Modern vs. Classic: Performance Difference?
#101
South Carolina Ed
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Also worth noting that the increase in pro racing speed has been fairly linear since the 1920s. Even during times when bicycle technology has gone essentially unchanged, speeds still increased at about the same rate. Of course, the nature of wind resistance tells us that the 0.7 MPH increase from the 90s to the 2000s was a lot more significant than the 1.1 MPH increase from the 50s to the 60s, so I don't believe that bicycle technology has had no impact whatsoever. It's just that that impact is nowhere near what some people seem to think.
#103
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I ride with a PowerTap on a regular basis.
At equal power, My P2C gets me about 2 - 2.5 mph faster over my road bike riding in the drops. That's with spoked wheels on both bikes. If I put on the Crosswinds, I can get a 3mph difference. Both are well fit and good quality wheels, hubs, etc... I would attribute 90% of that increased speed to the my more aero position on the Cervelo. You will not get this low and aero by slapping some aero bars on a road bike.
But, if you're going to get a TT bike to go faster, you have to be committed to staying aero the whole ride and it is not fun or comfortable.
I'm pretty average, but my best 40K was 56:56 and I got 3rd in my age group a few years back with 58:31. Both were on the P2C. My best time on a road bike was around 1:05 but I was much younger then too.
At equal power, My P2C gets me about 2 - 2.5 mph faster over my road bike riding in the drops. That's with spoked wheels on both bikes. If I put on the Crosswinds, I can get a 3mph difference. Both are well fit and good quality wheels, hubs, etc... I would attribute 90% of that increased speed to the my more aero position on the Cervelo. You will not get this low and aero by slapping some aero bars on a road bike.
But, if you're going to get a TT bike to go faster, you have to be committed to staying aero the whole ride and it is not fun or comfortable.
I'm pretty average, but my best 40K was 56:56 and I got 3rd in my age group a few years back with 58:31. Both were on the P2C. My best time on a road bike was around 1:05 but I was much younger then too.
Last edited by andr0id; 09-29-14 at 05:34 PM.
#104
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I am interesting in road steel bikes. I not know the weight of the frame. But i take the wheels out. I pickup from the floor and stay feel so heavy. Is worth i try make that bike lighter. Or i waste my time to try because the frame is too heavy. How much is can cost one vintage real racing bike. Or better one newer racing bike.
#105
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More than likely better roads. Roads haven't been paved forever. Wheel exchanges with team cars after flats hasn't happen forever. The further back in time, the longer the race, the slower the average.
I don't think bike "technology" has done squat.
I don't think bike "technology" has done squat.
#106
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I say "elevate from the norm". Did a half ironman on this old soldier this summer. If I was 25 years younger and had a chance at competing I might go for something more modern....nah, I don't think so!
#107
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I ride with a PowerTap on a regular basis.
At equal power, My P2C gets me about 2 - 2.5 mph faster over my road bike riding in the drops. That's with spoked wheels on both bikes. If I put on the Crosswinds, I can get a 3mph difference. Both are well fit and good quality wheels, hubs, etc... I would attribute 90% of that increased speed to the my more aero position on the Cervelo. You will not get this low and aero by slapping some aero bars on a road bike.
But, if you're going to get a TT bike to go faster, you have to be committed to staying aero the whole ride and it is not fun or comfortable.
I'm pretty average, but my best 40K was 56:56 and I got 3rd in my age group a few years back with 58:31. Both were on the P2C. My best time on a road bike was around 1:05 but I was much younger then too.
At equal power, My P2C gets me about 2 - 2.5 mph faster over my road bike riding in the drops. That's with spoked wheels on both bikes. If I put on the Crosswinds, I can get a 3mph difference. Both are well fit and good quality wheels, hubs, etc... I would attribute 90% of that increased speed to the my more aero position on the Cervelo. You will not get this low and aero by slapping some aero bars on a road bike.
But, if you're going to get a TT bike to go faster, you have to be committed to staying aero the whole ride and it is not fun or comfortable.
I'm pretty average, but my best 40K was 56:56 and I got 3rd in my age group a few years back with 58:31. Both were on the P2C. My best time on a road bike was around 1:05 but I was much younger then too.
Good figures, and nice point about aero. Above 18-19mph, it's a lot about aero when going all out.
You are the first person I ever met who was faster on Nimble Crosswinds.
I didn't think I was, and the whoop/whoop drove me nuts. It wasn't a long trip, but still, annoying.
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goaheadjump
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