Vibrations normal on rocky trails/downhills?

penski

I am finding that when I am doing fast downhills or trails which are rockey, or even on cobbles, the vibrations on my hands are quite extreme to the point where I have to really hold on tight or my hands might vibrate off the bars due to the rattling and eventual soreness.

Is this normal for MTB bikes? I had thought that my fork would dampen most of the chatter.

I have a Commencal Meta AM V4 which has a Rockshox Pike RC SoloAir, and a Monarch RT3 shock.

cooldad

Depends what you mean by extreme.

Shouldn't be that bad if your fork is set up properly.

JGTR

Had this on mine, ran lower pressure in front tyre (20-25psi on 28x2.3) and fitted a token to my fork so I could run it a bit softer. My fork is a Reba, I think you can do the same with Pikes.

Also try changing grips??

midgehulluk

I had a similar problem on my ht, was running my tyres higher psi then usual with out knowing and this caused me some uncomfortableness when riding.

FishFish

I changed to fatter grips and that worked for me. I was getting sore wrists and forearms due to vibrations - old rigid bike.

rockmonkeysc

It's the Monarch RT3. Useless high speed damping. Change it for a coil shock or a top quality air shock with separate high and low speed damping adjustment.

neilus

Ive just done 4 days DH riding in the Austrian alps, so the subject is something ive thought a lot about. Yes you need to get your suspension set up well, get your rebound at the sweet spot, but equally important is your braking style. Things got WAY better for me when i realised that over-use of moderate braking is what is wrecking my hands, not my suspension. I started braking hard and early, and letting go whenever possible, for as long as possible. My hands were significantly less fatigued when i did this. Also make a concerted effort not to brake over the actual rough stuff, this is what really wrecks your hands.

rockmonkeysc

Braking forces go through the suspension so while you're braking, your suspension can't work effectively.
Braking should be done as needed only, never drag the brakes, especially on Alpine trails.

neilus

Yep thats exactly what i learned - braking while suspension is working should be avoided as much as possible. Very valuable lesson to learn.
RM did you give any more thought to Saalbach? You really outta check it out. Cant recommend it enough, great resort. Did my first black, X-Line, fantastic trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3kJ_9ZDICU&t=19s

rockmonkeysc

I'm afraid I won't be going any time soon. I've got back in to rock climbing in a big way so I'm saving for a trip to Yosemite to climb El Capitan.

neilus

Sounds like a good plan. Thats an awesome sport (?) to be involved with.

penski

Thanks for thoughts & advice

I'm going to insert a token or 2 into the Pike, lower the air pressure accordingly.

Then re-assess the pressure in air tyres, and perhaps look into thicker/better grips