how do these odd bikes work

eric_james · Apr 4, 2023

obviously I've seen these before but all that weight and pressure on the top tube. Just looks stupid to me
I'm around 15 stone and don't think I'd like to ride it
one on here for sale recently made me think about this btw

Mod-Master · Apr 4, 2023

eric_james said:
obviously I've seen these before but all that weight and pressure on the top tube. Just looks stupid to me
I'm around 15 stone and don't think I'd like to ride it
one on here for sale recently made me think about this btw

I think there’s a bit of rubber attached and as the swing arm gets pushed down it stretches it somehow?…

But there is the obvious problem of, “hmm the seat could go a bit lo- oh”

al · Apr 4, 2023

Then don't ride the stupid thing.

al.

Mod-Master · Apr 4, 2023

Though for some reason this was a trend of some sort and many people got a frame like this and rebadged it as their own. Guess this was like an early gravel bike as there was road bike versions of these

Guinessisgoodforyou · Apr 4, 2023

Called Softride if I recall @KermitGKona88 @Woz

gtturbo · Apr 4, 2023

It's an Allsop (spelling ?) softride. Quite a few manufacturers had models featuring the softride beam fitted to their own frames. The beam is made of carbon and that is where the flex comes from, no elastomers or springs. I've got a TT frame with one so it wasnt limited to just mountain bikes. The only one I ever sold back int he day was a Cougar road bike if I remember correctly.

KermitGKona88 · Apr 4, 2023

Yes, exactly what @gtturbo says, I always thought they were another fine example of a solution to a problem that doesn't really exist. I wouldn't want to ride it, but never heard of anyone being castrated by one breaking, and there are still plenty about for sale.