How to make an RC Interceptor 19 faster?
#26
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
Yes, this is a serious question. I don't mean to be rude, but is this question that strange, just because the bicycle is somewhat high-end? To me it seems like nothing on my bicycle is optimal, it could be lighter, it could be more aerodynamic (at the same time!), it could have dura-ace instead of ultegra, furthermore the compliance is horrible on my bicycle, just to mention a few things.
Yeah it is a decent bicycle, but it stops right there. A really high-end bicycle like a Madone SLR 9 is much more expensive and features much better ... everything.
While I appreciate all the replies I've gotten so far, it seems that the general consensus here is that it is pointless to buy something like a Madone SLR 9. Considering how little bang for buck you appear to get --- a gain measured in a few seconds at best --- I must say I'm inclined to agree.
All of that said, your advice seems very good, because the tires don't exactly appear to be good ones. Thank you.
So perhaps I should look into tires and clip-in pedals, and lowering the bars?
Beyond this, I suspect there is a much higher diminishing returns. Does that seem somewhat accurate?
Yeah it is a decent bicycle, but it stops right there. A really high-end bicycle like a Madone SLR 9 is much more expensive and features much better ... everything.
While I appreciate all the replies I've gotten so far, it seems that the general consensus here is that it is pointless to buy something like a Madone SLR 9. Considering how little bang for buck you appear to get --- a gain measured in a few seconds at best --- I must say I'm inclined to agree.
All of that said, your advice seems very good, because the tires don't exactly appear to be good ones. Thank you.
So perhaps I should look into tires and clip-in pedals, and lowering the bars?
Beyond this, I suspect there is a much higher diminishing returns. Does that seem somewhat accurate?
SO make sure your equipment is working at its peak - keep your hubs (which I believe are cup-and-cone and not sealed cartridge bearings) lubricated and properly adjusted. Buy better tires* and keep them inflated to a pressure that prevents pinch flats but doesn't bounce you out of the saddle over rough pavement..
*Tires: There is likely some improvement to be found there, but a fun game I like to play is to only buy new tires when my current ones are worn out. I treat it as buying myself a reward for riding so much I wore out my tires (the rear one, anyway). My favourite tires are Panaracer Paselas - they have a very lightweight casing that rolls super fast, are available in every size under the sun, and are affordable. But everyone has their favourites and say they are the best. The more you ride over the years the more types of tires you will get to try.
Other free speed: ensure your bike fit is optimised for your body - there are a lot of suggestions above that you lower ('slam') your stem, but if this puts you in a position that makes your back or neck hurt, or you have a belly that compresses your lungs when in a low aero position, then you will not be able to put out as much power. If your saddle is too low then your body will be working ~10% harder to put the same power to the pedals as with a properly adjusted saddle.
Also wear tight fitting clothes - all the slammed stems and deep dish wheels in the world won't make up for a loose windbreaker flapping in the wind.
If you are carrying luggage, get an aerodynamic or seatpost mounted rack - do not wear a backpack or use side-mount panniers.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,893
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
Ride with other people who are at or slightly above your level of ability. I'm nowhere close to being competitive on any bike, but I know that I make a better effort when I'm riding with others.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
Taking the question literally look into high performance tires, latex tubes, or better yet change to tubeless. In that case, needing a new wheelset, look at deep section aero rims. Gains will be marginal.