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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

Old 02-18-17, 12:25 PM
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Morghulis
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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.
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Old 02-18-17, 12:52 PM
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You don't need a new bike boss, just change your training pattern.
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Old 02-18-17, 12:54 PM
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Jamis Xenith T Bike 2013 > Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA
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Old 02-18-17, 12:59 PM
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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.
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Old 02-18-17, 01:02 PM
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Drugs
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Old 02-18-17, 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by redfooj
Drugs
lol, not ruling it out though.

Don't want a tri bike. I'm really just interested if an equipment change would gain me some ticks?
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Old 02-18-17, 01:05 PM
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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
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Old 02-18-17, 01:08 PM
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$1k worth of coaching.
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Old 02-18-17, 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Morghulis
I'm really just interested if an equipment change would gain me some ticks?
Some? Maybe. Enough? No.
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Old 02-18-17, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
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
Thought about #2. Just between you me, his wheels have been slightly out of true for the last few months.
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Old 02-18-17, 01:20 PM
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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?
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Old 02-18-17, 01:30 PM
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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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Old 02-18-17, 01:42 PM
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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.
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Old 02-18-17, 01:54 PM
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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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Old 02-18-17, 02:05 PM
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Assuming your body position is the same, the difference will be minimal. It's mostly about the motor.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by king_solom0n
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?
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.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Morghulis
I'm kinda looking forward to moving on from the Supersix.
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.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:14 PM
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I'd probably prefer the supersix to the caad10.

I'd also probably buy a used aero wheelset.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Succhia Ruota
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.
I thought a fellow Georgian would be more understanding.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:21 PM
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Canyon Ultimate CF EVO weighs less than 11 pounds | Road Bike News, Reviews, and Photos

11 Pounds
For a mere $14,000



If that isn't enough, get an Femke Special electric motor
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Old 02-18-17, 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
[Canyon Ultimate CF EVO weighs less than 11 pounds | Road Bike News, Reviews, and Photos[/URL]

11 Pounds
For a mere $14,000



If that isn't enough, get an Femke Special electric motor

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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Old 02-18-17, 02:31 PM
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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).
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Old 02-18-17, 02:31 PM
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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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Old 02-18-17, 02:48 PM
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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.
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Old 02-18-17, 02:56 PM
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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.
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