if they will fit your rims.
You might also consider adding suspension. You might look at a new seat post (Spring/air versions available). These are basically fork legs that happen to slot into your frame and have a saddle on top. You might also consider a new saddle.
Your riding position may also be a factor. Adjusting the handle bars to a more sit up and beg style may help.
Luck
2007-08-07 22:58:49 · answer #2 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lower tire pressure will make for a smoother ride but you'll pay for it in increased resistance and tire wear. Staying out of the saddle when curb hopping and absorbing the impact with your legs is about all you can do without suspension. Lower tire pressure has a down side when using it for shock absorption and that's the increased risk of damage to the wheel and tire. All that force has to go somewhere and if you don't channel it correctly it will start bending parts of the bike.
2007-08-07 10:32:30 · answer #3 · answered by S A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No $$$$ or new equipment is needed to solve your dilema.
You dont need forks or suspension to ride smoothly, hell, look at bmxers, they go HUGE on little rigid bikes.
The key to your problem is technique. Here are the simple steps to becoming a smoother rider.
1. Ride twoards curb at jogging pace
2. As you near the curb, stand up on your bike, knees and arms slightly bent
3. Just as you are about to go off the curb...in this order...
A. push your knees down
B. pull up on your handlebars
4. As you land, soak up the small drop with your extended legs and arms.
If you have done this right, you will feel the sensation of landing rear wheel first, and having almost no jarring effect whatsoever.
Congrats, you just sailed off your first drop! Go on and practice, eventually you will have the skill to jump off 2 footers on a rigid bike! Go impress your friends with your raddd new skiz-illz.
Oh, and to the above comment:
NEVER, and I mean NEVER use WD40 on ANY bike chain. It does not work like lubrication, its particles are not smooth enough to lubricate a chain. It will cause PREMATURE CHAIN WEAR, and you will end up having to buy a new chain. Go to your local bike shop and spend a measly $5 dollars on a good bottle of teflon lube(I use Finish Line.) Your bike will thank you for it.
2007-08-08 20:39:22 · answer #4 · answered by prestavalve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure I had 26 x one million.ninety five to 26 x one million.50 tires and it rides 10-15 % smoother on road roads however that's as a rule the thinning you'll be able to placed on an MTB if you want thinner tires and a rim get a hybrid or street motorbike .
2016-09-05 10:57:04 · answer #5 · answered by hoehl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid riding off curbs. You'll likely have to replace your wheel rims much sooner.
When you cross railroad tracks or raised driveways, lift yourself off the seat to reduce the force exerted on the rear tire.
Avoid rocks and potholes by scanning far enough ahead, and use "rock dodges" as needed. Ride safely and carefully.
As others have mentioned, reducing the tire pressure will make your ride moderately more comfortable, but at multiple costs - more rolling resistance, increased risk for damaging your rims and spokes, as well as increased wear on the tires.
2007-08-07 13:18:20 · answer #6 · answered by georoad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping your tires inflated is the best way to insure a smoother ride. Then, make sure your bicycle is properly lubricated. There are a number of "specialized" products for this but regular application of WD 40 works just fine.
2007-08-08 04:45:38 · answer #7 · answered by nwwghiaftc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure deflating would create enough of a cushon. Also deflating will put more tire surface on the ground causing more resistance that you will need to pedal aganst.
2007-08-07 10:27:43 · answer #8 · answered by comtnman2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter what the tire pressure, there are "always" jarring involved with bike riding.
http://bikeusa.com/itemlist.cfm?category=314
These folks are knowledgeable.
Look around their site and call them.
2007-08-07 10:28:29 · answer #9 · answered by doodad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is many thinks involved . Tires , rims spokes , frame , saddle and so on . No aluminium frame have smooth ride .........
2007-08-07 11:02:08 · answer #10 · answered by Vladimir 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋