Zertz inserts

[racman]

Just curious - (I already am "Special" !)

 

1) Do the Zertz inserts really work or is it a marketing gimick?

 

2) If I look at running shoe "gel insert" technology, the gel has a imited lifespan and hardens - won't this happens with the Zertz as well?

 

3) Does putting gel inserts in the frame not indicate poor design or a shortcut to avoid expensive redesign of the frame or manufacturing process?

 

your thoughts ... (yes, on the topic - there is a hijack thread available if not on topic) 

 

 

[Overlord]

You got a Specialized. No gimmick with regards to the zert inserts.Have a good look at your frame and you will notice that there is a hole into which they put the zerts.On the front fork the zerts are wrapped around the fork.

[Speedi]

pls explain what zertz are?!

[racman]

No Onetime, I don't have a Specialized, but have often looked at the Roubaix frame at my LBS and wondered about the inserts.

[GIRR]

I'm pretty sure they are more of a gimmick than anything else.

 

Its pretty hard to compare a difference in a ride in having them and not, other than it seems quieter?? with zerts.

[racman]

pls explain what zertz are?!

 

Zertz are the gel inserts that Secialized use in some seatposts and in most Roubaix model seatstays and forks. SUpposed to provide additional dampening properties.

[Speedi]

pls explain what zertz are?!

 

 

 

Zertz are the gel inserts that Secialized use in some seatposts and in most Roubaix model seatstays and forks. SUpposed to provide additional dampening properties.

 

 

 

 

 

ok, cool. do they work is the REAL Q.

[racman]

and does the gel last

[GIRR]

I have just been thinking more on this and...  

 

I don't know how many hubbers have compound bows.  On them they have harmonic dampners on the limbs which are essentially similar to zerts just with a little brass or something piece in the middle, now these are used in hunting bows to minimise mostly noise and some vibration which comes from the limbs when the bow has been shot.

 

So my point being is how much vibration can a gel insert dampen i.e can you actually notice it or is it the lessened sound coming from the frame that we notice.  Aswell as these are on carbon bikes which take away vibration in anycase.

[GIRR]

oh ja and the gel inserts are pretty hard already, I'm sure if they had a lifespan the bike frame wouldn't have a lifetime warranty.  Unless specialized is counting on you'll have broken the frame in a crash before the gel hardens or deteriorates

[racman]

I am sure I read a test somewhere where they removed the inserts and could not detect any difference at all.

[racman]

don't you have a Roubaix GIRR?

[GIRR]

yes I have a Roubaix pro

[racman]

wht is the ride like ?

[GIRR]

Its the best bike Ive had and really stiff, its a more comfortable bike than the rc6000 c I used to have.  Like i previously mentioned I think the zerts do no more than lessen the noise from the frame, there are zerts in the fork, seat stays and seat post.  I think its the slightly longer wheel base that makes the biggest difference in terms of comfort.

[Johan Bornman]

Gimmick.