cyclocommuter

I tried to see the max I could achieve on a 400m track oval in the park nearby (it was deserted) on my Brompton M6R... 35 kph flat at 5th gear. Sixth gear was too tall and I could only do about 33 kph in it. In the next few days I will warm up a bit more and go for 38 or more kph. I will use my Garmin 500 GPS to record the run.

EDIT: Pic of Brommie record attempt...

sudoshift

That's great, but you might consider posting this in the regular top speed of a folder. This thread is mostly between Dahon Curve SL bikes. But I suppose it counts since its 16" wheels. Keep it up and if the gear inches is to high. Max out the previous gear where you're spinning out completely and then shift![/QUOTE]



I got back on the horse today after recovering from a very nasty flu-bug. I discovered an application for my Nokia phone called Sports Tracker (www.sports-tracker.com) and it has a speedo on there. It also records the path, times, alt etc using GPS. Very very neat.

https://t.co/wXcZ15L

According to the GPS I topped out at 26.4 MPH (42.5 KPH)

There was still more to go but the horrible roads prevented me from going any faster. Really wish I had finn's beautiful roads. owenfinn is still up there @ 43.6kph I'll try to catch up soon.

Let's keep it going. I feel we can reach 29 MPH with some time. At least he can with the slightly taller gear. The CATEYE speedo only registered 25.4 I MPH so finn you might actually be going faster.

owenfinn

Another nice run Sudoshift - I'm feeling the heat!

I think the GPS reading might be more accurate than the Cateye since the 1185 wheel circumference number for the Marathon Racers that we've been using is definitely a bit off. IMO - it should be more like 1210. The reason is that the Cateye manual has the circumference chart for different tire widths but if you actually measure the width of the supposedly 1.5" Racers it really is closer to 1.7".

Do you want to reset the Cateye computer to 1210 and continue?

I don't mind either way.

sudoshift

Agreed. That would make sense why the readings were off. Lets do it. Change circ to your suggested 1210.

owenfinn

Thanks Jim!

Ok the computer was changed to a more realistic 1210 for tire circumference. Here are the latest numbers -

42 kph = 26.09 mph

I wanted to warm up with a leisurely ride for 30 minutes or so before pushing myself, but there was this super serious looking roadbike guy at the first red light I came to, so when he took off I had to go with him.

He accelerated quickly and was pedaling pretty hard, but this is where the Curve SL excels and I kept pace easily. I`m sure he was very surprised to see me not far behind when he looked back. On the flat he could go just a little bit faster and was pulling away slowly. He lost me when he made a light and I had to stop.



A few minutes later I started a run on the same road I hit 43.6 kph on last week. This time I maxed out at 46.3 kph!

46.3 kph = 28.77 mph




I was really spent after that (in fact, I felt like throwing up - probably all the cesium I`ve been injesting), so I took a break for a few minutes before heading the other way.

Going the opposite way, on shaky legs, I got to 42. 7 kph

42.7 kph = 26.53 mph



The last run, going home, was on the same road (but opposite direction), where I did 42 behind the roadie warrrior earlier. This time 43.2 = 26.84 mph.

sudoshift

Haha nice intro! You just have to make it harder on me! Good to see we are going all out.

I haven't tried a run with the new speedo settings. Haven't been able to commute. But soon. Although I doubt that I'll reach 28 MPH. Maybe 27 MPH.

I've had that type of run-in with a road cyclist as well. Especially on Fiesta Island where all the cyclists go to practice. I love the look on their face when they turn back and you're right on their tails. Classic!

Keep up the good work. You might just have to keep that bike held up high.

sudoshift

Finally had a chance to commute with the Curve SL since I broke my 20" bike's valve stem and I didn't have a spare tube.

Finn, you still the fastest but I'm catching up. Came in at 27.9 MPH


MaxSPEED Curve SL 27.9 MPH by sudoshift, on Flickr

fietsbob

Dueling data is one thing, But .. now the 2 guys have to race in the same place..

.. side by side. then switch bikes..

the wheel diameter input can be made optimistic, after all ..



& how hard was that tail wind blowing?

owenfinn

I don`t know, we both have the same tires and same diameter number entered into the computer. Probably the best we can do. But yeah it`s certainly not scientific. It is fun though.

Meeting halfway in Hawaii for a definitive test ain`t gonna happen.

sudoshift

What finn said.

This was never meant to be a definitive and scientific 'race.' All just to see how much we could push our little Curves and ultimately for fun.

On a quick side note. In the debate of small wheels with quicker acceleration vs large wheels and increased momentum. In my opinion from speeding off from the carbon cyclists at the light. They cancel each other out due to smaller's wheels inability to efficiently cushion road imperfections.

tds101 

Old thread, but I luv the Curve SL drama!!!