How does your bike do on 680?

[Asphaultnaut]

sounds like it's time to check those tire pressures and maybe your suspension settings.

I know when the feej starts feeling a little dull or wandery on the grooves I'm a few psi low.

 

[louemc]

Sorry if this is a repeat cool story, bro, but I had to go up to Pacheco Cycle Gear today at lunch from WC. Between the grooved pavement and bumpy texture right around the 242 split, I thought I had a flat tire or was going to crash. It seems worse northbound. I travel it infrequently, but each time is an experience in terror and shame (okay, that's stretchin' it).... Wind off the strait doesn't help either.

How do your bikes handle that stretch? My bike is known not to have great stock suspension, but damn, I would hate to have that road for a commute.

You have several choices

1. Next time you buy a bike, buy one that has stable, because of the chassis/suspension/tires, because it has a reason to be there, handling the crap that the public road delivers...Screw the Looks, as a top priority.

2. There is no #2. Go back to #1.

 

[Bay Arean]

I was intrigued by earlier post about having the suspension evaluated. Isn't there a shop in the South Bay somewhere or am I imaginigng it? I own a compressor, so I am really good about inflation, I check it every two weeks.

 

[gambit45]

I commute this section just about everyday and have never had a problem with it

There's either something wrong with your bike (suspension as others have mentioned) or your way too sensative

If you ever feel heeby jeeby by the "grooved" concrete try hugging the tank with your knees a bit and relax the upper body slightly, relax the arms, and keep a firm but not tight grip on your bars. Sorry to sound condescending but a Bonneville should be able to take just about any kind of road condition without any problems.

 

[flying_hun]

I was intrigued by earlier post about having the suspension evaluated.

I still think it's tires - pattern not inflation.

 

[Bay Arean]

Thanks all.

 

[72SBC]

Raceway 680.

 

[Noaleridingfool]

No he is right on with that call...it sucks.

Sorry if this is a repeat cool story, bro, but I had to go up to Pacheco Cycle Gear today at lunch from WC. Between the grooved pavement and bumpy texture right around the 242 split, I thought I had a flat tire or was going to crash. It seems worse northbound. I travel it infrequently, but each time is an experience in terror and shame (okay, that's stretchin' it).... Wind off the strait doesn't help either.

How do your bikes handle that stretch? My bike is known not to have great stock suspension, but damn, I would hate to have that road for a commute.

It does not bother me too much on the Mille but I can see how dangerous it can be for anyone else. The fast lane on both southbound and northbound sides between 580 and Walnut Creek has a rut or ledge that appears very dangerous to anybody not expecting it or inexperienced. Also numerous spots with deep wide gaps where the roadway and lane positions have been changed.

 

[bluesjr]

I've got my own local hwy disaster. The stretch of hwy 85 between 101 and 280. Rain grooves, beat-up pavement. I feel like I'm going to get bounced off my bike. Don't like it at all!