Why do I feel this much difference?
#1
Just a person on bike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: 2015 Trek 1.1, 2021 Specialized Roubaix, 2022 Tern HSD S+
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 132 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
56 Posts
Why do I feel this much difference?
I've been riding to this bakery about 7 miles away every few weekends. I've done that on my hybrid. I would feel as though I did some workout by the time I got home.
This morning, I took my new road bike to go to that bakery for the first time. I chose the same route, and the trip took about the same time (60 minutes). However, I was clearly a lot less fatigued when I was back home - almost as if I had only begun riding. That came as a surprise to me.
What can make such a noticeable difference? I realize that the road bike weighs about 10 lbs less and has higher-end components (Ultegra vs Deore), but is that it?
This morning, I took my new road bike to go to that bakery for the first time. I chose the same route, and the trip took about the same time (60 minutes). However, I was clearly a lot less fatigued when I was back home - almost as if I had only begun riding. That came as a surprise to me.
What can make such a noticeable difference? I realize that the road bike weighs about 10 lbs less and has higher-end components (Ultegra vs Deore), but is that it?
__________________
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
#2
The Recumbent Quant
Weight could be some of it if your ride is hilly. Better rolling tires is probably most of it. Being in a more aero position helps, too.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 616
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Assuming your road bike is set up somewhat aggressively pushing less air is probably the main reason you noticed this.
The other thing is that a 14 mile return trip isn't very long and your body has adapted to it.
The other thing is that a 14 mile return trip isn't very long and your body has adapted to it.
#5
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have several bikes. I noticed that the rear wheels on my hybrid and mtb turns slower than on both of my road bikes. I believe that some bikes have some type of internal resistance that must be overcome in order for the initial rotation to begin. Once begun, it will continue to rotate, but will come to a complete stop much sooner than wheels with less internal resistance. It takes more energy to overcome this internal resistance.
My road bikes are so much easier and fun to ride!
My road bikes are so much easier and fun to ride!
#6
The Recumbent Quant
I have several bikes. I noticed that the rear wheels on my hybrid and mtb turns slower than on both of my road bikes. I believe that some bikes have some type of internal resistance that must be overcome in order for the initial rotation to begin. Once begun, it will continue to rotate, but will come to a complete stop much sooner than wheels with less internal resistance. It takes more energy to overcome this internal resistance
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd bet on rolling resistance, too. I've ridden several bikes on the same commute for five years using tires from 25mm to 41mm, and from 55 to 110psi. The tires make far more difference than the type or weight of the bike.
#9
Just a person on bike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: 2015 Trek 1.1, 2021 Specialized Roubaix, 2022 Tern HSD S+
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 132 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
56 Posts
Thanks guys. I've somehow never thought of tyre differences. Come to think of it, my 700x25 road bike tyres are skinner, lighter and have less treads than the 700x28 hybrid ones. The tyres on my hybrid must be thicker too - they are labelled as "flat resistant."
That may also explain why I've never had a flat on my hybrid since I bought it last summer, but I just got one on my road bike in the first three weeks of ownership.
That may also explain why I've never had a flat on my hybrid since I bought it last summer, but I just got one on my road bike in the first three weeks of ownership.
__________________
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
4powells
General Cycling Discussion
56
07-02-15 10:58 AM