Welcome to my Cycling Page.

The Old Problem Of Cycling Comfort Vs Performance:

Back in the 80's I was an avid reader of Car And Driver magazine. One of the top performance issues was something called "unsprung weight". On a car, unsprung weight would be tires, rims, brake components, suspension components, stabilizer bars, constant velocity joints etc. The car body, frame, engine, transmission, interior furnishings, seats, and driver are "sprung weight".

On a car, the highest performance will be attained with the least "unsprung weight" which will permit the car to stick to the road under demanding driving conditions. This is achieved with low profile tires, light alloy wheels, ventilated disc brakes, lightweight a-frames, etc.

Similarly, on a bike, performance nirvana happens when the cycling system achieves least "unsprung weight". A high performance bike will weigh about 13Kg total, the rider around 70Kg. Total "unsprung weight" 83kg.

Several ways to increase rider comfort are: fat underpressured tires, front suspension system, rear suspension system, etc. You know performance has taken a hit when you press the bike pedals and the bike stays still and sinks down, absorbing the energy you just gave it, releasing that energy when it is good and ready, not when the rider demands. "Sprung weight" is 83Kg plus 5Kg for fat wheels, 5Kg for front suspension, 5Kg for rear suspension, for a total "sprung weight" of 98Kg.

What happens if the rider becomes "sprung weight" via a suspension system that keeps road vibration from reaching the riders wrists and seat? "Unsprung weight" goes down to 12Kg. The bike handlebar, control actuators, seat, and rider are isolated from road vibration as 71Kg of "sprung weight". Instant pedal response. Performance with comfort. While travelling, the bike rattles and shakes conforming and sticking to the driving surface and the rider floats comfortably isolated and in full control.

Redshift Sports Shockstop System:

redshiftsports.com/products/shockstop-system

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Garry Cardinal, mailto:mail@garrycardinal.ca, http://garrycardinal.ca/