Gaining 4mph Without Fitness
#151
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
Yeah, the stock wheels on my Domane are heavy, too. I think that they ones he (the poster that you quoted) was referring to are actually aluminum wheels with carbon fairings; they're standard on a few of their bikes and I don't imaging that they're terribly light.
#152
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,860
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6950 Post(s)
Liked 10,958 Times
in
4,685 Posts
I just turn on the Strava app while driving my car. Now I'm super-fast.
#154
Member
#155
Senior Member
Awesome idea. I am all in on that. I just happen to have several million just laying around. Oh, wait, you're kidding, right?
#156
Sprockets away!
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Sidney, BC, Canada
Posts: 83
Bikes: 2021 Prior Prime 105 Disc, 2015 Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc, 1996 Brodie Quantum, 1984 Norco Monterey (SRAM automatix two-speed), 198x Cramerotti Campagnolo Chorus (restored)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Liked 15 Times
in
12 Posts
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
#159
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I see a lot of people asking how to make their bike faster and everyone’s response is always “get more fit” or “be more aero.” That’s great and all, but my fitness hasn’t changed much but I’m 4mph faster on average. How? Hint: It will take $ but can be done.
Background: Got into road cycling 3 years ago for a charity ride, bought a cheap aluminum Motobecane junker with aluminum spd pedals. Felt like it weighed 30 pounds. Averaged 15mph on a good day and 16mph if I really pushed it.
After my wife finished several minutes ahead of me on her ultralight S-Works I decided that would never happen again.
Step 1: Get a carbon bike. Any carbon bike will add 1mph simply because it is lighter and has better power transfer.
So you can gain ~1mph just by getting any carbon bike.
Step 2. Don’t get just any carbon bike. Get a NICE carbon bike. Lightweight. Aero. Great components. Carbon wheels. These will run you $5-10k. I got the Canyon Endurace SLX 9 with SRAM Red eTap. Definitely wasn’t cheap, but added another 1mph because of further weight reduction and better components.
So far I’ve added ~2mph simply by spending money. This is a much better solution than getting fit.
Step 3: Replace anything that isn’t carbon with carbon. This includes seatpost, stem, bar, saddle, cranks and pedals. I only had to change a few things as the Canyon was already set up pretty well. I got the Specialized Power Pro carbon saddle with titanium rails (Canyon setup wouldn’t take larger carbon rails), carbon cages, and Dura Ace pedals. Again, the carbon not only reduces weight but also reduces vibration and increases rider comfort and power transfer.
Step 4: Get lightweight carbon shoes with SPD-SL red clips (0 degrees of motion) that fit correctly and have them set up professionally to ensure maximum power transfer (carbon on carbon) and no knee injuries.
Steps 3 and 4 added about 0.5mph.
Step 5: Get a complete proper fitting. You may want to do this before buying new bars, stem, etc. I had to get a new Canyon aerobar to fit me properly. Also make sure you have the right saddle width. The right setup will increase your power transfer and reduce injury.
Step 6: Improve your technique (independent of fitness). Get a power meter, cadence meter and speed meter and integrate with Garmin Edge. Read articles about technique and use these tools to improve.
Steps 5 and 6 add another 0.5mph. We’re now at a 3mph improvement.
Step 7: Get fast tires. Specifically, focus on rolling resistance but also factor in puncture resistance so that you have confidence at speed. Tubes or tubeless, your choice. I like tubes and run 50g Conti butyl tubes with Conti 5000 tires. Can’t go wrong. The Specialized Cotton Turbo is also a good choice. Go wide (25-28) and keep at the ideal psi (plenty of articles out there based on your tire).
Step 8: Adjust your brake levers. You’ll have a lot more confidence during high-speed descents if the levers are at your fingertips. If you can’t figure it out take it to your LBS.
Step 9: Keep your bike clean, especially the chain and gears. Plenty of good stuff out there, I like Park Tool’s cleaner. Clean chains = fast bike.
Step 10: Get aero. Wind resistance is your biggest enemy at speed. In addition to getting an aero bike, get form-fitting jerseys and shorts (I’m a huge fan of Pearl Pros), a light aero helmet, aero gloves, and socks. Learn to get in an aero position during sprints/descents. If you really want to get crazy and shave your body, go for it. Get rid of that bulky seat post bag and only carry what you need. I use Specialized’s integrated SWAT Road Bandit tube holder. Saves weight and lost energy through things jostling. Get light bottles and only carry them if you need them.
Boom, there you have it. Those last items add 1mph for a total gain of 4mph. I was averaging 19mph easy and 20mph when I really got after it. And that is solo. Plus, it made me love riding so much that I’ve also improved fitness and have added an extra 1-2mph. Now I blow by the clowns in the peloton with their dumb time trial bikes and helmets and matching jerseys. Yeah, my endurance bike just spit gravel in your face. My wife won’t even ride with me anymore because I’m miles ahead in a matter of minutes.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
Background: Got into road cycling 3 years ago for a charity ride, bought a cheap aluminum Motobecane junker with aluminum spd pedals. Felt like it weighed 30 pounds. Averaged 15mph on a good day and 16mph if I really pushed it.
After my wife finished several minutes ahead of me on her ultralight S-Works I decided that would never happen again.
Step 1: Get a carbon bike. Any carbon bike will add 1mph simply because it is lighter and has better power transfer.
So you can gain ~1mph just by getting any carbon bike.
Step 2. Don’t get just any carbon bike. Get a NICE carbon bike. Lightweight. Aero. Great components. Carbon wheels. These will run you $5-10k. I got the Canyon Endurace SLX 9 with SRAM Red eTap. Definitely wasn’t cheap, but added another 1mph because of further weight reduction and better components.
So far I’ve added ~2mph simply by spending money. This is a much better solution than getting fit.
Step 3: Replace anything that isn’t carbon with carbon. This includes seatpost, stem, bar, saddle, cranks and pedals. I only had to change a few things as the Canyon was already set up pretty well. I got the Specialized Power Pro carbon saddle with titanium rails (Canyon setup wouldn’t take larger carbon rails), carbon cages, and Dura Ace pedals. Again, the carbon not only reduces weight but also reduces vibration and increases rider comfort and power transfer.
Step 4: Get lightweight carbon shoes with SPD-SL red clips (0 degrees of motion) that fit correctly and have them set up professionally to ensure maximum power transfer (carbon on carbon) and no knee injuries.
Steps 3 and 4 added about 0.5mph.
Step 5: Get a complete proper fitting. You may want to do this before buying new bars, stem, etc. I had to get a new Canyon aerobar to fit me properly. Also make sure you have the right saddle width. The right setup will increase your power transfer and reduce injury.
Step 6: Improve your technique (independent of fitness). Get a power meter, cadence meter and speed meter and integrate with Garmin Edge. Read articles about technique and use these tools to improve.
Steps 5 and 6 add another 0.5mph. We’re now at a 3mph improvement.
Step 7: Get fast tires. Specifically, focus on rolling resistance but also factor in puncture resistance so that you have confidence at speed. Tubes or tubeless, your choice. I like tubes and run 50g Conti butyl tubes with Conti 5000 tires. Can’t go wrong. The Specialized Cotton Turbo is also a good choice. Go wide (25-28) and keep at the ideal psi (plenty of articles out there based on your tire).
Step 8: Adjust your brake levers. You’ll have a lot more confidence during high-speed descents if the levers are at your fingertips. If you can’t figure it out take it to your LBS.
Step 9: Keep your bike clean, especially the chain and gears. Plenty of good stuff out there, I like Park Tool’s cleaner. Clean chains = fast bike.
Step 10: Get aero. Wind resistance is your biggest enemy at speed. In addition to getting an aero bike, get form-fitting jerseys and shorts (I’m a huge fan of Pearl Pros), a light aero helmet, aero gloves, and socks. Learn to get in an aero position during sprints/descents. If you really want to get crazy and shave your body, go for it. Get rid of that bulky seat post bag and only carry what you need. I use Specialized’s integrated SWAT Road Bandit tube holder. Saves weight and lost energy through things jostling. Get light bottles and only carry them if you need them.
Boom, there you have it. Those last items add 1mph for a total gain of 4mph. I was averaging 19mph easy and 20mph when I really got after it. And that is solo. Plus, it made me love riding so much that I’ve also improved fitness and have added an extra 1-2mph. Now I blow by the clowns in the peloton with their dumb time trial bikes and helmets and matching jerseys. Yeah, my endurance bike just spit gravel in your face. My wife won’t even ride with me anymore because I’m miles ahead in a matter of minutes.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
This is how you get faster
#161
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think this was forgotten:
x) Ride in a Peloton (
Other than that, it's mostly your body's condition, especially VO2.
It would be more useful to practice swimming under water on one breath than making the bike any lighter.
x) Ride in a Peloton (
Other than that, it's mostly your body's condition, especially VO2.
It would be more useful to practice swimming under water on one breath than making the bike any lighter.
#162
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 358
Bikes: Devinci Millenium, Gary Fisher Joshua
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 73 Post(s)
Liked 29 Times
in
13 Posts
Thanks, interesting info. You have broken everything down and arrived at facts. Very cool!
I bought a mid high range bike, Devinci Millenium, in 2000 after years of low to midrange bikes. I love that bike. Nice gear on it. After all of these years and only once into the shop for a refit 2015, the shifters etc all work perfect with virtually no fiddling even before I got it serviced. It didn't really need service as I do my own work, but decided to spend a few bucks to have it done at Mountain Equipment Co-op, Vancouver and they did a great job. I bought Gator Skin tires (very tiring) after I fixed a gazillion flats after walking home practically carrying the bike.
I broke a spoke attachment on my Cosmic Elite wheel taking it down from ceiling hooks last year, and due to the cost of parts I fixed it with a washer. LOL.
It's my transportation most of the time, because I can. I live in a small town and I use my Rav4 to pick up groceries and lumber, but the bike for the rest. My wife has a Pinarello (which weighs less than a pound of feathers), but mine goes further on a downhill roll with either one of us riding. I have incredible shoes: Sidi Hi-Tech which feel amazing, but I chose not to use them as I drive in traffic and am concerned about dismounting them. I'm 66 revolutions around the sun.
I rarely clean the bike and like the scratches as shiny bikes get stolen.
I used to buy junk and then get frustrated and then buy what I really wanted, until my wife cornered me one day and said to me "Look, what do you really want to buy??? because you may as well buy it now and get it over with, rather than buying the junk and wasting time and money on it."
Of course she is right and I got the Hobie Tiger brand new.
I see PPL with mountain bikes and know they are getting a much more vigorous workout. I like the workout, but I don't love it. I want to arrive at my destination not sweating.
I see some riding you hard for spending so much dough, but I say if it turns your crank go for it. My experience is that PPL who ride others hard are just weinies who talk tough online. It doesn't add to the conversation and mostly it's not humorous. If someone says something funny, great, but ease up on the teenage garbage.
One website I used to go to, you had to write a cheque for 5 dollars to join or pay by credit card., and your real name was your online name. The best PPL in that musical instrument world posted there, because if you were a jerk, you got the boot and that was final, because your cheque or credit card had your name on it, so you were forever banned and that made PPL think twice before stepping over the line and saying something unworthy. You could get advice from the creme de la creme of the best pros in the world there. Amazing gentlemanly and ladylike place for discussion. Jerk-free. There is nothing more annoying than trying to find something useful in a string of posts only to be disappointed.
BTW I like most of the posts here and have gotten lots of good info and advice and thanks the owner and Mods.
The only thing I was wondering about is the "power meter".
Thanks!
I bought a mid high range bike, Devinci Millenium, in 2000 after years of low to midrange bikes. I love that bike. Nice gear on it. After all of these years and only once into the shop for a refit 2015, the shifters etc all work perfect with virtually no fiddling even before I got it serviced. It didn't really need service as I do my own work, but decided to spend a few bucks to have it done at Mountain Equipment Co-op, Vancouver and they did a great job. I bought Gator Skin tires (very tiring) after I fixed a gazillion flats after walking home practically carrying the bike.
I broke a spoke attachment on my Cosmic Elite wheel taking it down from ceiling hooks last year, and due to the cost of parts I fixed it with a washer. LOL.
It's my transportation most of the time, because I can. I live in a small town and I use my Rav4 to pick up groceries and lumber, but the bike for the rest. My wife has a Pinarello (which weighs less than a pound of feathers), but mine goes further on a downhill roll with either one of us riding. I have incredible shoes: Sidi Hi-Tech which feel amazing, but I chose not to use them as I drive in traffic and am concerned about dismounting them. I'm 66 revolutions around the sun.
I rarely clean the bike and like the scratches as shiny bikes get stolen.
I used to buy junk and then get frustrated and then buy what I really wanted, until my wife cornered me one day and said to me "Look, what do you really want to buy??? because you may as well buy it now and get it over with, rather than buying the junk and wasting time and money on it."
Of course she is right and I got the Hobie Tiger brand new.
I see PPL with mountain bikes and know they are getting a much more vigorous workout. I like the workout, but I don't love it. I want to arrive at my destination not sweating.
I see some riding you hard for spending so much dough, but I say if it turns your crank go for it. My experience is that PPL who ride others hard are just weinies who talk tough online. It doesn't add to the conversation and mostly it's not humorous. If someone says something funny, great, but ease up on the teenage garbage.
One website I used to go to, you had to write a cheque for 5 dollars to join or pay by credit card., and your real name was your online name. The best PPL in that musical instrument world posted there, because if you were a jerk, you got the boot and that was final, because your cheque or credit card had your name on it, so you were forever banned and that made PPL think twice before stepping over the line and saying something unworthy. You could get advice from the creme de la creme of the best pros in the world there. Amazing gentlemanly and ladylike place for discussion. Jerk-free. There is nothing more annoying than trying to find something useful in a string of posts only to be disappointed.
BTW I like most of the posts here and have gotten lots of good info and advice and thanks the owner and Mods.
The only thing I was wondering about is the "power meter".
Thanks!
Last edited by alanf; 08-05-19 at 12:15 PM.
Likes For ksryder:
#165
A. A. Ron
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: N. Indiana
Posts: 5
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I see a lot of people asking how to make their bike faster and everyone’s response is always “get more fit” or “be more aero.” That’s great and all, but my fitness hasn’t changed much but I’m 4mph faster on average. How? Hint: It will take $ but can be done.
Background: Got into road cycling 3 years ago for a charity ride, bought a cheap aluminum Motobecane junker with aluminum spd pedals. Felt like it weighed 30 pounds. Averaged 15mph on a good day and 16mph if I really pushed it.
After my wife finished several minutes ahead of me on her ultralight S-Works I decided that would never happen again.
Step 1: Get a carbon bike. Any carbon bike will add 1mph simply because it is lighter and has better power transfer.
So you can gain ~1mph just by getting any carbon bike.
Step 2. Don’t get just any carbon bike. Get a NICE carbon bike. Lightweight. Aero. Great components. Carbon wheels. These will run you $5-10k. I got the Canyon Endurace SLX 9 with SRAM Red eTap. Definitely wasn’t cheap, but added another 1mph because of further weight reduction and better components.
So far I’ve added ~2mph simply by spending money. This is a much better solution than getting fit.
Step 3: Replace anything that isn’t carbon with carbon. This includes seatpost, stem, bar, saddle, cranks and pedals. I only had to change a few things as the Canyon was already set up pretty well. I got the Specialized Power Pro carbon saddle with titanium rails (Canyon setup wouldn’t take larger carbon rails), carbon cages, and Dura Ace pedals. Again, the carbon not only reduces weight but also reduces vibration and increases rider comfort and power transfer.
Step 4: Get lightweight carbon shoes with SPD-SL red clips (0 degrees of motion) that fit correctly and have them set up professionally to ensure maximum power transfer (carbon on carbon) and no knee injuries.
Steps 3 and 4 added about 0.5mph.
Step 5: Get a complete proper fitting. You may want to do this before buying new bars, stem, etc. I had to get a new Canyon aerobar to fit me properly. Also make sure you have the right saddle width. The right setup will increase your power transfer and reduce injury.
Step 6: Improve your technique (independent of fitness). Get a power meter, cadence meter and speed meter and integrate with Garmin Edge. Read articles about technique and use these tools to improve.
Steps 5 and 6 add another 0.5mph. We’re now at a 3mph improvement.
Step 7: Get fast tires. Specifically, focus on rolling resistance but also factor in puncture resistance so that you have confidence at speed. Tubes or tubeless, your choice. I like tubes and run 50g Conti butyl tubes with Conti 5000 tires. Can’t go wrong. The Specialized Cotton Turbo is also a good choice. Go wide (25-28) and keep at the ideal psi (plenty of articles out there based on your tire).
Step 8: Adjust your brake levers. You’ll have a lot more confidence during high-speed descents if the levers are at your fingertips. If you can’t figure it out take it to your LBS.
Step 9: Keep your bike clean, especially the chain and gears. Plenty of good stuff out there, I like Park Tool’s cleaner. Clean chains = fast bike.
Step 10: Get aero. Wind resistance is your biggest enemy at speed. In addition to getting an aero bike, get form-fitting jerseys and shorts (I’m a huge fan of Pearl Pros), a light aero helmet, aero gloves, and socks. Learn to get in an aero position during sprints/descents. If you really want to get crazy and shave your body, go for it. Get rid of that bulky seat post bag and only carry what you need. I use Specialized’s integrated SWAT Road Bandit tube holder. Saves weight and lost energy through things jostling. Get light bottles and only carry them if you need them.
Boom, there you have it. Those last items add 1mph for a total gain of 4mph. I was averaging 19mph easy and 20mph when I really got after it. And that is solo. Plus, it made me love riding so much that I’ve also improved fitness and have added an extra 1-2mph. Now I blow by the clowns in the peloton with their dumb time trial bikes and helmets and matching jerseys. Yeah, my endurance bike just spit gravel in your face. My wife won’t even ride with me anymore because I’m miles ahead in a matter of minutes.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
Background: Got into road cycling 3 years ago for a charity ride, bought a cheap aluminum Motobecane junker with aluminum spd pedals. Felt like it weighed 30 pounds. Averaged 15mph on a good day and 16mph if I really pushed it.
After my wife finished several minutes ahead of me on her ultralight S-Works I decided that would never happen again.
Step 1: Get a carbon bike. Any carbon bike will add 1mph simply because it is lighter and has better power transfer.
So you can gain ~1mph just by getting any carbon bike.
Step 2. Don’t get just any carbon bike. Get a NICE carbon bike. Lightweight. Aero. Great components. Carbon wheels. These will run you $5-10k. I got the Canyon Endurace SLX 9 with SRAM Red eTap. Definitely wasn’t cheap, but added another 1mph because of further weight reduction and better components.
So far I’ve added ~2mph simply by spending money. This is a much better solution than getting fit.
Step 3: Replace anything that isn’t carbon with carbon. This includes seatpost, stem, bar, saddle, cranks and pedals. I only had to change a few things as the Canyon was already set up pretty well. I got the Specialized Power Pro carbon saddle with titanium rails (Canyon setup wouldn’t take larger carbon rails), carbon cages, and Dura Ace pedals. Again, the carbon not only reduces weight but also reduces vibration and increases rider comfort and power transfer.
Step 4: Get lightweight carbon shoes with SPD-SL red clips (0 degrees of motion) that fit correctly and have them set up professionally to ensure maximum power transfer (carbon on carbon) and no knee injuries.
Steps 3 and 4 added about 0.5mph.
Step 5: Get a complete proper fitting. You may want to do this before buying new bars, stem, etc. I had to get a new Canyon aerobar to fit me properly. Also make sure you have the right saddle width. The right setup will increase your power transfer and reduce injury.
Step 6: Improve your technique (independent of fitness). Get a power meter, cadence meter and speed meter and integrate with Garmin Edge. Read articles about technique and use these tools to improve.
Steps 5 and 6 add another 0.5mph. We’re now at a 3mph improvement.
Step 7: Get fast tires. Specifically, focus on rolling resistance but also factor in puncture resistance so that you have confidence at speed. Tubes or tubeless, your choice. I like tubes and run 50g Conti butyl tubes with Conti 5000 tires. Can’t go wrong. The Specialized Cotton Turbo is also a good choice. Go wide (25-28) and keep at the ideal psi (plenty of articles out there based on your tire).
Step 8: Adjust your brake levers. You’ll have a lot more confidence during high-speed descents if the levers are at your fingertips. If you can’t figure it out take it to your LBS.
Step 9: Keep your bike clean, especially the chain and gears. Plenty of good stuff out there, I like Park Tool’s cleaner. Clean chains = fast bike.
Step 10: Get aero. Wind resistance is your biggest enemy at speed. In addition to getting an aero bike, get form-fitting jerseys and shorts (I’m a huge fan of Pearl Pros), a light aero helmet, aero gloves, and socks. Learn to get in an aero position during sprints/descents. If you really want to get crazy and shave your body, go for it. Get rid of that bulky seat post bag and only carry what you need. I use Specialized’s integrated SWAT Road Bandit tube holder. Saves weight and lost energy through things jostling. Get light bottles and only carry them if you need them.
Boom, there you have it. Those last items add 1mph for a total gain of 4mph. I was averaging 19mph easy and 20mph when I really got after it. And that is solo. Plus, it made me love riding so much that I’ve also improved fitness and have added an extra 1-2mph. Now I blow by the clowns in the peloton with their dumb time trial bikes and helmets and matching jerseys. Yeah, my endurance bike just spit gravel in your face. My wife won’t even ride with me anymore because I’m miles ahead in a matter of minutes.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
Likes For ADSPRU:
#166
Full Member
I can validate the OP with some anecdotal data from last week. Unfortunately my Road bike was out of action and road my Mountain bike on pavement instead.
Strava indicates that I road 17.0 mph with 21 ft of elevation gain for 33.7 miles. Was averaging 19-21 mph on the Road bike under similar conditions per Strava. Effort was about the same it seemed.
Therefore between a heavy old Mtn bike with lightly knobbed tires and my Carbon BMC SLR02 with 55mm deep Heds that there was a 2-4 mph difference.
I'm on the side of the OP
Actually was shocked when I saw the difference - expected more. Perhaps put out a wee bit more power on the Mtn Bike as knew my brother was 5 minutes behind me on his gravel bike.
Strava indicates that I road 17.0 mph with 21 ft of elevation gain for 33.7 miles. Was averaging 19-21 mph on the Road bike under similar conditions per Strava. Effort was about the same it seemed.
Therefore between a heavy old Mtn bike with lightly knobbed tires and my Carbon BMC SLR02 with 55mm deep Heds that there was a 2-4 mph difference.
I'm on the side of the OP
Actually was shocked when I saw the difference - expected more. Perhaps put out a wee bit more power on the Mtn Bike as knew my brother was 5 minutes behind me on his gravel bike.
#167
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
Likes For WhyFi:
#168
Full Member
#169
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,597
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 866 Post(s)
Liked 721 Times
in
396 Posts
One can be faster without fitness and for free by always riding in the direction of wind only.
#170
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
#171
Dedicated Detritus Dodger
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Fairfax, California
Posts: 470
Bikes: Some mighty fine ones at that!
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
247 Posts
If I ride in the direction of the Earth's rotation I gain approximately 1000 miles per hour in speed!
Approximately....
Approximately....
#172
Senior Member
I knew the flat-earthers were right!
#173
Junior Member
I am not competitive enough to do all those things for a minuscule gain in speed because I use my bike to go to appointments and get groceries in town to save on car use whenever I can and to augment my amateur - and I emphasize amateur - bodybuilding which may not win first place (second place for men over 50) and the medical safety such a way of life offers me from some nasty diseases.
#174
Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 29
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now I blow by the clowns in the peloton with their dumb time trial bikes and helmets and matching jerseys. Yeah, my endurance bike just spit gravel in your face. My wife won’t even ride with me anymore because I’m miles ahead in a matter of minutes.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
So there you have it. 3 years ago I’m a 40 year old golfer that thought biking was for losers, now I’m at the front of grand fondos.
Can’t afford all this stuff? Not my problem. Stop wasting time doing nonsense and do something with yourself so that you can buy nice things on a whim. Or just work on your fitness I guess.
It might not be that you are so fast.
But because *No One* wants to ride with you because you are not a nice person.
I am wording this as nicely as I can based on the above statements you made.
#175
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,853
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1067 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 259 Times
in
153 Posts
I am just impressed that the OP has got 174 responses out of his first and only troll/post.
Is that a record?
He didn't even have to feed it along the way.
Is that a record?
He didn't even have to feed it along the way.