[j.les]

I'm in the process of building up a cyclocross bike as my road/commute bike. I'm looking to find out what fork, bars (must be riser-type), and stem will reduce road chatter the most.

I'm going with a Surly Cross Check because I figure I can run wider tires which will help a bit. A 29er is out of the question, I already have 4 Mtb's; looking for something fast.

My problem is I have 2 ruptured discs in my neck, and my old elbows are shot. The roads around here are terrible as well. Anything to reduce the vibration will help.

 

[NorseManiac]

I use a carbon riser on my road fixie to combat some of the vibration.

 

[ire]

Carbon bars are built to be super stiff, and aren't the best at dampening vibration; proper setup of the bike to lessen the load on your back will be key. I would use larger tires at lower pressure to provide cushion and help dampen the road. Your frame/fork are steel and should provide a compliant ride

<edit> read through this thread for some other ideas
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207526

 

[-dustin]

nothing kills vibrations like road tubeless.

 

[Wumpus]

nothing kills vibrations like road tubeless.

Along those lines, don't fall for the super high roadie tire air pressure thingy. I run 30 - 35 cross tires on the Xbike/roadie and keep the pressure between 75(front) to up to 85(rear).

 

[sanjuro]

Are you going with a suspension seat post? There are a still a few good ones out there.

 

[DirtyMike]

To help with the tire pressure, I weigh in at 250, With My Diamonte tires I run 95 front and 105 rear. Carbon fork, and a good set of carbon bars will help.



700 by 23 BTW

 

[j.les]

So does steel absorb more vibration than carbon fiber? If so then I will run the stock fork and possibly a steel 22.2 BMX riser bar. I figure Oury grips will help a bit too.

Thanks for all your help

 

[mosplat]

i'd say run a saddle with ti rails.
32-35c tires with 60-80psi.
keep the steel fork but get carbon bars.
that's what i would do.

 

[ire]

i'd say run a saddle with ti rails.

Thats a good point, Ti rails don't guarantee a cushy ride but some saddles are designed to have some give and provide a cushy ride.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Thats a good point, Ti rails don't guarantee a cushy ride but some saddles are designed to have some give and provide a cushy ride.

My WTB LaserV Ti saddle is nice and cushy but still light and airy. Gives a nice ride, and is still going strong after 2 years of heavy abuse.