The Most Uncomfortable Bikes to Ride: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Biking can be an exhilarating and adventurous experience, but for some, certain types of bikes can be quite uncomfortable. This article explores some of the most uncomfortable bikes commonly used by riders and discusses the reasons behind their discomfort. While comfort can be subjective, individual preferences play a significant role in determining which bike suits a rider best.
1. Choppers and Custom Designs
Custom choppers and sport bikes with radical designs are often considered uncomfortable for riders. These bikes feature aggressive riding positions that can put strain on the body, especially over long distances. Riders often find themselves leaning in awkward ways, making the ride particularly tiring.
Example: One rider, previously on a H-D Sportster 800, noted that hanging on the handlebars and concentrating all weight on the lower body during a vibrating ride was not enjoyable. After an 80 km ride, the rider experienced numbness and frequent urges to urinate. The after-effects lasted for several hours, and the rider vowed never to ride a H-D again.
2. Cruiser Bikes
Feet-forward cruiser bikes are another type of bike that often leads to discomfort. Riders rely almost exclusively on their back and arm muscles to stay upright, which can quickly tire them out. Even at moderate speeds, the wind blast can significantly affect the rider's endurance.
Example: When the author rode a touring bike past a couple of Harley riders at 100 mph, it was a visceral experience for them. Maintaining such high speeds is challenging on feet-forward cruisers, and the author managed to catch up with the Harley riders at 70-75 mph after 15 miles of riding.
3. Sportbikes with "Committed" Positions
Bikes with a "committed" riding position can lead to significant discomfort because the riding posture is so rigid and demanding. Riders often experience neck and wrist pain, as well as cramping in the legs and shoulders from maintaining the cramped position. Such discomfort can make riding sportbikes for extended periods unbearable.
Example: After a 150-mile ride on a Busa, the author fell off the bike due to an intense leg cramp that prevented holding the bike. Adding clip-on bars to a Suzuki 350 only lasted a few weeks as the neck strain was too much for the author to handle, limiting the bike's usability to about 50 miles.
Conclusion
Bike comfort is subjective, and what feels uncomfortable to one rider might not be the case for another. Factors such as riding experience, physical fitness, and personal preferences significantly influence a rider's comfort level on a particular type of bike. Understanding the potential discomfort that certain bikes can bring can help riders make informed decisions and improve their overall biking experience.