From: "marc garcia" <marcgarcia80@ameritech.net> Subject: [CR]re:softening the ride of my track bike
> Thanks to all for the information and opinions. I
> should have clarified that it is my arms that feel
> pain after riding the track bike. The problem is that
> the bars and fork seem to not buffer the road much at
> all, obviously they weren't designed for this but
> every bump is felt in the arms. I think I will try the
> international fork. I am using pista bars, and cork
> tape as well. I might pick up some of those gel pads
> for the bars as well. I've started keeping the
> pressure down on most of my tires to around 100 psi,
> except for the track bike for what ever reason. It's
> probably around 120psi. Keep in mind I'm riding
> clinchers. Maybe I should go to the dark side and pick
> up some tubulars!
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I ride most of my bikes with a 10 psi differential between front and back. At 225 lbs, rear pressure is important to prevent pinch flats, the front gets 10 psi less. This becomes especially important if you're over 200 lbs and pushing the envelope on tire width. Might be time to give up those 20mm tires and try a 23 or 25. My 74 Raleigh Pro road bike was not very pleasant on oil and chip back roads running clinchers. Tubulars really help with the ride. I wonder how your position on the track bikes compares to other bikes. Have you compared this one to another bike you like the ride of best to see if there's any noticeable difference between settings like seat position, stem length and height, bar reach and drop? The International fork couldn't hurt either.
Pete Geurds
Douglassville, Pa