My First Quarter!
07-03-07, 11:58 AM
#1
2nd Century TBD
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My First Quarter!
Hiya Everyone,
Just finished my first quarter century this afternoon -- I know, not much in the bigger biking scheme of things, but a nice first personal milestone. I'm 33, about 6'1", 190 lbs., and picked up a Trek 7.2FX a few weeks ago to train for a duathlon with my fiance and to get myself in better shape, with the ultimate goal of putting enough miles on the bike to convince her that a road bike is a good investment and will get plenty of "love." Not that the road bike is coming anytime soon (first discussion will be significantly after the Trek odometer reads 1K), but my question is, do you have a feel for how much a road bike might improve my speed (given the same rider/fitness level)? I average just over 14 mph on generally rolling hills over the 20-25 miles, and am thinking if nothing else, the drop handlebars would be nice, as I get to about mile 20 and am ready to be in some sort of new position. Thanks, and have a great 4th of July!
Just finished my first quarter century this afternoon -- I know, not much in the bigger biking scheme of things, but a nice first personal milestone. I'm 33, about 6'1", 190 lbs., and picked up a Trek 7.2FX a few weeks ago to train for a duathlon with my fiance and to get myself in better shape, with the ultimate goal of putting enough miles on the bike to convince her that a road bike is a good investment and will get plenty of "love." Not that the road bike is coming anytime soon (first discussion will be significantly after the Trek odometer reads 1K), but my question is, do you have a feel for how much a road bike might improve my speed (given the same rider/fitness level)? I average just over 14 mph on generally rolling hills over the 20-25 miles, and am thinking if nothing else, the drop handlebars would be nice, as I get to about mile 20 and am ready to be in some sort of new position. Thanks, and have a great 4th of July!
07-03-07, 12:48 PM
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Congrats on your milestone, AirBeagle!
The drops on road bikes are nice for descents and the added body positions for longer rides (and indespensible in a headwind!). Road bikes are also faster because they have less rolling resistance with the skinny 700x23mm wheels that also run at a higher pressure. Yours has wider wheels which are nice for more varied terrain, but have more rolling resistance.
You might think about adding a pair of bar-ends to your current bike to offer more hand positions. They would allow to to stretch out over the top-tube a little more. Keep riding! That will make you faster, too.
The drops on road bikes are nice for descents and the added body positions for longer rides (and indespensible in a headwind!). Road bikes are also faster because they have less rolling resistance with the skinny 700x23mm wheels that also run at a higher pressure. Yours has wider wheels which are nice for more varied terrain, but have more rolling resistance.
You might think about adding a pair of bar-ends to your current bike to offer more hand positions. They would allow to to stretch out over the top-tube a little more. Keep riding! That will make you faster, too.
07-03-07, 01:02 PM
#3
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A road bike will get you there faster, everything else being equal. They are usually lighter, geared higher, have better components, lighter wheels, skinnier tires with less rolling resistance and give you a more aero riding position. But the biggest improvements have nothing to do with the bike, they come from the engine - you.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
