Tips for the cobbles!
To make sure you're ready to encounter the cobbles stones of the Paris-Roubaix Challenge on Saturday, we give you our final tips and tricks to conquer the Hell of the North.
- Before you start, check if all the bolts on your bike are securely tightened. Nothing is more annoying than a saddle or a handlebar that starts slipping when you ride over the cobblestones.
- It's best to use clincher tires for the cobblestones. Replacing a clincher is much safer than replacing a tubular, because a replacement tubular tire cannot be glued on the rim, so it won't be sufficiently fixated onto the rim. That can be really dangerous on cobblestones.
- The risk of punctures can be greatly reduced if you subject your tires to an accurate inspection before the ride. Ensure that there are no small stones in the top layer of your tire. If there are, you can remove them using a needle.
- Choose a clincher tire which is not too narrow and well profiled. A wider tire (25 mm or more) gives a far more comfortable feeling on the cobblestones. Also, avoid too much pressure in the tires. 5.5 to 6 BAR is enough. This is very important.
- Use an extra thick handlebar tape or double handlebar tape to increase your comfort. Your wrists have to endure a considerable amount of shocks when you ride over the cobbles.
- Make sure your water bottles sit firmly in the holders. When you've found the right rhythm on the cobbles, it's very annoying to have to stop to pick up your water bottle.
- If it's wet, your best bet is to ride in the middle of the road on the cobbles. Shift your weight to the rear of the saddle, so there is more weight on your rear wheel. This gives you more grip and keeps your rear wheel from slipping. Avoid getting out of the saddle, because you'll lose your balance and start skidding. If necessary, switch to a smaller gear to keep your seated position when riding over the cobbles.
- Make sure that after a cobblestone section you lower your heart rate, because your heart rate will soar when riding over the cobbles. This is something you have to do after every cobbled section to avoid meeting the 'man with the hammer'. Also make sure you stay hydrated from the start to the finish!
Paris-Roubaix Challenge
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Paris-Roubaix Challenge