Trek 1.9 2008 ~ Harsh ride :Sell it? Upgrade?Strip it?...

Huw62

I would really appreciate some advice on this one...

TREK 1.9 TRIPLE 2008

I find the ride harsh and down right scary on uneven surfaces at speed - the front bounces everywhere, it feels as if I'm riding on solid rubber tyres most of the time.
I'ts an aluminium frame, carbon forks/seatpost, Ultegra gears/shifters/brakes, Bontrager race wheels/tyres and done about 250 miles from new.

How can I make the ride less harsh? (Is it worth it?)
Should I cut my losses and sell the thing and buy something else?
Or...my preferred option.... If I bought a new frame(Carbon?) could I transfer most of the bits off my old bike and achieve a better/smoother ride?

My girlfriend has just bought a Specialized Roubaix and the ride is planets away from mine. It's fast, nimble and just zips through corners where mine(bike and teeth!) would be chattering away.

Many Thanks

fatblokefromwarwick

I've replaced the stock Bontrager Select Tyres for some Michelin Pro 3's and the difference is totally unbelievable!
A much smoother ride without the chatter and a whole lot more confidence in fast corners.

gkerr4

bigger tyres are a useful way of softening the ride.

the roubaix is a great bike (I have one) - it is good at smoothing out the bumps - but you will probably find it has 23/25 tyres - '25' height on a 23 carcass (or something like that)

A change to 25mm tyres on your trek will make a massive difference and won't noticeably affect the speed - a change to 28 would make the ride excellent but you are starting to get into big ugly (heavy and un-aero) tyres then.

worth a go - even if you spend £50 on a set of decent 25mm tyres you will lose a lot less than selling the bike to try again.

Squillinossett

I noticed a vast improvement fitting some Vittoria Rubinos over the stock (in 25mm)

cougie

Also - what pressures are you riding at ? Try dropping it down to 90 PSI or so. Could make a world of difference.

Huw62

Many thanks for the replies - Cougie - I'm running at 110psi, any lower they feel soggy and wallow a bit.


Off to google for tyres.

Thanks again for suggestions

porker33

I have found my 1.9 slightly harsh on poor tarmac, but put that down to coming from a mountain bike and now running 110psi on 23mm tyres....It would be interesting to hear if you find much improvement by changing tyres. cheers.

ColinJ

If I had my tyres pumped up that hard, I'd have the same problems!

Even when I was over 16 stone, I only ran the rear tyres on my bikes at about 100 psi and the fronts at about 90. I'm lighter now and typically run them at about 95 psi rear, 85 psi front.

I find that there is a fairly narrow range of pressures between soggy/wallowy and too hard/bouncy but when I find the right pressures, the bikes feel pretty nippy and reasonably comfortable.

Pross

I think the 1.9 has a more race orientated geometry than the Roubaix so that probably accounts for part of the difference. If you don't intend racing it may be worth changing to a more relaxed bike but as others have said you lose out financially. Other than that the tyres would be the best first thing to change.

RedJohn

Can highly recommend Schwalbe Stelvio Evolution 25mm tyres - made a big difference for me in smoothness and comfort.

keef66

I have Conti 4 seasons 25's on my alu framed Racelight Tk and run them at 80 / 90psi front / rear. Lovely ride.

Anything over 100psi and I run the risk of shaking my fillings out.

I'd suggest some 25's and some experimenting with tyre pressures.