General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Softride Rss Feed  
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2014-07-29 8:26 AM


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Subject: Softride
So does anybody here ride a Softride? I've been researching them, and i have an opportunity to get one at a reasonable price. I know people don't like them because they look funny (but so do I). Besides, I think it looks pretty cool. From everything I've read they are comparable to modern bikes, a bit heavier then the all carbon super bikes, and they ride like a dream, which is the main appeal for me. The bike i'm looking at has some spare parts with it and the beam is not from the bad batch or it would have de-laminated by now. Even if it does end up de-laminating, i have the tools and skills to follow the instructables and fix it.

As you probably guessed I really like this bike, but since i only know what I've read on the internet over the last week i figured i better ask and hope to not get flamed. Is there any, non-aesthetic, reason to skip out on this bike?

The way I see it, I swim using the TI method, which is kinda weird. And I run forefoot, so a goofy bike kinda fits me.


2014-07-29 9:36 AM
in reply to: 0

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Master
2406
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Bellevue, WA
Subject: RE: Softride

You can ride what you want, but beam bikes didn't really work out. Probably there is a reason for that. "Wisdom of the crowd" has value.

The modern beam bike is Dimond although they seem to struggle to get their business going. http://dimondbikes.com/

Also forefront strike and TI are very common.



Edited by brucemorgan 2014-07-29 10:03 AM
2014-07-29 9:48 AM
in reply to: seiken

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Champion
7136
5000200010025
Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Softride
which softride? There are quite a few of them.

The classic beam is pretty reliable, some of the later models have varying degrees of success / maintenance needed. Beam bikes in general can be finicky as can finding parts for them if something breaks.

Bridert has had a few I believe, he's probably one of the best sources to pm.
2014-07-29 10:32 AM
in reply to: seiken

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Champion
19812
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MA
Subject: RE: Softride

I have one but haven't ridden it in years.

I got it when I first got into the sport as I wanted a bike that was kind to my back as I had surgery and wasn't sure I could ride comfortably. Fitting it is challenging as your saddle height changes if your weight changes.

2014-07-29 10:58 AM
in reply to: seiken

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Champion
10668
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Softride

I've got three Softride bikes (all were custom builds using the Softride beam), and love them. They're all the "classic" style, using the curved composite/urethane laminate, metal tube construction.

Yes, they are heavier than a comparable standard bike of the same tubing spec. Just the nature of the beast. I've never had that extra heft slow me down, however (a couple district hillclimb TT titles to back that up). Judicious parts spec can help.

The "problem children" of the Softrides were the TT-type beams -- the solid beams which used the mounting hardware to provide the suspension movement.

Part of the reason they fell out of favor was the UCI (and ITU) banning them for international competition. I can still race mine in any USAT or USAC race (except for USAC Nationals or USAT draft-legal regionals or nationals). Still legal for WTC events as well. But it effectively killed the international market. That along with some issues in the company, and it went up for sale several years ago with no buyer taking up the flag.

Parts can still be found with some searching. There's a Softride Owners Group on Facebook that can be a good resource.

The pic below is from last September, at the start of the bike leg of my 50th B'Day Celebration tri, hitting the road for 81 miles. That is the first Softride bike I bought in 1991, I think, with the original beam. Fillet brazed steel by Paul Barkley (who made most of the first runs of Softride branded bikes, and is involved with the Bodyfloat seatpost now).

50th B'Day Tri bike start

2014-07-29 11:57 AM
in reply to: briderdt


89
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Subject: RE: Softride
Very cool, i'll have to get a facebook account.

I'm also not very worried about the ITU/ UCI rulings on them, i doubt i will ever be in a position where that will matter.


2014-07-29 1:05 PM
in reply to: #5031903


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Subject: RE: Softride
Pretty sure that the UCI banned them for cycling, might be okay for Tri's though
2014-07-29 1:10 PM
in reply to: seiken

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Elite
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Puyallup, WA
Subject: RE: Softride

As the wife of briderdt...I'm glad he responded. I know he LOOOOVES his softrides! But, as I read, there are a few caveats. Not all are the same :-)

Saying there is a "reason" why they aren't being made, while may be true, I don't think it's because they aren't good bikes. (There are exceptions to every rule.)

Feel free to PM briderdt - warning, you may get more information than you wanted. :-)

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