Huge gains for amateurs, some advice
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This thread is about real speed improvements on the cheap.
Ben
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I have a similar list:
- Consistent training with a power meter.
- Aero improvements:
- Body: It's easier said than done but keep working on it until you find your most optimal aero position on the bike. It will take time.
- Bike: Clean up the cockpit, regular road bars are fine but I'd prefer aero bars. I just replaced my traditional road bars with aero bars and the difference has been day and night. It also feels like carbon bars are more comfortable.
- Clothing: Aero(ish) jerseys give you the cheapest watts per $. You don't have to go full aero, something just not baggy is fine.
- Good tires and proper tire inflation. My best rides have been when I reduce the tire pressure to the lowest level tires and tubes can tolerate. An over-inflated tire will suck up all your energy.
- Maintenance: Reduce the rattle and noise to lowest. Make sure there are no brake rubs. Keep your drivetrain and chain clean.
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My list of equipment, assuming you're not wearing floppy clothes:
1. Tires first of all since it's the cheapest most effective improvement at all speeds, depending on what you start with
2. Wheels. Can save even more weight than tires, most inexpensive improvement after tires, and some rim shapes really do produce gains.
Clipless are way down my list because they'll help on sprints and "feel" but objectively not much else. You might need them if the other group roadies make fun of you.
edit: I forgot 3. Tubes, because I don't bother with getting better tubes. But objectively high end butyl tubes can save some weight and rolling resistance.
CF bike isn't even on my list for "huge gains" or even medium size gains from entry level aluminum to mid-level CF bike. I'd agree that some small gain might be had from upgrading entry level to mid range, but mostly from saving a few pounds.
1. Tires first of all since it's the cheapest most effective improvement at all speeds, depending on what you start with
2. Wheels. Can save even more weight than tires, most inexpensive improvement after tires, and some rim shapes really do produce gains.
Clipless are way down my list because they'll help on sprints and "feel" but objectively not much else. You might need them if the other group roadies make fun of you.
edit: I forgot 3. Tubes, because I don't bother with getting better tubes. But objectively high end butyl tubes can save some weight and rolling resistance.
CF bike isn't even on my list for "huge gains" or even medium size gains from entry level aluminum to mid-level CF bike. I'd agree that some small gain might be had from upgrading entry level to mid range, but mostly from saving a few pounds.
Last edited by wphamilton; 11-20-19 at 01:20 PM.
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[QUOTE=badger1;21215360]Ooops. Double post
Last edited by 79pmooney; 11-20-19 at 02:47 PM.
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The secret to speed, both on and off the bike is quality shorts with clip-on suspenders. A bunch cheaper too, both because the same shorts are $10-15 bucks cheaper than the bib version and as they age, you do not have to deal with bib strap stretch. (When they get too stretched and thin, they just become winter shorts under tights.)
This thread is about real speed improvements on the cheap. Bibs worth having aren't.
Ben
This thread is about real speed improvements on the cheap. Bibs worth having aren't.
Ben
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That's really red! Probably at least 4 mph extra from that bike.
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20w difference between Conti gators and the gp5000.
For a slower rider 20w just cruising is mammoth.
Good fitting clothes, oh yeah.
And some yoga/stretching to allow a lower cockpit and better position. Some riders are tossing 30w in the trash riding their $5000 bike like it’s a granny dutch.
So some gp5000 tires, a trim kit, and yoga could get a slow rider probably 1-2mph in the flat on avg. If you cruise at 150w and avoid losing 50w......
For a slower rider 20w just cruising is mammoth.
Good fitting clothes, oh yeah.
And some yoga/stretching to allow a lower cockpit and better position. Some riders are tossing 30w in the trash riding their $5000 bike like it’s a granny dutch.
So some gp5000 tires, a trim kit, and yoga could get a slow rider probably 1-2mph in the flat on avg. If you cruise at 150w and avoid losing 50w......