A lumpy ride

[J1888]

So, got my new bike a few months back - Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR; an upgrade on my poor, stolen Boardman Team Carbon that I really, really loved.

The Pro Carbon SLR is a different ride - doesn't give that noticeable zip away from a set of lights, but seems to get up to high speed very swiftly.

What drew me to the Pro Carbon SLR is the wheels - thought that a pair of Ksyrium Equipe's is decent on a bike that cost around £1480 (on sale, BC discount).

At first, the wheels seemed fine; i.e. I didn't really 'notice' them - also thinking that they weren't much of an upgrade on the CXP22 Elite that came on the Team Carbon...!

However, over the last month or so, I've noticed that whenever I go over a speedbump, or slightly uneven bit of road, the bike almost seems to give a really 'dull' reaction and I can really feel every lump and bump in the road. Almost feels like I'm riding with a flat tyre.

I'm a maintenance novice, but I've checked the correct pressure is in the tyres and I've made sure that none of the spokes are snapped, bent or loose. What concerns me is that I didn't notice this sensation when I first got the bike, and no, I'm not significantly heavier than when I bought it!

Anyone got any suggestions for what could be causing this, or is it perhaps all in my head?

 

[S-Express]

Someone will trot out the 'stiff but compliant' comments in a minute...

Meanwhile, could it be related to your tyre pressures?

 

[J1888]

Could it be that I'm over-inflating? I'm on the 25mm Yksion tyres (not had great experience in terms of punctures on these!), bog standard tube to fit, and putting in around 110psi...I weigh around 11.5 stone...

 

[Alan O]

I know very little about carbon bikes, but I'd say there's no such thing as "the correct pressure" for any tyre on any kind of bike. The best pressure for you is something you have to decide for yourself through experience.

 

[I like Skol]

I'm not saying I have the correct pressures but I am 14.5 stone and only run Fr/100 Rr/110 on 23 or 25mm tyres and am happy at 10psi less than that. Maybe your pressures are a tad high?

 

[Welsh wheels]

So, got my new bike a few months back - Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR; an upgrade on my poor, stolen Boardman Team Carbon that I really, really loved.

The Pro Carbon SLR is a different ride - doesn't give that noticeable zip away from a set of lights, but seems to get up to high speed very swiftly.

What drew me to the Pro Carbon SLR is the wheels - thought that a pair of Ksyrium Equipe's is decent on a bike that cost around £1480 (on sale, BC discount).

At first, the wheels seemed fine; i.e. I didn't really 'notice' them - also thinking that they weren't much of an upgrade on the CXP22 Elite that came on the Team Carbon...!

However, over the last month or so, I've noticed that whenever I go over a speedbump, or slightly uneven bit of road, the bike almost seems to give a really 'dull' reaction and I can really feel every lump and bump in the road. Almost feels like I'm riding with a flat tyre.

I'm a maintenance novice, but I've checked the correct pressure is in the tyres and I've made sure that none of the spokes are snapped, bent or loose. What concerns me is that I didn't notice this sensation when I first got the bike, and no, I'm not significantly heavier than when I bought it!

Anyone got any suggestions for what could be causing this, or is it perhaps all in my head?

How much lower are the pressures than the maximum recommended pressures? You could try letting a little air out.

 

[Globalti]

It's in your head. As you grow used to the bike you will begin to notice things about the way it rides and feels. People who ride lots of bikes can even make a living out of reviewing them for magazines.