Modifying Speed in a Pack
#1
Carpe Diem
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Modifying Speed in a Pack
I don't know what to do when the wheel I'm on starts to slow.
- Hitting the brakes causes issues behind me.
- Doing nothing means I overlap wheels.
What should I do in this situation? Maintain my momentum? Sit up to catch more wind to slow down? What's the best, strategically?
- Hitting the brakes causes issues behind me.
- Doing nothing means I overlap wheels.
What should I do in this situation? Maintain my momentum? Sit up to catch more wind to slow down? What's the best, strategically?
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#2
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If there's room to the side, I'd pass, perhaps unless there's no chance of getting shelter there.
If there is not room, I would see how likely the possibility of making room looks.
If that's not looking good, I'd apply the brakes as lightly as possible.
If that causes issues, I'd issue a "Slowing".
If there are still issues, then there would be issues regardless of whether you were there or not, and someone else is riding sketchy. Nothing you can do about it.
If there is not room, I would see how likely the possibility of making room looks.
If that's not looking good, I'd apply the brakes as lightly as possible.
If that causes issues, I'd issue a "Slowing".
If there are still issues, then there would be issues regardless of whether you were there or not, and someone else is riding sketchy. Nothing you can do about it.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#3
everyone has a plan...
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: planet earth
Posts: 541
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
as the previous response points out- there's ALOT of IFs.
if the guy pulling is slowing by .5 to 1mph... then just let off and let the guy have his day out front.
if he's really out of his league in the pace line... then gently pull around him at what SHOULD be the speed and the line will follow you.
when he sees the pace line going by- he'll get the message.
if the guy pulling is slowing by .5 to 1mph... then just let off and let the guy have his day out front.
if he's really out of his league in the pace line... then gently pull around him at what SHOULD be the speed and the line will follow you.
when he sees the pace line going by- he'll get the message.
#4
Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Irish Cycles Tir na Nog, Jack Kane Team Racing, Fuji Aloha 1.0, GT Karakoram, Motobecane Fly Team
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I find moving to the side tends to cause less drama than braking. I think it might be because lateral movement is more immediately obvious to the riders in the pack than is a change in speed.
#5
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
I find moving to the side tends to cause less drama than braking. I think it might be because lateral movement is more immediately obvious to the riders in the pack than is a change in speed.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,187
Bikes: Trek 1500
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Loosen your brakes and lightly dab them. I think the problem a lot of people have is that their brakes are set up to catch hard with a slight pull of the lever. This leaves no room for modulation.
#7
Carpe Diem
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Bantam
Loosen your brakes and lightly dab them. I think the problem a lot of people have is that their brakes are set up to catch hard with a slight pull of the lever. This leaves no room for modulation.
Lots of good advice from people. I'll have to see if I can apply it during Sunday's race.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MD
Posts: 773
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
I find moving to the side tends to cause less drama than braking. I think it might be because lateral movement is more immediately obvious to the riders in the pack than is a change in speed.
#10
Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Irish Cycles Tir na Nog, Jack Kane Team Racing, Fuji Aloha 1.0, GT Karakoram, Motobecane Fly Team
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by bitterken
Just don't do it while in a turn
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MD
Posts: 773
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
Better to change position mid corner than to brake. Bumping elbows isn't nearly as likley to cause a crash as bumping wheels.
#12
Senior Member
Also, look far up ahead in the peleton. You will see what is happening and be able to anticipate a slow down and then just sit up, or start moving up. When the pack slows is a great time to get a couple of places.
Brake as a last resort, move around and up whenever possible.
Brake as a last resort, move around and up whenever possible.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
#13
Senior Member
Not braking would be the best method...
Well, if you're in a corner, the lateral forces will actually scrub off speed quickly. So just coast a little, sit up a bit to catch more wind and you should be able to slow down to avoid contact with the wheel ahead. Just be sure to start pedaling as soon as you match his speed so that you don't end up backing up into the guy behind you and perpetuating the effect.
If you're in a straight, it's not hard to sit up and pull slightly (about 3-6") to the side and catch a little more wind. Then pull back in when your speed matches. Of course if they're slowing down a lot, it's simple enough to just go around them on the outside and make up several positions.
Well, if you're in a corner, the lateral forces will actually scrub off speed quickly. So just coast a little, sit up a bit to catch more wind and you should be able to slow down to avoid contact with the wheel ahead. Just be sure to start pedaling as soon as you match his speed so that you don't end up backing up into the guy behind you and perpetuating the effect.
If you're in a straight, it's not hard to sit up and pull slightly (about 3-6") to the side and catch a little more wind. Then pull back in when your speed matches. Of course if they're slowing down a lot, it's simple enough to just go around them on the outside and make up several positions.
#14
My idea of fun
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 9,920
Bikes: '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '02 Kona Lavadome, '07 Giant TCR Advanced, '07 Karate Monkey
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Liked 59 Times
in
36 Posts
Originally Posted by bdcheung
I don't know what to do when the wheel I'm on starts to slow.
- Hitting the brakes causes issues behind me.
- Doing nothing means I overlap wheels.
What should I do in this situation? Maintain my momentum? Sit up to catch more wind to slow down? What's the best, strategically?
- Hitting the brakes causes issues behind me.
- Doing nothing means I overlap wheels.
What should I do in this situation? Maintain my momentum? Sit up to catch more wind to slow down? What's the best, strategically?
#15
Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Irish Cycles Tir na Nog, Jack Kane Team Racing, Fuji Aloha 1.0, GT Karakoram, Motobecane Fly Team
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by kensuf
Shout "slowing" and slow down.
Yelling slowing/inside/hold your line = bad.
#16
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
Yelling slowing/inside/hold your line = bad.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,960
Bikes: Cannondale R700 (2005)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
I find moving to the side tends to cause less drama than braking. I think it might be because lateral movement is more immediately obvious to the riders in the pack than is a change in speed.
#18
Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 4,166
Bikes: Irish Cycles Tir na Nog, Jack Kane Team Racing, Fuji Aloha 1.0, GT Karakoram, Motobecane Fly Team
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by VT Biker
Well - a guy did exactly this in my race this past weekend and took out 3 other riders. I think in general, until the first attack comes in a race, give yourself enough room to brake.
As for why yelling is a bad idea:
1. "Inside" - Pet peeve. It's against the rules, for one - and two, shouting doesn't secure your position, your position secures your position.
2. "Slowing" - Yes, I can see that we're slowing down...so can everyone else.
3. "Hold your line" - Um, hold yours?
I just think it's unnecessary about 99.5% of the time.
#19
Carpe Diem
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
I just think it's unnecessary about 99.5% of the time.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
#20
Slow'n'Aero
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Driving the pace in the crosswind
Posts: 2,599
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
the only thing that i can add to this is that I usually go partially around and place my hand on a low back or an @$$. This way the rider I am concerned with knows where I am. While it is not his responsibility not to crash me out, it is better than any vocalization i can think of. It also slows me down and speds him up a bit so that we can be uncrossed quickly.
*EDIT* And yes sitting up or even standing to catch wind is effective as well.
*EDIT* And yes sitting up or even standing to catch wind is effective as well.
#21
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That reminds me of a question that occurred to me. Occasionally there will be women in my races. Is the ass/hip tap taboo for them? Hmmm...
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#22
Slow'n'Aero
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Driving the pace in the crosswind
Posts: 2,599
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by recursive
That reminds me of a question that occurred to me. Occasionally there will be women in my races. Is the ass/hip tap taboo for them? Hmmm...
#23
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DrWJODonnell
Nah...it's not taboo for them to touch your @$$, they just don't want to. Maybe you should offer flowers first?
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#24
My idea of fun
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 9,920
Bikes: '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '02 Kona Lavadome, '07 Giant TCR Advanced, '07 Karate Monkey
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Liked 59 Times
in
36 Posts
Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
It's not you - it's the guy behind you. Being the jerk who locks up his brakes and throws the wheel back isn't cool. At the same time, swerving wildly from side to side is equally stupid. The key is smoothness in whatever you do...or so I'm told
As for why yelling is a bad idea:
1. "Inside" - Pet peeve. It's against the rules, for one - and two, shouting doesn't secure your position, your position secures your position.
2. "Slowing" - Yes, I can see that we're slowing down...so can everyone else.
3. "Hold your line" - Um, hold yours?
I just think it's unnecessary about 99.5% of the time.
As for why yelling is a bad idea:
1. "Inside" - Pet peeve. It's against the rules, for one - and two, shouting doesn't secure your position, your position secures your position.
2. "Slowing" - Yes, I can see that we're slowing down...so can everyone else.
3. "Hold your line" - Um, hold yours?
I just think it's unnecessary about 99.5% of the time.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,187
Bikes: Trek 1500
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by recursive
That reminds me of a question that occurred to me. Occasionally there will be women in my races. Is the ass/hip tap taboo for them? Hmmm...