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01-24-04, 10:27 PM
Last all-out record I set for my 11.17 mile standard test ride is 18.05. This was set WAAAYYYY back in March on my Bianchi Volpe.
Since then, I have put on 700x23 Armadillo tires (kinda heavy) in place of the 700x25 Conti 4-Season tires. Also, now that they have around 4000 miles on them, the narrower raised part on the Armadillos has worn down and flattened out some (more road contact). I also changed from regular bike shoes (clipless) to sandals. Love the sandals, but figure they also flex more and thus waste energy. I have also added a bit of weight - hopefully some of it muscle since I ride more now than I used to - say around 6-8 pounds.
So. any opinions on what difference it might make if I went back to the 4-season tires (at least until they square off!) and the other shoes? I know I can test the shoes by themselves, but that one small item may not be enough to really show up compared to other variables like wind.
The tires would cost considerably more than the Armadillos and be more subject to flats so I don't want to invest that kind of money if I can't get over 18 mph again. Right now my second best is about 0.3 mph slower, which is a pretty big difference in my limited experience.
Bob
Since then, I have put on 700x23 Armadillo tires (kinda heavy) in place of the 700x25 Conti 4-Season tires. Also, now that they have around 4000 miles on them, the narrower raised part on the Armadillos has worn down and flattened out some (more road contact). I also changed from regular bike shoes (clipless) to sandals. Love the sandals, but figure they also flex more and thus waste energy. I have also added a bit of weight - hopefully some of it muscle since I ride more now than I used to - say around 6-8 pounds.
So. any opinions on what difference it might make if I went back to the 4-season tires (at least until they square off!) and the other shoes? I know I can test the shoes by themselves, but that one small item may not be enough to really show up compared to other variables like wind.
The tires would cost considerably more than the Armadillos and be more subject to flats so I don't want to invest that kind of money if I can't get over 18 mph again. Right now my second best is about 0.3 mph slower, which is a pretty big difference in my limited experience.
Bob