Help, upgrade needed to beat my nephew in 20 mile dash
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Help, upgrade needed to beat my nephew in 20 mile dash
Over the last year, I've been racing my nephew on a weekly basis over 15-20 mile dashes. We ride mainly on flat paved greenways - mostly Silver Comet for those in Georgia. Well, the kid finally beat me a few weeks ago and now I just can't seem to keep up! However, I'm prepared to spend up to $1k to buy me another 6 months of competitive racing/trash talking with him - yeah pathetic, but nevertheless enjoyable.
I'm currently riding a Cannondale Supersix Rival with Ksyrium Elite wheels. Would any of the below listed bikes gain me some time over a flat 15- 20 mile course:
CAAD10 Rival or Ultegra: I briefly road a CAAD10 ultegra which seemed snappier, but was slightly too big for me.
Giant TCR advanced: How are the older TCR Advanced bikes - eg the original Advanced SL (I think 2009, 2010) compared to the more recent (2013, 2014) TCR advanced 2 models (105 equipped)?
Specialized Smartweld Allez or late 2000's Tarmac:
I've seen all these bikes (mostly older models) sell used for about $1k. How do the slightly older higher end models (eg the Giant Advanced SL or Tarmac SL circa 2009) compare to the the more recent lower to mid end models? Has technology improved so quickly that I should focus more on the latter? Any other budget "fast" bikes that I should consider - people seem to love the Argon 18's, but they're tough to find used and in my price range.
I'm currently riding a Cannondale Supersix Rival with Ksyrium Elite wheels. Would any of the below listed bikes gain me some time over a flat 15- 20 mile course:
CAAD10 Rival or Ultegra: I briefly road a CAAD10 ultegra which seemed snappier, but was slightly too big for me.
Giant TCR advanced: How are the older TCR Advanced bikes - eg the original Advanced SL (I think 2009, 2010) compared to the more recent (2013, 2014) TCR advanced 2 models (105 equipped)?
Specialized Smartweld Allez or late 2000's Tarmac:
I've seen all these bikes (mostly older models) sell used for about $1k. How do the slightly older higher end models (eg the Giant Advanced SL or Tarmac SL circa 2009) compare to the the more recent lower to mid end models? Has technology improved so quickly that I should focus more on the latter? Any other budget "fast" bikes that I should consider - people seem to love the Argon 18's, but they're tough to find used and in my price range.
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The bike is not your problem.
Figure out how to get lower (more aero), lose some weight and train to get more power.
Make sure all your clothes are tight, i.e. nothing flapping. Get some decent tires as well and use latex tubes.
Figure out how to get lower (more aero), lose some weight and train to get more power.
Make sure all your clothes are tight, i.e. nothing flapping. Get some decent tires as well and use latex tubes.
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Two options:
1) ride more, to increase your strength and speed
2) tighten your nephew's brake cables so the pads drag on the rim
1) ride more, to increase your strength and speed
2) tighten your nephew's brake cables so the pads drag on the rim
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$1k worth of coaching.
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You might gain a slight edge by changing out your wheels and tires for the lowest rolling resistance tires you an find, and slightly lighter and more aero wheels (assuming wind isn't the problem).
But, I'm assuming your nephew is in his late teens... and you aren't.
You may be able to turn the tables on the next race, but he's probably more motivated... and any advantage won't last long.
How do the two of you fare on hills? Perhaps add a mountain into he middle of your course, and see how the two of you do.
Are you actually training for these rides? How much riding do you do? The only way to really keep up will be to go out and pound the pavement hard, 3 or 4, or more days a week. Add in a few longer rides. 50+ miles?
But, I'm assuming your nephew is in his late teens... and you aren't.
You may be able to turn the tables on the next race, but he's probably more motivated... and any advantage won't last long.
How do the two of you fare on hills? Perhaps add a mountain into he middle of your course, and see how the two of you do.
Are you actually training for these rides? How much riding do you do? The only way to really keep up will be to go out and pound the pavement hard, 3 or 4, or more days a week. Add in a few longer rides. 50+ miles?
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Take the $1,000. Buy ticket to Brazil. Travel up the Amazon. Find fountain of youth. Drink deeply. Return to GA. Kick the whippersnapper's a**.
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So the consensus seems to be increased training or sabotage. I'm actually in fairly decent shape and spend a good deal of time mountain biking. Maybe I'll increase my road reps.
Nephew has just turned 17, while I'm in my mid 40's...so I knew the day was coming. I gotta admit, he is legit fast though.
Not to beat a dead horse, but how would a 2009 Giant Advanced SL (Ultegra) or 2013 Advanced 2 stack up against my 2011 Supersix Rival? I already have decent wheels and highly rated tires (GP 4000). In addition, I'm kinda looking forward to moving on from the Supersix.
Nephew has just turned 17, while I'm in my mid 40's...so I knew the day was coming. I gotta admit, he is legit fast though.
Not to beat a dead horse, but how would a 2009 Giant Advanced SL (Ultegra) or 2013 Advanced 2 stack up against my 2011 Supersix Rival? I already have decent wheels and highly rated tires (GP 4000). In addition, I'm kinda looking forward to moving on from the Supersix.
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Since Silver Comet is mostly flat and you have decent wheels already, how about an aero bike? What don't you like about the Super Six?
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Nothing wrong with the Supersix. However, the CAAD10 just felt much racier to me - maybe just in my head. I've also read a few threads that lead me to believe the Giant TCR is more of a race bike than the Supersix. Not looking for a tri bike, but the Cervelo S2's, which some consider Aero, are on my radar.
#17
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Ah ha, the truth comes out!
Dude, you don't need a *reason* to get a new bike. And I'm gonna assume that you already know that an arbitrary amount of "$1k" isn't gonna get you much of anything. Just pry the Amex from your wallet & go to a bike shop already.
Dude, you don't need a *reason* to get a new bike. And I'm gonna assume that you already know that an arbitrary amount of "$1k" isn't gonna get you much of anything. Just pry the Amex from your wallet & go to a bike shop already.
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I thought a fellow Georgian would be more understanding.
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I like. Maybe I'll start a "go fund me" to beat my nephew. I'm sure dads and uncles all over the world would contribute - especially if you met my nephew!
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Oh,
Post a photo of your Cannondale Supersix.
What is the handlebar position? Spacers? Stem angle?
Lowering the handlebars to the lowest possible level could potentially do more for you than a whole new bike.
Think Aero positioning of your body.
How are your gears? Topping out on the high end?
A speedometer can be handy for training and pacing yourself. Cadence? Power? Heart Rate?
How is your "race" held? In particular with drafting? Hold the pocket behind your nephew for the whole race, and then all you need to do is out sprint your nephew on the last few hundred yards. Of course, he'll figure that one out quickly (if he hasn't already).
Post a photo of your Cannondale Supersix.
What is the handlebar position? Spacers? Stem angle?
Lowering the handlebars to the lowest possible level could potentially do more for you than a whole new bike.
Think Aero positioning of your body.
How are your gears? Topping out on the high end?
A speedometer can be handy for training and pacing yourself. Cadence? Power? Heart Rate?
How is your "race" held? In particular with drafting? Hold the pocket behind your nephew for the whole race, and then all you need to do is out sprint your nephew on the last few hundred yards. Of course, he'll figure that one out quickly (if he hasn't already).
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If you really want another bike, have at it. Just don't be surprised if you still can't beat him.
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Repeats: close fitting cycling kit; aero position; latex tubes; aero helmet. Clean the drive chain. Periodized, graduated training plan for TT-style effort, coached if possible. After that, deeper, aero wheels. After that, aero bike.
You have the tires already.
You have the tires already.
#25
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How fast are you guys going? If its flat and you are going 22-25mph, the aero stuff will help. For a while until the 17 gets pissed and decides to show you who's boss.