Best way of smoothing out road bumps

[jefmcg]

I've got a friend with a degenerative spine who is keen to keep cycling. We've just modified her Specialized Vita with swept back handlebars, but she also wants to reduce jarring on her spine, so what are the best ways to do this? She was thinking a gel saddle, but will that do much good? Other options I have thought of

1. Fatter tyres (need to check clearance)
2. Suspension seat post - they seem quite expensive
3. Sprung saddle, any reasonably priced ones?
4. <fill in your own suggestion>

So, with contradictory criteria of price, weight and effectiveness, I'd welcome any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Spinney]

Recumbent?
(Never ridden one, but I think I've seen mention on here of folks with back problems using them).

 

[vickster]

Fatter tyres, lower pressures

What's on there at the mo?

 

[fixedfixer]

long wheel base recumbent would be good - something like the Tour Easy. Alternatively a fat bike as the 4 inch wide tyres at 12psi soak up every bump - but you'll pay the price with a very sluggish ride.

 

[jefmcg]

Thanks. She's not going to buy a new bike at this point (nor does she have space for a recumbent). I'm really looking for suggestions to get her current bike into it's most comfortable configuration.

 

[DaveReading]

Bum off the saddle when approaching bumps.

 

[jefmcg]

What's on there at the mo?

Not sure. Forgot about the tyre option while I was with her.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I think the best thing she can do (fitness permitting!) is to learn to ride the bumps, by shifting most of her weight onto the pedals and off the saddle just before hitting an uneven bumpy bit. If she flexes the knees slightly, and keeps the arms and wrists "soft", she'll hardly feel it at all.

I say all this, and then I bet you'll say she's 90 or something.

 

[vickster]

Not sure. Forgot about the tyre option while I was with her.

I've got some new 28s she can try

 

[jefmcg]

Update : she's going to stick to current configuration and see how she gets on.

She's an athlete - I met her when she coached me at rowing, and devoted to parkrun now, so moving her weight is possible. I'll remind her to do that.

 

[DaveReading]

I think the best thing she can do (fitness permitting!) is to learn to ride the bumps, by shifting most of her weight onto the pedals and off the saddle just before hitting an uneven bumpy bit. If she flexes the knees slightly, and keeps the arms and wrists "soft", she'll hardly feel it at all.

Yes, that's what I meant.

Bum off the saddle when approaching bumps.

though I did omit to mention the necessity to keep one's feet on the pedals while doing so.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Fatter tyres (need to check clearance)

Correct answer to your question. If it is a 'Sport' version I think it will have 32s on. See whether you could get 37s in there.

Fatter tyres, lower pressures

Spot on.

I've got some new 28s she can try

Don't think 28s will be 'fatter'.

 

[jefmcg]

FYI, here is the current configuration

 

[S-Express]

The less upright she can sit, the better. In that sense, swept bars are probably not going to help much, and if they place her in a more upright position, they may make things worse.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Fat bikes are great. Only they are now called "plus bikes" because some fatties got upset.