Cycling on cobblestones can be a challenge for you and your bike. Cobblestones can be quite uneven and generate uncomfortable vibrations. Here are 5 key tips to make riding your Capri electric bike safer and more comfortable.
If you live in a city with a lot of cobblestone areas, we recommend that you read this article carefully and consider making some small changes to the configuration of your Capri electric bike.
Of course, if you have any questions we will be happy to help you through any of our contact channels.
1. Appropriate tyres
Use wider tyres with slightly lower tyre pressure than normal, which will help absorb some of the vibration and provide better traction on uneven surfaces.
Wider tyres have a larger surface area in contact with the ground, which helps absorb vibrations better and provides a smoother ride over uneven surfaces such as cobblestones.
We recommend using tyres with a width of at least 32 mm or wider can be even more effective in absorbing vibrations. Our e-bikes are fitted with a wider tyre width of 37mm, so you'll be perfectly prepared to ride on cobblestones.
Tyre pressure plays an important role in comfort and performance when cycling on cobblestones. It is recommended to reduce tyre pressure compared to what you would normally use on smooth roads. Lower pressure allows the tyres to deform slightly on cobblestones, thus absorbing some of the vibrations and providing better traction.
The exact pressure will depend on rider weight, tyre type and personal preference, but as a general guide, you could start by reducing the pressure by approximately 10-15% of the recommended pressure for smooth roads.
The ideal pressure can vary depending on several factors, such as tyre type, rider weight and specific road conditions. We recommend experimenting with different pressures to find the one that you are most comfortable with and that offers
best performance in the conditions you ride in.
Be sure to check your tyre pressures regularly, as they tend to lose air over time. Maintaining proper pressure not only improves comfort and performance, but also helps prevent punctures and tyre damage.
2. Spring saddle
Spring saddles can provide greater shock and vibration absorption, which can result in a more comfortable riding experience, especially on uneven terrain such as cobblestones.
The springs allow the saddle to flex and adapt better to imperfections in the terrain, thus reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
Weight distribution: Springs can help distribute the rider's weight more evenly over the saddle, which can reduce pressure on specific areas and prevent discomfort or numbness in the perineum area.
Spring saddles can be a good option for short rides or urban environments, where comfort is a priority and maximum pedalling efficiency is not sought after.
If you regularly use your Capri electric bike on cobblestones, a good option is to ask us to send you your bike mounted with a saddle with springs, if you have already ordered it you can always change your saddle for a new one. We recommend this one.
3. Battery strap
Moving between cobblestones can cause a strong vibration for your bike, putting a strain on your battery connection. A good option to avoid this is to use a strap to further improve the grip of your battery-bidon, such as this one.
4. Slow down
When traversing cobblestone areas, reduce your speed. Moderate speed allows you to react better to unexpected obstacles and reduces vibrations significantly.
5. Proper posture
Maintain a relaxed and flexible posture. Bend your elbows and knees to absorb some of the vibrations.
Firm grip: Hold the handlebars firmly, but don't overly tense your arms. This helps you.
Why not include suspension?
Suspension bikes may have aloss of efficiency compared to rigid bikes due to the energy absorbed in the suspension system. On relatively flat terrain such as cobblestones, this loss of efficiency may be more noticeable.
Suspension bikes tend to be heavier than rigid bikes due to the presence of additional suspension components. The additional weight may affect ease of handling and agility, especially when navigating difficult terrain such as cobblestones.
Suspension components require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Maintenance may be more complicated and costly compared to a rigid bicycle, especially if dirt and debris accumulates on suspension components after riding on cobblestones.
