Ever hit 47 mph on a Hybrid ... ?
11-27-15, 09:06 AM
#26
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I don't know about 47mph, but I believe I've gotten as close as you could get to that on a mountain bike.
This happened on a charity ride, and the route had a loooong straight downhill section. It wasn't a super steep grade, but steep enough to keep you moving pretty quick, and as I said it was a long stretch, so your speed is creeping up little by little as you traverse it. You guys know what I mean. So I'm coasting down this road, gradually getting faster and faster.
So I was going at a pretty decent clip when the vibrations started. It was faint at first but then it became a strong, rhythmic thrumming through the whole frame, and my bars started to shake.
At that moment I remembered reading about this on the internet, and what you should do about it. And thank goodness I did! I loosened my grip on the bars, grabbed the top tube with both knees and smoothly applied the brakes to gradually slow down.
I didn't have a computer then (I still don't) but if I had to guess I'd say I was doing at least 35mph, and maybe a bit more. Which is far faster than a Raleigh M-80 with city tires is designed to go apparently. At least not with me on it.
This happened on a charity ride, and the route had a loooong straight downhill section. It wasn't a super steep grade, but steep enough to keep you moving pretty quick, and as I said it was a long stretch, so your speed is creeping up little by little as you traverse it. You guys know what I mean. So I'm coasting down this road, gradually getting faster and faster.
So I was going at a pretty decent clip when the vibrations started. It was faint at first but then it became a strong, rhythmic thrumming through the whole frame, and my bars started to shake.
At that moment I remembered reading about this on the internet, and what you should do about it. And thank goodness I did! I loosened my grip on the bars, grabbed the top tube with both knees and smoothly applied the brakes to gradually slow down.
I didn't have a computer then (I still don't) but if I had to guess I'd say I was doing at least 35mph, and maybe a bit more. Which is far faster than a Raleigh M-80 with city tires is designed to go apparently. At least not with me on it.
11-27-15, 09:50 AM
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I knew it would be, that's why I asked. But it would have been cool for an older guy to do. He has to be way in his 50's at least. He did claim to be an NFL trainer in the 80's. And a MMA expert, and I don't remember what all else 
11-27-15, 10:17 AM
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It's all about the grade and the prevailing wind; Not the type of bike.
Here is 50mph on a mtn bike, which was limited by braking for a slower car ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcoHEUwCjI&t=11m30s
The first time I hit 55mph, was on that same bike, on the Northbound leg of the Morgul Bismark, (but didn't have video).
Here is 50mph on a mtn bike, which was limited by braking for a slower car ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcoHEUwCjI&t=11m30s
The first time I hit 55mph, was on that same bike, on the Northbound leg of the Morgul Bismark, (but didn't have video).
11-27-15, 10:40 AM
#35
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^ Yep; what Shimagnolo said. Also, just to play devil's advocate, 48t chainring is completely irrelevant, assuming a downhill scenario. You won't be pedaling at all but coasting downhill. Now, I don't know if the OP did it or not, but I have no trouble at all believing it since I've done it.
Last edited by GreenAnvil; 11-27-15 at 10:44 AM.
11-27-15, 10:42 AM
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It's all about the grade and the prevailing wind; Not the type of bike.
Here is 50mph on a mtn bike, which was limited by braking for a slower car ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcoHEUwCjI&t=11m30s
The first time I hit 55mph, was on that same bike, on the Northbound leg of the Morgul Bismark, (but didn't have video).
Here is 50mph on a mtn bike, which was limited by braking for a slower car ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcoHEUwCjI&t=11m30s
The first time I hit 55mph, was on that same bike, on the Northbound leg of the Morgul Bismark, (but didn't have video).
11-27-15, 11:09 AM
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I see a guy on maybe a 29er spinning 100-120 rpm considering 48t front/11 rear.. that's 35-42 mph.
11-27-15, 11:34 AM
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But downhill that math doesn't apply; you're coasting, tucked down as close to the handlebar as you can, and hoping all of your bike components are in good working order.
11-27-15, 12:11 PM
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11-27-15, 12:30 PM
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11-27-15, 03:20 PM
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11-27-15, 04:04 PM
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At the risk of sounding like a wuss, hitting 50+ mph (80 km/h) on a bike would just scare the bejeezus out of me. I mean, there's not a lot of margin for error at that speed--hit a stone, car pulling out, whatever. Crash at that speed would be completely catastrophic.
Yeah, I know pro racers do it, but that's what they do for a living, and they have the skills.
Yeah, I know it's probably exhilarating and all. And maybe if I were still 20 years old I'd do it,..yeah, call me a wuss.
BTW, top speed on my speedo reads 54.4 km/h. I can't even remember where I clocked it anymore. But in my defense I live in a pretty flat area.
Yeah, I know pro racers do it, but that's what they do for a living, and they have the skills.
Yeah, I know it's probably exhilarating and all. And maybe if I were still 20 years old I'd do it,..yeah, call me a wuss.
BTW, top speed on my speedo reads 54.4 km/h. I can't even remember where I clocked it anymore. But in my defense I live in a pretty flat area.
11-27-15, 04:25 PM
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Mid 30s are just fine with me. I life in the land of potholes and going down is not something I want to experiance.