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What makes a red bike faster......

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Old 05-01-18, 03:57 PM
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kcblair
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What makes a red bike faster......

Yep, red shoes . They act like a turbo-Charger. KB

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Old 05-01-18, 04:16 PM
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Better wearin' of the red shoes than green- if Porky Pig is any judge (assuming you remember that old cartoon).

Back in the 16th & 17th century, red heels were considered a mark of aristocracy in Europe; I read somewhere else that wholly red shoes were said to be a mark of witchcraft in those days.

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Old 05-01-18, 04:27 PM
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Red bar tape and cables help even more
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Old 05-01-18, 08:28 PM
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I would have said that painting the bike yellow would work.
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Old 05-01-18, 08:38 PM
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But seriously know. I remember reading some place that the color red affects testosterone levels (causes them to rise).

IF this is true, then it is not the bike that is faster, it is the color red on the bike that makes the rider faster.

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Old 05-02-18, 12:01 AM
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Red bikes are definately faster

Red light waves travel faster?

My cousin's Specialized bike is redder than my 1988 Peugeot. She's faster than me!



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Old 05-02-18, 12:07 AM
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I'm pretty sure it's the overall redness. That's just science fact.
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Old 05-02-18, 12:41 AM
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Red is the color of anger, aggression so a heightened state of anxiety maybe? On the other hand, its also the color of passion.
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Old 05-02-18, 05:06 AM
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It's peer pressure. No one wants to be seen going slow on a red bike.
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Old 05-02-18, 05:54 AM
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Back in the old days, before dressing up racing cars in their sponsor's livery (i.e. pre-1968), each nation had a designated colour. Italy's was red. It is known as Italian Racing Red in automobile circles or Rosso Corsa in Italy. These days it is largely associated with Ferrari, arguably the most successful automobile racing marque. Similarly, red is associated with the success of one of the premiere Italian bicycle brands, Colnago. While it's not the only reason, the colour's association with Italy and racing success, may inspire a number of riders to better performance. Undoubtedly, there is a much love in the cycling community for Italian bicycles and components.
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Old 05-02-18, 07:05 AM
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Red pigment particles are smaller than other colors. Smaller = Aero.
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Old 05-02-18, 08:57 AM
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What makes a red bike faster?
Take all the stuff off the handlebars/stem. Then focus on spinning and power to the pedals.

edit: Or get 2 engines!
54X11 at 90+revs cadence wins most false flat accelerations.

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Last edited by Wildwood; 05-02-18 at 10:40 AM.
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Old 05-02-18, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood

edit: Or get 2 engines!
54X11 at 90revs cadence wins most false flat accelerations.

For The Win!!! 😁 If I had at least one engine, I'd be so much faster. I think. 🤔
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Old 05-02-18, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
What makes a red bike faster?
Take all the stuff off the handlebars/stem. Then focus on spinning and power to the pedals.

edit: Or get 2 engines!
54X11 at 90revs cadence wins most false flat accelerations.

the stoker is really close on this one.......this would make or break a relationship
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Old 05-02-18, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by squirtdad
the stoker is really close on this one.......this would make or break a relationship
Sometimes there is no relationship with the stoker, except to be fastest 2 wheeler on the road.
Actually, the relationship is "how close can that stoker draft my azz and still power-to-th-pedals" - especially into a headwind or on a speed run.
I had such a stoker for almost a month.
(A family mileage bust. As a single, it descends (most) gravel roads like a banshee with 38s. Otherwise, mostly worthless - except for the occasional inspirational ride with the 'old man' from skinny+fit son or daughter, which can be Priceless)
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Last edited by Wildwood; 05-02-18 at 11:07 AM.
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Old 05-02-18, 10:59 AM
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Actually, it's scientifically proven.

Images tend to stimulate reptilian responses. Fight. Flight. Mate. Eat.

Red stimulates "Mate."

Italian frame builders were thinking about Maria, wine, music, and what they were going to do when they got home. This passion became embedded in their craft, and the frames became art instead of simply useful items for cycling. So they painted them red.

Ferrari wanted something to match the rooftop tiles. So they painted them red.

Red pigments are generally organic, and connect our species to the earth. So they painted them red.

Red is the color of blood, sacrifice, and honor. So they painted them red.

Red is noticeable, and police love to pull over red cars. Cyclists want to be fast like speeders. So they painted them red.

This is all very scientific. I have some scientific land in Costa Rica for sale if you want some, given to me by a science prince from the Nigerian National Bank.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by squirtdad
the stoker is really close on this one.......this would make or break a relationship
Maybe the big guy's in the back, and doesn't mind the view.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:02 AM
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"Rojo" is as much fun to say as "salsa," and the are both red.

I'm convinced if Italian frame makers had just tasted chipotle early on, we'd not be having this discussion.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
Maybe the big guy's in the back, and doesn't mind the view.
If the stoker is tall enough, I can get low so the view is almost unobstructed and clear air.


My kids were 8 and 5 1/2 when I bought this to ride with wifey, who bailed (never an accident or close call). It has seen many stokers since 1997 and 2 other captains for a few rides.

edit: Back to RED.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:22 AM
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I'm with RobbieTunes on this one -
Call me Naysayer

Molteni Orange is supposed to be fastest, in the right hands.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:22 AM
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It’s not that the bike is faster because it’s red. It’s red because it’s faster. The faster it’s moving away from you the redder it gets. This is called red shift, you can look it up.
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Old 05-02-18, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by thumpism
I would have said that painting the bike yellow would work.
I can work with that. Strong yellow.
Apologies for the lack of vintage-ness but to be fastest sometimes we have to suffer modern contraptions.
Calfee ordered last millennium, tho.

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Old 05-02-18, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
I can work with that. Strong yellow.
Apologies for the lack of vintage-ness but to be fastest sometimes we have to suffer modern contraptions.
Calfee ordered last millennium, tho.

Now , that looks TdF fast........KB
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Old 05-02-18, 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
It’s not that the bike is faster because it’s red. It’s red because it’s faster. The faster it’s moving away from you the redder it gets. This is called red shift, you can look it up.
Bingo ! KB
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Old 05-02-18, 02:51 PM
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The police motorcycle with it's lights and siren on closing in from behind?
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