Gaining 4mph Without Fitness
07-30-19, 07:20 PM
#126
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Actually, probably not, because I only spent like $20 instead of $250.
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Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
07-30-19, 07:32 PM
#127
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1) Put one of those electric motors in your seat tube.
2) Draft a UPS truck.
Gee, that should get you way more than 10 mph faster and it doesn't cost nearly as much!
BTW, it's "crabon" in case you want to know.
2) Draft a UPS truck.
Gee, that should get you way more than 10 mph faster and it doesn't cost nearly as much!
BTW, it's "crabon" in case you want to know.
07-30-19, 07:40 PM
#128
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I have small issues with the OP
We all know you can’t buy speed to the extent of 4mph. $12k won’t buy 4mph faster average speed but I’m sure Trek, Specialized, and other big brands want you to think this. So it’s possible the OP is tooting his own horn a bit like most people here do.
On the internet most of you live in fantasy hiding behind your anonymous names, fake strava data and what not. I still don’t believe the 70 year old here that said he did 20mph average solo for 100 miles at age 66. There was actually a doctor that was a senior in the news that would cheat in marathons. So I think many people here lie about average speed and what not because the internet is a fantasy world apparently.
Lets be honest unless you are fully sponsored racer you really have no business buying a 13-16lb bike for $2k to $8k usd. But we all do it because it’s more about being an enthusiast about the sport than being able to utilize the bike to its full capability and average 40mph like some of these tour riders in a stage.
So money well spent by the OP if it makes him more
motivated...but be honest the upgrade didn’t get you 4mph speed average unless the bike it replaced had some kind of major mechanical issue or if the bike really put him in a upright position...say a flat bar hybrid.
On the internet most of you live in fantasy hiding behind your anonymous names, fake strava data and what not. I still don’t believe the 70 year old here that said he did 20mph average solo for 100 miles at age 66. There was actually a doctor that was a senior in the news that would cheat in marathons. So I think many people here lie about average speed and what not because the internet is a fantasy world apparently.
Lets be honest unless you are fully sponsored racer you really have no business buying a 13-16lb bike for $2k to $8k usd. But we all do it because it’s more about being an enthusiast about the sport than being able to utilize the bike to its full capability and average 40mph like some of these tour riders in a stage.
So money well spent by the OP if it makes him more
motivated...but be honest the upgrade didn’t get you 4mph speed average unless the bike it replaced had some kind of major mechanical issue or if the bike really put him in a upright position...say a flat bar hybrid.
07-30-19, 08:03 PM
#131
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07-30-19, 08:20 PM
#132
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I had to sell the madone. It did not fit and the bike shop wouldn't take it back the liars. They said I got a good deal and could sell it for twice what I bought it for. Ironically they were right, I sold it for almost twice what I paid for it(not including tax). Made a little profit and I am going to buy a Lynskey 6-4 ti frame and will probably just build it up myself. I'm thinking Ultegra disc groupset.
07-30-19, 08:23 PM
#133
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Hah, that was a classic. The sound of sanity going on holiday...
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
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07-30-19, 08:29 PM
#134
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I had to sell the madone. It did not fit and the bike shop wouldn't take it back the liars. They said I got a good deal and could sell it for twice what I bought it for. Ironically they were right, I sold it for almost twice what I paid for it(not including tax). Made a little profit and I am going to buy a Lynskey 6-4 ti frame and will probably just build it up myself. I'm thinking Ultegra disc groupset.
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07-30-19, 08:29 PM
#135
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I had to sell the madone. It did not fit and the bike shop wouldn't take it back the liars. They said I got a good deal and could sell it for twice what I bought it for. Ironically they were right, I sold it for almost twice what I paid for it(not including tax). Made a little profit and I am going to buy a Lynskey 6-4 ti frame and will probably just build it up myself. I'm thinking Ultegra disc groupset.
07-30-19, 08:41 PM
#136
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We all know you can’t buy speed to the extent of 4mph. $12k won’t buy 4mph faster average speed but I’m sure Trek, Specialized, and other big brands want you to think this. So it’s possible the OP is tooting his own horn a bit like most people here do.
On the internet most of you live in fantasy hiding behind your anonymous names, fake strava data and what not. I still don’t believe the 70 year old here that said he did 20mph average solo for 100 miles at age 66. There was actually a doctor that was a senior in the news that would cheat in marathons. So I think many people here lie about average speed and what not because the internet is a fantasy world apparently.
Lets be honest unless you are fully sponsored racer you really have no business buying a 13-16lb bike for $2k to $8k usd. But we all do it because it’s more about being an enthusiast about the sport than being able to utilize the bike to its full capability and average 40mph like some of these tour riders in a stage.
So money well spent by the OP if it makes him more
motivated...but be honest the upgrade didn’t get you 4mph speed average unless the bike it replaced had some kind of major mechanical issue or if the bike really put him in a upright position...say a flat bar hybrid.
On the internet most of you live in fantasy hiding behind your anonymous names, fake strava data and what not. I still don’t believe the 70 year old here that said he did 20mph average solo for 100 miles at age 66. There was actually a doctor that was a senior in the news that would cheat in marathons. So I think many people here lie about average speed and what not because the internet is a fantasy world apparently.
Lets be honest unless you are fully sponsored racer you really have no business buying a 13-16lb bike for $2k to $8k usd. But we all do it because it’s more about being an enthusiast about the sport than being able to utilize the bike to its full capability and average 40mph like some of these tour riders in a stage.
So money well spent by the OP if it makes him more
motivated...but be honest the upgrade didn’t get you 4mph speed average unless the bike it replaced had some kind of major mechanical issue or if the bike really put him in a upright position...say a flat bar hybrid.
07-30-19, 09:49 PM
#137
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07-31-19, 02:55 AM
#138
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Drag from running your QRs open cost you 0.1mph
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
07-31-19, 06:17 AM
#139
Senior Member
How to Troll in the BF 41:
1) Design a Sock Puppet to be as disagreeable as possible. A Bloated Narcissistic Wind Bag or a Clueless Mean Old Coot are always good choices.
B) Find a topic to post in the 41 that has been endlessly hashed to death and choose the most extreme position possible on it. Steel is Real or CF Ass-plodes are classics.
III) Defend your absurd position with ferocious fervor, made-up "facts", and fanaticism while fostering ill-will, anger and disdain.
4) Disappear from "the conversation" and let the credulous on the 41 implode into a fur-ball-pile-on for your enjoyment before the inevitable "Closed".
Congratulations, you are a BF Troll
1) Design a Sock Puppet to be as disagreeable as possible. A Bloated Narcissistic Wind Bag or a Clueless Mean Old Coot are always good choices.
B) Find a topic to post in the 41 that has been endlessly hashed to death and choose the most extreme position possible on it. Steel is Real or CF Ass-plodes are classics.
III) Defend your absurd position with ferocious fervor, made-up "facts", and fanaticism while fostering ill-will, anger and disdain.
4) Disappear from "the conversation" and let the credulous on the 41 implode into a fur-ball-pile-on for your enjoyment before the inevitable "Closed".
Congratulations, you are a BF Troll
07-31-19, 08:09 AM
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On the internet most of you live in fantasy hiding behind your anonymous names, fake strava data and what not. I still don’t believe the 70 year old here that said he did 20mph average solo for 100 miles at age 66. There was actually a doctor that was a senior in the news that would cheat in marathons. So I think many people here lie about average speed and what not because the internet is a fantasy world apparently.
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07-31-19, 01:23 PM
#141
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07-31-19, 01:33 PM
#142
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08-01-19, 02:41 PM
#143
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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.
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08-01-19, 04:20 PM
#145
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Yeah, it's because they don't bounce as many photons off them.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
08-01-19, 04:31 PM
#146
Senior Member
No. You want the bike to be black on forward-facing surfaces and white on rearward-facing surfaces. Photon reflection transfers more momentum than photon absorbtion.
It's unclear whether the benefits of optimizing for radiation pressure are more significant than the intrinsic speed benefit of red, however.
It's unclear whether the benefits of optimizing for radiation pressure are more significant than the intrinsic speed benefit of red, however.
08-01-19, 09:36 PM
#147
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Black bikes heat the air, lowering the atmospheric pressure making you go faster.
08-01-19, 10:23 PM
#148
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[Quote:] The "carbon bikes are lighter" idea needs to be more nuanced, I think. The latest 2020 Trek Domane models (specifically the mid-range SL5 and SL6) both weigh more than 20 lbs, thanks I suspect to their disc brakes. So... *some* carbon bikes are lighter but if low weight is what you want, don't assume carbon is the answer.
Huh, my 2017 Domane SL6 came in at 19.35lbs before the pedals went on...it did have carbon wheels...I guess the improvements for 2020 have added some heft. That said, my speeds are still well below the OP and the best way I'm going to get a lighter bike is to lose 10-20lbs of this excess donut, ice cream and cookie weight 
them out for Aeolus 3 wheels and my Domane felt a lot lighter.
08-01-19, 11:44 PM
#149
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No. You want the bike to be black on forward-facing surfaces and white on rearward-facing surfaces. Photon reflection transfers more momentum than photon absorbtion.
It's unclear whether the benefits of optimizing for radiation pressure are more significant than the intrinsic speed benefit of red, however.
It's unclear whether the benefits of optimizing for radiation pressure are more significant than the intrinsic speed benefit of red, however.
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