FatBob vs Bridge Grating
FatBob vs Bridge Grating
Just got my 2010 FatBob recently, and so far have stayed only on concrete or asphalt roadways with it.
Want to take a ride over a 1.5-mile long bridge here in Florida with about a 1/4 mile section of steel grating on the roadway. A lot of bridges around here have this type of grating on part of the roadway.
I already hate riding over the grating in my F150. Can only suspect it'll be just as bad on my bike.
Any firsthand advice on how to safely ride over the grating on my bike?
The closest bridge without grating on it is about 20 miles away - and I don't want to have to make a detour like that just to avoid the grating.
Thanks.
Want to take a ride over a 1.5-mile long bridge here in Florida with about a 1/4 mile section of steel grating on the roadway. A lot of bridges around here have this type of grating on part of the roadway.
I already hate riding over the grating in my F150. Can only suspect it'll be just as bad on my bike.
Any firsthand advice on how to safely ride over the grating on my bike?
The closest bridge without grating on it is about 20 miles away - and I don't want to have to make a detour like that just to avoid the grating.
Thanks.
Any difference in handling whether wet or dry weather? I suspect slower speed if it's wet outside?!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
And build up your confidence with grating before you try the Matthews!
Thought the Matthews was 100% concrete now?
I'm debating going over the Shands Bridge by Green Cove Springs. Want to go to Flemming Island and not have to go to the Buckman Bridge and down 17 to get there. Not ready to hit 295 yet either.
Thanks for the info.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
Ok. I'll remember that.
Thought the Matthews was 100% concrete now?
I'm debating going over the Shands Bridge by Green Cove Springs. Want to go to Flemming Island and not have to go to the Buckman Bridge and down 17 to get there. Not ready to hit 295 yet either.
Thanks for the info.
Thought the Matthews was 100% concrete now?
I'm debating going over the Shands Bridge by Green Cove Springs. Want to go to Flemming Island and not have to go to the Buckman Bridge and down 17 to get there. Not ready to hit 295 yet either.
Thanks for the info.
Shands is really no big deal. My gf had the same concerns when she first started riding her own. She knew that when we went over grates with her on the back you could hear a difference. The only real issue is not fighting it - yeah, it may wander a bit but only inches, sort of like getting caught in a gouge in the road. Relax and you'll do fine. After her first crossing Cathy was like "yeah, no big thing".
The Buckman is a totally different thing. First of all, it's our version of the Indy 500 combined with a demolition derby. No grates, but check out the expansion joints next time your cross it in your cage - there are pretty big (maybe 1 foot square) cleats near, but not on, the lane marker lines. Them suckers stick up at least an inch or more and they're steel! You really don't want to hit one with a bike tire. Easy to avoid but you need to watch for them.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY
dont know your riding experience,
but that fatter front tire handles a whoolllee helluva lot better than the skinny's.
as far as grating goes, skinny or fat, be mindful, maintain speed, no sudden moves,
as far as wet road conditions, ive take curves at 40-45, and a few round about curves at say 45 or so, and noooo problems.. she handles well, and loves to grab the streets.
those speeds are no indication on how all FatBobs, will handle, but your give scoot and the road its proper respect, and you will be rewarded handsomely.
but that fatter front tire handles a whoolllee helluva lot better than the skinny's.
as far as grating goes, skinny or fat, be mindful, maintain speed, no sudden moves,
as far as wet road conditions, ive take curves at 40-45, and a few round about curves at say 45 or so, and noooo problems.. she handles well, and loves to grab the streets.
those speeds are no indication on how all FatBobs, will handle, but your give scoot and the road its proper respect, and you will be rewarded handsomely.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Area
Focus ahead and let the bike move back and forth because it's going too! Like the truck, it feels weird, but you should survive it as long as you don't do anything drastic.
BTW, it's the same thing on grooved pavement when they prep for paving.
BTW, it's the same thing on grooved pavement when they prep for paving.