Just asking what makes Super Bikes so Super?
02-06-20, 02:49 PM
#1
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Just asking what makes Super Bikes so Super?
Hi, group it's been a while since I've posted anything on here and during that time a lot has changed with my interest in the cycling world. When I first joined, I was a newbie just beginning my journey into road cycling and knew very little to nothing about real "Roadie" cycling. I quickly became somewhat educated throughout my progression into this crazy world of cycling.
I started out with a 1990's Cannondale MTB which I converted to a hybrid to do a 5 or so mile ride 2-4 times weekly. Then I upgraded to a 2012 Specialized Allez Comp with Sram Apexs components. I started pushing my rides to a 10-15 mile runs for 3-5 days a week. I again upgraded to a like new condition 2016 Specialized Roubaix with 105 Shimano’s, Cosmic carbon fiber rims (super lightweight) Continental 4 seasons tires, cateye computer system, specialized clipless shoes, look pedals, Specialized power seat. I purchased a Giro helmet as well as the full cycling jersey! I think my wife's is going to exploded if I don't find a new "cheaper" hobby lol.
I had read here where this starts out as a hobby, then move into a passion finally stopping as an obsession and oh, how true this is. I now try and ride 20 miles daily for 4-5 days and 40 to 60 mile runs on the weekend in attempts to one day do a century ride. I've started monitoring my cadence more than my mph trying to maintain an 80-rpm average which has boosted not only my rides but has help my physical stamina considerably. I will say my new to me Specialized Roubaix with the 105's has been the best cycling machine I've had the pleasure of riding. I know it has a ton more to give I just must get to its level of performance.
I got to ask what make a super bike a super bike? Are the Pinarello's and other higher end super bikes that much better? I understand the lighter carbon composite frames, but the components are basically the same such as 105, Ultegra, Etap's, Di2 ect. so why the huge difference in cost?? Is it just name or status or does it have something to do with actual performance? Don't get me wrong at this point I have NO reason to replace my Roubaix and when that time comes, I'll more than likely keep it and just purchase a new one because that's how pleased I am of it.
I'm mainly curious and looking for more insight on what makes theses super bikes so super?? Just asking, safe riding! Please forgive any grammar issues
New to me Specialized Roubaix
I started out with a 1990's Cannondale MTB which I converted to a hybrid to do a 5 or so mile ride 2-4 times weekly. Then I upgraded to a 2012 Specialized Allez Comp with Sram Apexs components. I started pushing my rides to a 10-15 mile runs for 3-5 days a week. I again upgraded to a like new condition 2016 Specialized Roubaix with 105 Shimano’s, Cosmic carbon fiber rims (super lightweight) Continental 4 seasons tires, cateye computer system, specialized clipless shoes, look pedals, Specialized power seat. I purchased a Giro helmet as well as the full cycling jersey! I think my wife's is going to exploded if I don't find a new "cheaper" hobby lol.
I had read here where this starts out as a hobby, then move into a passion finally stopping as an obsession and oh, how true this is. I now try and ride 20 miles daily for 4-5 days and 40 to 60 mile runs on the weekend in attempts to one day do a century ride. I've started monitoring my cadence more than my mph trying to maintain an 80-rpm average which has boosted not only my rides but has help my physical stamina considerably. I will say my new to me Specialized Roubaix with the 105's has been the best cycling machine I've had the pleasure of riding. I know it has a ton more to give I just must get to its level of performance.
I got to ask what make a super bike a super bike? Are the Pinarello's and other higher end super bikes that much better? I understand the lighter carbon composite frames, but the components are basically the same such as 105, Ultegra, Etap's, Di2 ect. so why the huge difference in cost?? Is it just name or status or does it have something to do with actual performance? Don't get me wrong at this point I have NO reason to replace my Roubaix and when that time comes, I'll more than likely keep it and just purchase a new one because that's how pleased I am of it.
I'm mainly curious and looking for more insight on what makes theses super bikes so super?? Just asking, safe riding! Please forgive any grammar issues
New to me Specialized Roubaix
Last edited by TinyTm; 02-07-20 at 05:25 AM.
02-06-20, 02:57 PM
#2
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I think we all have our opinion what a super bike is so this should be a fun one!!
02-06-20, 03:13 PM
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Sure didn't have that Allez long.
02-06-20, 03:26 PM
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The whole idea of a super bike is a bit silly to me. You see it in print all the time, "a whizz bang ultralight carbon fibre frame rocket ship super bike," or something like that. I'm not having a go at you, OP, it's journalists in more mainstream publications writing about cycling that love to pull that one out. To me it smacks of ignorance of bicycles, but also of engineering.
Some smart guy in the cycling industry once said "think light, cheap and durable. Now choose two." It's as simple as that. To achieve lightweight components durable enough to stand up to the forces they are subjected to by heavy and/or very strong riders requires money. Lots of it.
So what makes them super? Being simultaneously light and strong.
Some smart guy in the cycling industry once said "think light, cheap and durable. Now choose two." It's as simple as that. To achieve lightweight components durable enough to stand up to the forces they are subjected to by heavy and/or very strong riders requires money. Lots of it.
So what makes them super? Being simultaneously light and strong.
Last edited by PDKL45; 02-06-20 at 03:29 PM.
02-06-20, 03:30 PM
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I think there's a difference between a Super Bike and a super bike. The former is exotically sexy and expensive, and the latter is one that puts a smile on my face, year after year. For example, this one is 17 years old this month, but is still a super bike to me:
02-06-20, 03:42 PM
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02-06-20, 03:49 PM
#7
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$$$$$
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02-06-20, 03:52 PM
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02-06-20, 04:47 PM
#9
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I agree with your sentiment, but I’ll play the devil’s advocate.
A lighter, stiffer bike accelerates better. There’s a more direct relationship between your foot speed and your wheel speed, the bike doesn’t take as much energy to throw around, and you actually accelerate faster. This is pretty well accepted. How many of us are regularly throwing down 800W surges and 1400W sprints? Not many of us, so if you don’t ride like that, this hardly matters to you.
Compliance is a real benefit. My bike has 0 compliance and long rides on bumpy surfaces are a chore. I could actually feel the difference in compliance between my shallow alloy rims and my deep carbon rims. I thought I was crazy, but bumps feel a lot less “square” with the alloy rims.
Aero is a real benefit if you care about going fast. Races average more than 23mph even in the Novice category. Even having to close a 1 second gap can take a serious toll if the group is hauling. The difference between a $1000 bike and a $12,000 bike may be very, very small aerodynamically, but if you have the cash and want the speed, it’s there.
In the end, the only reason these bikes are so expensive is because people are willing to pay for them. There are more gains to be made from a) buying a bike that suits your needs better, b) selecting gearing that is appropriate for you instead of pros, c) using fast tires and d) getting your bike and shoe fit just right. But really, the biggest possible advantage is having a bike that you *want* to ride because you will make more time to ride. Someone who rides 4 times a week, and buries themselves regularly will be faster than someone who rides 0-2 times a week and only noodles around because their bike doesn’t goad them into smashing.
A lighter, stiffer bike accelerates better. There’s a more direct relationship between your foot speed and your wheel speed, the bike doesn’t take as much energy to throw around, and you actually accelerate faster. This is pretty well accepted. How many of us are regularly throwing down 800W surges and 1400W sprints? Not many of us, so if you don’t ride like that, this hardly matters to you.
Compliance is a real benefit. My bike has 0 compliance and long rides on bumpy surfaces are a chore. I could actually feel the difference in compliance between my shallow alloy rims and my deep carbon rims. I thought I was crazy, but bumps feel a lot less “square” with the alloy rims.
Aero is a real benefit if you care about going fast. Races average more than 23mph even in the Novice category. Even having to close a 1 second gap can take a serious toll if the group is hauling. The difference between a $1000 bike and a $12,000 bike may be very, very small aerodynamically, but if you have the cash and want the speed, it’s there.
In the end, the only reason these bikes are so expensive is because people are willing to pay for them. There are more gains to be made from a) buying a bike that suits your needs better, b) selecting gearing that is appropriate for you instead of pros, c) using fast tires and d) getting your bike and shoe fit just right. But really, the biggest possible advantage is having a bike that you *want* to ride because you will make more time to ride. Someone who rides 4 times a week, and buries themselves regularly will be faster than someone who rides 0-2 times a week and only noodles around because their bike doesn’t goad them into smashing.
Last edited by smashndash; 02-06-20 at 04:53 PM.
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02-06-20, 04:53 PM
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Cost determines a superbike. If it's over $10000, it's a superbike. If it's $9,999.99, it's just a really expensive bike. So if you're going to spend $9k on a bike, might as well spend $10k, and get a superbike.
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02-06-20, 05:08 PM
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It's the engine
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02-06-20, 05:16 PM
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You've got yourself a nice bike so my advice would be to stop thinking about the next purchase and go ride.
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02-06-20, 05:39 PM
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Superbike is a racing discipline using heavily modified versions of commercially available motorcycles. It slots between Supersport racing and Grand Prix racing.
02-06-20, 05:47 PM
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The latest expensive bike that marketing tells you "You just gotta have it!", and you agree.
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02-06-20, 06:28 PM
#16
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I agree with your sentiment, but I’ll play the devil’s advocate.
A lighter, stiffer bike accelerates better. There’s a more direct relationship between your foot speed and your wheel speed, the bike doesn’t take as much energy to throw around, and you actually accelerate faster. This is pretty well accepted. How many of us are regularly throwing down 800W surges and 1400W sprints? Not many of us, so if you don’t ride like that, this hardly matters to you.
Compliance is a real benefit. My bike has 0 compliance and long rides on bumpy surfaces are a chore. I could actually feel the difference in compliance between my shallow alloy rims and my deep carbon rims. I thought I was crazy, but bumps feel a lot less “square” with the alloy rims.
Aero is a real benefit if you care about going fast. Races average more than 23mph even in the Novice category. Even having to close a 1 second gap can take a serious toll if the group is hauling. The difference between a $1000 bike and a $12,000 bike may be very, very small aerodynamically, but if you have the cash and want the speed, it’s there.
In the end, the only reason these bikes are so expensive is because people are willing to pay for them. There are more gains to be made from a) buying a bike that suits your needs better, b) selecting gearing that is appropriate for you instead of pros, c) using fast tires and d) getting your bike and shoe fit just right. But really, the biggest possible advantage is having a bike that you *want* to ride because you will make more time to ride. Someone who rides 4 times a week, and buries themselves regularly will be faster than someone who rides 0-2 times a week and only noodles around because their bike doesn’t goad them into smashing.
A lighter, stiffer bike accelerates better. There’s a more direct relationship between your foot speed and your wheel speed, the bike doesn’t take as much energy to throw around, and you actually accelerate faster. This is pretty well accepted. How many of us are regularly throwing down 800W surges and 1400W sprints? Not many of us, so if you don’t ride like that, this hardly matters to you.
Compliance is a real benefit. My bike has 0 compliance and long rides on bumpy surfaces are a chore. I could actually feel the difference in compliance between my shallow alloy rims and my deep carbon rims. I thought I was crazy, but bumps feel a lot less “square” with the alloy rims.
Aero is a real benefit if you care about going fast. Races average more than 23mph even in the Novice category. Even having to close a 1 second gap can take a serious toll if the group is hauling. The difference between a $1000 bike and a $12,000 bike may be very, very small aerodynamically, but if you have the cash and want the speed, it’s there.
In the end, the only reason these bikes are so expensive is because people are willing to pay for them. There are more gains to be made from a) buying a bike that suits your needs better, b) selecting gearing that is appropriate for you instead of pros, c) using fast tires and d) getting your bike and shoe fit just right. But really, the biggest possible advantage is having a bike that you *want* to ride because you will make more time to ride. Someone who rides 4 times a week, and buries themselves regularly will be faster than someone who rides 0-2 times a week and only noodles around because their bike doesn’t goad them into smashing.
02-06-20, 06:41 PM
#17
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Not for nothing but I stopped reading after the 2nd sentence.
The “Wall of Words” problem.
You ever hear of a thing called the “Paragraph” ?
The “Wall of Words” problem.
You ever hear of a thing called the “Paragraph” ?
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02-06-20, 07:00 PM
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You don’t need a more expensive bike.
What you need is more bikes.
What you need is more bikes.
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02-06-20, 07:15 PM
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It’s got to be red.
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02-06-20, 07:18 PM
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02-06-20, 07:22 PM
#23
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I have 4 super bikes. Because I say so.
02-06-20, 07:22 PM
#24
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No worries you can move on to the next thread. Ride safe! mlkwdnm'ovbmao'dvma'dl vmad'lfkvm'ldsakfml'skfamvl'dfskmvlksmvla'kmvs'lakvmas'lkvms'lafkdzvsaf'ldkvfsl'dkmvsa'lkmvsa'lkvm'l kfvmas'lkvmsf'lakvms'alkvms'ALVMSA'LDFKMLKVMLDKFNB FKJDA;NVLKSANMVLK'MV'SDLMKVFKMDA'KLNMB'LKMNknmvlkadfnblfdkabnmlkdfamblkadbmfkldambldkfamba'ldkmbfkle abmlkdafmba'dlkfbvkdbvmbvlkda'mvbdksabvMVS'lfkmvsLKMVFLMKVFK'LAMBA'LFDKBMFD'LAKBMFDLKMABVLKFDNMlkdmb klgfmbklsmngggblkmlfkmbglkmsd;lamvmdlkmfblkdbmfgmbl;fdkgpodlkmgvb;lxmb;xbLOLLOLLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!
02-06-20, 07:30 PM
#25
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The NAME..... "SUPER..."
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