Need suggestions to make my wife faster
11-06-19, 11:45 PM
#51
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Mrs Grouch used to chide me about competitiveness and my need to keep up with the people we were riding with. Then one day, while we were out riding, she encountered somebody she thought she could beat. Don't poke the Mama Bear!
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11-07-19, 06:05 AM
#52
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In the picture it appears that the Trek is a much longer reach than the Lightspeed. The bars are further forward and the seat is further back. That plus the tilt of the seat could really make a difference in getting comfortable. I'm figuring you are at least in your 60s and comfort is going to matter a lot.
11-07-19, 06:37 AM
#53
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Seat height
Over a 25 mile journey deep rimmed wheels might save you 20 seconds if you sit on or near 25 mph. At 15 mph there is significantly less benefit. In a strong cross-wind they will slow you down.
It sounds like she is not extending her legs as fully as she did on the old bike. A cm too low can have a significant effect. Some folks are 2 inches too low and wonder why their knees are killing them and their top speed sucks.
Too long a bike causes back ache and sore wrists that can sap your energy and rhythm.
Adjusting seat height is a simple task and a shorter stem likewise helps with too long a bike. The bike will be more twitchy to steer at first but you soon get used to it.
I'm assuming you pedals and bike shoes are unchanged.
It sounds like she is not extending her legs as fully as she did on the old bike. A cm too low can have a significant effect. Some folks are 2 inches too low and wonder why their knees are killing them and their top speed sucks.
Too long a bike causes back ache and sore wrists that can sap your energy and rhythm.
Adjusting seat height is a simple task and a shorter stem likewise helps with too long a bike. The bike will be more twitchy to steer at first but you soon get used to it.
I'm assuming you pedals and bike shoes are unchanged.
11-07-19, 07:03 AM
#54
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Muscle memory too.
After riding a bike for a long while (maybe years), your entire body gets accustomed to it. Any other "new bike" will be different and the body will need to adjust. That will take a time time, especially when a rider is of that age where change is a bit more difficult for the body.
She may also be the type of rider who really doesn't go for speed at all, not the type who will just go all out on the flats because she can.
What's her real "treat"? A custom frame, just right for her. Even less to adjust the body towards. Forget the Trek.
After riding a bike for a long while (maybe years), your entire body gets accustomed to it. Any other "new bike" will be different and the body will need to adjust. That will take a time time, especially when a rider is of that age where change is a bit more difficult for the body.
She may also be the type of rider who really doesn't go for speed at all, not the type who will just go all out on the flats because she can.
What's her real "treat"? A custom frame, just right for her. Even less to adjust the body towards. Forget the Trek.
11-07-19, 07:25 AM
#55
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I would not focus on the Trek (for now) and replace the wheelset on the Litespeed. From there, begin to record data from twenty or so of your 11-mile rides while she's on the Litespeed. That becomes your new baseline time.
Put the Litespeed on the trainer and make accurate stack and reach measurements. Note the cranklength especially. Note tire make and model. Take side and front photos of her on the bike in a comfortable position, preferably while in motion.
Now put the Trek on the trainer and make the same measurements. Note any differences. Don't change anything. Then take the time to check wheel bearing preload on both wheels. With the chain off, check the bottom bracket bearing resistance. Check pedal spindle bearing resistance. Again note the tire make and model. Note anything that might be a power drain. Take similar photos while she's in motion.
Have her ride the Trek for the 11-mile for twenty times. Compare the average time from Trek runs to the baseline Litespeed runs. How much are we really talking about now?
Go back to your notes on the Trek setup, as well as the photo comparison. Are there any things you might swap or adjust?
Put the Litespeed on the trainer and make accurate stack and reach measurements. Note the cranklength especially. Note tire make and model. Take side and front photos of her on the bike in a comfortable position, preferably while in motion.
Now put the Trek on the trainer and make the same measurements. Note any differences. Don't change anything. Then take the time to check wheel bearing preload on both wheels. With the chain off, check the bottom bracket bearing resistance. Check pedal spindle bearing resistance. Again note the tire make and model. Note anything that might be a power drain. Take similar photos while she's in motion.
Have her ride the Trek for the 11-mile for twenty times. Compare the average time from Trek runs to the baseline Litespeed runs. How much are we really talking about now?
Go back to your notes on the Trek setup, as well as the photo comparison. Are there any things you might swap or adjust?
11-10-19, 02:02 AM
#56
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My friend struggled on his spouse rides for about 5 years. Finally he purchased her an eBike and the rest is history. He now is challenged to keep up with her. For them, it's a win/win. She gets to enjoy riding and he gets to enjoy his rides while getting a workout!
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11-10-19, 05:41 PM
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I'll add this, less than half an inch more seatpost caused me hip pain and probably a 1mph average. I lowered my seatpost back, pain went away, and the speed went back up.
11-10-19, 11:26 PM
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I was on my second bike today. I felt like I was flying. I looked down at my Garmin and realized I was only doing a whopping 14 MPH! 
It don't mean a thing if you don't got that Garmeen!
It don't mean a thing if you don't got that Garmeen!
11-17-19, 10:37 AM
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Just act as if you are being 'lovey-dovey' and put your hand on her lower back while you pedal. You can get a better workout for yourself and both of you will go faster! If you do this in the most subtle way she won't even realize you are assisting! When traffic dictates you drop back single file then repeat as needed.
11-25-19, 07:18 PM
#60
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I don't think Vuelta Corsas are particularly great wheels. If you're going to replace your wife's, aim higher. Are you sure the brakes aren't rubbing? I wouldn't expect aero to be a huge factor at 13-15 mph but bearings and brakes might be.
If you really want to speed her up, a Copenhagen Wheel would do the trick.
If you really want to speed her up, a Copenhagen Wheel would do the trick.
12-05-19, 08:34 AM
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I don't think Vuelta Corsas are particularly great wheels. If you're going to replace your wife's, aim higher. Are you sure the brakes aren't rubbing? I wouldn't expect aero to be a huge factor at 13-15 mph but bearings and brakes might be.
If you really want to speed her up, a Copenhagen Wheel would do the trick.
If you really want to speed her up, a Copenhagen Wheel would do the trick.
I know we're just making suggestions (per OP's request) but mine based on the limited information is look at the tires and the body position.
12-05-19, 10:15 AM
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Have you considered buying her a Peloton for Christmas? 😊
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12-05-19, 10:30 AM
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12-05-19, 12:08 PM
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12-05-19, 07:20 PM
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12-09-19, 03:50 PM
#69
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When my wife turned 60, I noticed she was slowing down, too. I solved the problem by trading her in for two 30-year-olds.
(Just kidding, of course. This thread needed some levity that doesn't target the OP.)
(Just kidding, of course. This thread needed some levity that doesn't target the OP.)
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12-10-19, 11:20 AM
#71
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If it's safe, try swapping the wheels for one ride.
12-13-19, 03:53 PM
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Get a nice tandem.
