Originally Posted by
Last ride 76
You're claiming you train less, but simply by switching from a 1997 7spd rig to a 2000 9 spd 105 set-up you have boosted your avg speed by 1.7 mph?
I'm not questioning your newfound speed (I wonder what that gain translates to, in watts)... I am however of the opinion that there are other factors which are not being taken into consideration, which would actually account for most of the gain.
It was an “everything but the paint job” upgrade; better wheels and tires, and a lower, wider, better fitted cockpit. The 2x9’s gear range is also a little ‘racier’ than the 3x7, with a top gear of 116 over the 100 from the old setup (at the expense of a couple of bailout low ratios, but it’s pretty flat where I live)
I’m sure it’s somewhat lighter, although I never weighed it, but it is definitely more responsive and smoother riding.
As far as training, I get a lot less saddle time, but I hit the gym on a pretty regular basis: weights, plyometrics, rowing and stationary bikes. I’m not in shape for a century, but I can still dial up a pretty good effort for a 20-25 miler.