road vibration

celt1972
celt1972 Posts: 26
edited August 2010 in Road beginners
out on my first spin on new trek 1.5 bike. previously i have used only mountain bikes and noticed that any moderatly bad road surface felt like riding on cobbles. On down hills at speed up to 30mph was not easy to hold on?

Is this the way it is or is it bike set up or my technique? Anything i can do to help?

thanks in advance

Comments

  • Buckled_Rims
    Buckled_Rims Posts: 1,648
    Technique by the sounds of it. I hold on in the bend of the bar and tuck down with my elbows braced against my ribs.

    How are you holding the bars and what's your body position?
    CAAD9
    Kona Jake the Snake
    Merlin Malt 4
  • bill57
    bill57 Posts: 454
    Put bigger tyres on, it makes a huge difference.
  • anto164
    anto164 Posts: 3,500
    i found that it took me a couple of weeks to get used to the bike, then you don't notice it any more - you get used to it.

    You learn more about line choice and comfort when on the bike on roadys anyway :P
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    For the handlebars Bontrager Buzzkills help a little.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
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  • gregster10217
    gregster10217 Posts: 469
    Could also be that front tyre pressure is too high. Cannot tell you what pressure to have it at, but try reducing psi by 5 or 10 and seeing if that helps.
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  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    In no particular order:
    Relax your grip
    Get some padded mitts
    Gel bar tape
    Lower your tyre pressure
    Fit wider tyres e.g. 25mm
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    On down hills at speed up to 30mph was not easy to hold on?
    Is this the way it is or is it bike set up or my technique? Anything i can do to help?
    You will find it a bit harsh compared to a MTB.
    First, there is no need to run at high tyre pressures, use a track pump with a gauge, pump them up to maybe 70 front / 80 rear (No it will not cause pinch flats or slow you down).
    Second, think about better tyres as bikes tend to come with crappy tyres fitted. No need to have ultra thin tyres either, 23 / 25mm will give a better ride.
    Third, decent padded gloves and padded shorts are essential.
    Finally, you do get used to it :D
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • celt1972
    celt1972 Posts: 26
    thanks for all the advice

    i was riding on the hoods / cross bar with fairly straight arms so will modify

    i have begun to watch my line better.

    i will check tyre pressure now i know how to work a presta valve.

    I'll see how the first 100 miles go then consider the suggested upgrades

    thanks

    celt

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