Steering dampers












4














I'm curious about steering dampers on bicycles. Does steering damper really helps on rough terrain. What brands and types of dampers exist on market(in EU)? Does damper requires maintenance of any kind?
Does anyone have steering damper? If yes, please share your experince.



After a little bit of googling I found this steering damper. So is this only steering damper that exists on market? Does anyone have it?



I'm interested for dampers because I hate when I ride on rough terrain and handlebar twists and I lose balance because of pothole or gap on macadam road.










share|improve this question
























  • Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
    – Grigory Rechistov
    yesterday










  • Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
    – Klaster_1
    yesterday












  • Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
    – Criggie
    8 hours ago
















4














I'm curious about steering dampers on bicycles. Does steering damper really helps on rough terrain. What brands and types of dampers exist on market(in EU)? Does damper requires maintenance of any kind?
Does anyone have steering damper? If yes, please share your experince.



After a little bit of googling I found this steering damper. So is this only steering damper that exists on market? Does anyone have it?



I'm interested for dampers because I hate when I ride on rough terrain and handlebar twists and I lose balance because of pothole or gap on macadam road.










share|improve this question
























  • Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
    – Grigory Rechistov
    yesterday










  • Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
    – Klaster_1
    yesterday












  • Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
    – Criggie
    8 hours ago














4












4








4







I'm curious about steering dampers on bicycles. Does steering damper really helps on rough terrain. What brands and types of dampers exist on market(in EU)? Does damper requires maintenance of any kind?
Does anyone have steering damper? If yes, please share your experince.



After a little bit of googling I found this steering damper. So is this only steering damper that exists on market? Does anyone have it?



I'm interested for dampers because I hate when I ride on rough terrain and handlebar twists and I lose balance because of pothole or gap on macadam road.










share|improve this question















I'm curious about steering dampers on bicycles. Does steering damper really helps on rough terrain. What brands and types of dampers exist on market(in EU)? Does damper requires maintenance of any kind?
Does anyone have steering damper? If yes, please share your experince.



After a little bit of googling I found this steering damper. So is this only steering damper that exists on market? Does anyone have it?



I'm interested for dampers because I hate when I ride on rough terrain and handlebar twists and I lose balance because of pothole or gap on macadam road.







handling






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited yesterday







SilvioCro

















asked 2 days ago









SilvioCroSilvioCro

354




354












  • Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
    – Grigory Rechistov
    yesterday










  • Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
    – Klaster_1
    yesterday












  • Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
    – Criggie
    8 hours ago


















  • Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
    – Grigory Rechistov
    yesterday










  • Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
    – Klaster_1
    yesterday












  • Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
    – Criggie
    8 hours ago
















Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Grigory Rechistov
yesterday




Do you mean a suspension fork? Googling for "bicycle steerer damper" gives some weird results, e.g.: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/…
– Grigory Rechistov
yesterday












Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
– Klaster_1
yesterday






Whoa, I never knew these existed, there are even old threads on MTBR about Hopey dampers, with glowing reviews.
– Klaster_1
yesterday














Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
– Criggie
8 hours ago




Looks like a neat bit of kit that never took off. MTB riders use wider and wider bars as time went on, with some bikes now having 700+mm wide handlebars. That's a lot of leverage. So restraining a wayward front wheel is easier with longer bars. Plus it looks more... something.
– Criggie
8 hours ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















8














As you have found out there only seems to be one true steering damper currently on the market, and it's a speciality product for downhill MTB racing or dealing with cross winds on time trial bikes. This is not a product for the problem you are experiencing - losing control when the front wheel hits a bump.



It actually sounds like you have balance and stability problems, I doubt a steering damper would actually help you and would even hinder you as it would resist steering inputs from the handlebars as well as forces on the front wheel.



A possible way forward for you would be to learn how to deal with road irregularities better - taking weight off saddle and onto pedals through legs, shifting weight backwards, avoiding potholes entirely.






share|improve this answer





















  • I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday



















5














(This answers the original question that was only about usefulness of steering dampers without details)



The purpose of steering damper on motorcycles is to prevent steering oscillation, also known as speed wobble. They are generally not needed on bicycles, because the masses and speeds involved are low enough that the rider can stop the oscillation by just changing position, tightening or loosening grip on handlebar or touching top tube with a leg.



The spring or elastomer thing that is sometimes sold as steering damper is actually intended to keep the handlebars from turning when bike is parked on kickstand or against a wall. It is not supposed to affect riding.



As already mentioned in comments and updated question, true steering dampers exist but are not common. It is probably not a coincidence that these are marketed for downhill and time trial, the two cycling subcultures that are most focused on equipment.






share|improve this answer























  • As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday








  • 1




    Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
    – ojs
    yesterday












  • If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday










  • Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday



















1














The first mention I saw of them, and still the only recommendation, was for use with a baby seat and rear rack (specifically one to carry a folded pushchair at the very back of the bike) combined. This leads to twitchy steering, especially at the low speeds typical of riding with a baby and rather heavy and high load.



I never tried one myself, as I only rode with the pushchair rack a few times.



Looking now I see they're also recommended with heavy front loads but I don't feel the lack of one on my tourer even with front panniers and a bar bag. That link suggests both spring and elastomer types are available.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • @ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
    – Chris H
    yesterday











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3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes








3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









8














As you have found out there only seems to be one true steering damper currently on the market, and it's a speciality product for downhill MTB racing or dealing with cross winds on time trial bikes. This is not a product for the problem you are experiencing - losing control when the front wheel hits a bump.



It actually sounds like you have balance and stability problems, I doubt a steering damper would actually help you and would even hinder you as it would resist steering inputs from the handlebars as well as forces on the front wheel.



A possible way forward for you would be to learn how to deal with road irregularities better - taking weight off saddle and onto pedals through legs, shifting weight backwards, avoiding potholes entirely.






share|improve this answer





















  • I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday
















8














As you have found out there only seems to be one true steering damper currently on the market, and it's a speciality product for downhill MTB racing or dealing with cross winds on time trial bikes. This is not a product for the problem you are experiencing - losing control when the front wheel hits a bump.



It actually sounds like you have balance and stability problems, I doubt a steering damper would actually help you and would even hinder you as it would resist steering inputs from the handlebars as well as forces on the front wheel.



A possible way forward for you would be to learn how to deal with road irregularities better - taking weight off saddle and onto pedals through legs, shifting weight backwards, avoiding potholes entirely.






share|improve this answer





















  • I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday














8












8








8






As you have found out there only seems to be one true steering damper currently on the market, and it's a speciality product for downhill MTB racing or dealing with cross winds on time trial bikes. This is not a product for the problem you are experiencing - losing control when the front wheel hits a bump.



It actually sounds like you have balance and stability problems, I doubt a steering damper would actually help you and would even hinder you as it would resist steering inputs from the handlebars as well as forces on the front wheel.



A possible way forward for you would be to learn how to deal with road irregularities better - taking weight off saddle and onto pedals through legs, shifting weight backwards, avoiding potholes entirely.






share|improve this answer












As you have found out there only seems to be one true steering damper currently on the market, and it's a speciality product for downhill MTB racing or dealing with cross winds on time trial bikes. This is not a product for the problem you are experiencing - losing control when the front wheel hits a bump.



It actually sounds like you have balance and stability problems, I doubt a steering damper would actually help you and would even hinder you as it would resist steering inputs from the handlebars as well as forces on the front wheel.



A possible way forward for you would be to learn how to deal with road irregularities better - taking weight off saddle and onto pedals through legs, shifting weight backwards, avoiding potholes entirely.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered yesterday









Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus

33.1k23483




33.1k23483












  • I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday


















  • I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday
















I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
– SilvioCro
yesterday




I thought damper will prevent that.. Thanks a lot
– SilvioCro
yesterday











5














(This answers the original question that was only about usefulness of steering dampers without details)



The purpose of steering damper on motorcycles is to prevent steering oscillation, also known as speed wobble. They are generally not needed on bicycles, because the masses and speeds involved are low enough that the rider can stop the oscillation by just changing position, tightening or loosening grip on handlebar or touching top tube with a leg.



The spring or elastomer thing that is sometimes sold as steering damper is actually intended to keep the handlebars from turning when bike is parked on kickstand or against a wall. It is not supposed to affect riding.



As already mentioned in comments and updated question, true steering dampers exist but are not common. It is probably not a coincidence that these are marketed for downhill and time trial, the two cycling subcultures that are most focused on equipment.






share|improve this answer























  • As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday








  • 1




    Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
    – ojs
    yesterday












  • If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday










  • Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday
















5














(This answers the original question that was only about usefulness of steering dampers without details)



The purpose of steering damper on motorcycles is to prevent steering oscillation, also known as speed wobble. They are generally not needed on bicycles, because the masses and speeds involved are low enough that the rider can stop the oscillation by just changing position, tightening or loosening grip on handlebar or touching top tube with a leg.



The spring or elastomer thing that is sometimes sold as steering damper is actually intended to keep the handlebars from turning when bike is parked on kickstand or against a wall. It is not supposed to affect riding.



As already mentioned in comments and updated question, true steering dampers exist but are not common. It is probably not a coincidence that these are marketed for downhill and time trial, the two cycling subcultures that are most focused on equipment.






share|improve this answer























  • As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday








  • 1




    Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
    – ojs
    yesterday












  • If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday










  • Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday














5












5








5






(This answers the original question that was only about usefulness of steering dampers without details)



The purpose of steering damper on motorcycles is to prevent steering oscillation, also known as speed wobble. They are generally not needed on bicycles, because the masses and speeds involved are low enough that the rider can stop the oscillation by just changing position, tightening or loosening grip on handlebar or touching top tube with a leg.



The spring or elastomer thing that is sometimes sold as steering damper is actually intended to keep the handlebars from turning when bike is parked on kickstand or against a wall. It is not supposed to affect riding.



As already mentioned in comments and updated question, true steering dampers exist but are not common. It is probably not a coincidence that these are marketed for downhill and time trial, the two cycling subcultures that are most focused on equipment.






share|improve this answer














(This answers the original question that was only about usefulness of steering dampers without details)



The purpose of steering damper on motorcycles is to prevent steering oscillation, also known as speed wobble. They are generally not needed on bicycles, because the masses and speeds involved are low enough that the rider can stop the oscillation by just changing position, tightening or loosening grip on handlebar or touching top tube with a leg.



The spring or elastomer thing that is sometimes sold as steering damper is actually intended to keep the handlebars from turning when bike is parked on kickstand or against a wall. It is not supposed to affect riding.



As already mentioned in comments and updated question, true steering dampers exist but are not common. It is probably not a coincidence that these are marketed for downhill and time trial, the two cycling subcultures that are most focused on equipment.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited 9 hours ago

























answered yesterday









ojsojs

11.5k22141




11.5k22141












  • As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday








  • 1




    Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
    – ojs
    yesterday












  • If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday










  • Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday


















  • As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday








  • 1




    Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
    – ojs
    yesterday












  • If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday










  • Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
    – SilvioCro
    yesterday
















As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
– SilvioCro
yesterday






As a recreational rider on macadam road, is it Worth to invest in one damper? Btw I edited question
– SilvioCro
yesterday






1




1




Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
– ojs
yesterday






Depends. Are you buying one to solve some problem or just to get a new toy? If your goal is to have the most expensive bike, then one helps but just for riding I doubt one does anything.
– ojs
yesterday














If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
– SilvioCro
yesterday




If it solves problem, I'll buy it...
– SilvioCro
yesterday












Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
– ojs
yesterday




Do you have a problem you think could solved by one?
– ojs
yesterday












Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
– SilvioCro
yesterday




Yes I have but I'm not sure does damper really solves that problem. That's reason why I posted this question
– SilvioCro
yesterday











1














The first mention I saw of them, and still the only recommendation, was for use with a baby seat and rear rack (specifically one to carry a folded pushchair at the very back of the bike) combined. This leads to twitchy steering, especially at the low speeds typical of riding with a baby and rather heavy and high load.



I never tried one myself, as I only rode with the pushchair rack a few times.



Looking now I see they're also recommended with heavy front loads but I don't feel the lack of one on my tourer even with front panniers and a bar bag. That link suggests both spring and elastomer types are available.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • @ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
    – Chris H
    yesterday
















1














The first mention I saw of them, and still the only recommendation, was for use with a baby seat and rear rack (specifically one to carry a folded pushchair at the very back of the bike) combined. This leads to twitchy steering, especially at the low speeds typical of riding with a baby and rather heavy and high load.



I never tried one myself, as I only rode with the pushchair rack a few times.



Looking now I see they're also recommended with heavy front loads but I don't feel the lack of one on my tourer even with front panniers and a bar bag. That link suggests both spring and elastomer types are available.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • @ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
    – Chris H
    yesterday














1












1








1






The first mention I saw of them, and still the only recommendation, was for use with a baby seat and rear rack (specifically one to carry a folded pushchair at the very back of the bike) combined. This leads to twitchy steering, especially at the low speeds typical of riding with a baby and rather heavy and high load.



I never tried one myself, as I only rode with the pushchair rack a few times.



Looking now I see they're also recommended with heavy front loads but I don't feel the lack of one on my tourer even with front panniers and a bar bag. That link suggests both spring and elastomer types are available.






share|improve this answer












The first mention I saw of them, and still the only recommendation, was for use with a baby seat and rear rack (specifically one to carry a folded pushchair at the very back of the bike) combined. This leads to twitchy steering, especially at the low speeds typical of riding with a baby and rather heavy and high load.



I never tried one myself, as I only rode with the pushchair rack a few times.



Looking now I see they're also recommended with heavy front loads but I don't feel the lack of one on my tourer even with front panniers and a bar bag. That link suggests both spring and elastomer types are available.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered yesterday









Chris HChris H

22.3k134102




22.3k134102








  • 1




    The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • @ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
    – Chris H
    yesterday














  • 1




    The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
    – ojs
    yesterday










  • @ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
    – Chris H
    yesterday








1




1




The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
– ojs
yesterday




The link says the "damper" is not supposed to affect riding at all but to keep front wheel in place when the bike is parked. It is useful only when parking heavily loaded bikes on kickstand or leaning against wall.
– ojs
yesterday












@ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
– Chris H
yesterday




@ojs I thought I linked the right product (same place I got the pushchair rack from) but apparently not
– Chris H
yesterday


















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