What is meant by "fast" bike?
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....bikes are not just fast. They have to be fast and sweet.
....bikes are not just fast. They have to be fast and sweet.
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Ha ha, working on that.
I wasn't thinking of the rider so much as the perception. Like when a reviewer says a certain bike feels fast or sluggish or uninspired or something. From the replies it sounds about what I figured. I suppose lighter rims would feel fast because they accelerate easier, a racing position would feel faster because it's a racing position, a stiffer frame might feel fast because of less wasted energy while pedaling...
I wasn't thinking of the rider so much as the perception. Like when a reviewer says a certain bike feels fast or sluggish or uninspired or something. From the replies it sounds about what I figured. I suppose lighter rims would feel fast because they accelerate easier, a racing position would feel faster because it's a racing position, a stiffer frame might feel fast because of less wasted energy while pedaling...
#30
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Ha ha, working on that.
I wasn't thinking of the rider so much as the perception. Like when a reviewer says a certain bike feels fast or sluggish or uninspired or something. From the replies it sounds about what I figured. I suppose lighter rims would feel fast because they accelerate easier, a racing position would feel faster because it's a racing position, a stiffer frame might feel fast because of less wasted energy while pedaling...
I wasn't thinking of the rider so much as the perception. Like when a reviewer says a certain bike feels fast or sluggish or uninspired or something. From the replies it sounds about what I figured. I suppose lighter rims would feel fast because they accelerate easier, a racing position would feel faster because it's a racing position, a stiffer frame might feel fast because of less wasted energy while pedaling...
Last edited by turky lurkey; 04-22-14 at 01:52 PM.
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I just went from a Synapse aluminum to a carbon Madone. I have faster times on the same roads with the madone. I did not change in a week. I am faster on that madone and therefore I would say it's a faster bike.
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A bike that feels stiff and quick (including short chain stays plus all the other characteristics already described) make you ride harder. That alone makes it faster.
Then if you have aero wheels and an aero frame, you have to ride quicker to keep from getting embarrassed.
Finally when you spend money, it's important to justify the expense to yourself. So you ride harder and more often.
Then if you have aero wheels and an aero frame, you have to ride quicker to keep from getting embarrassed.
Finally when you spend money, it's important to justify the expense to yourself. So you ride harder and more often.
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Is it a coincidence that my fast bike is the one I had 30 years ago when I was thirty years younger and fifty pounds lighter?
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A fast bike is a tri bike. Faster at a given power output.
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A bike going downhill with a tailwind.
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Fast and slow are relative terms. It is a combination of things that makes people refer to one bike as their "fast bike". It may have to do with the weight and material of the bike, as well as specific features of some of the components, such as having slick tires. With the same engine, one will not go much faster than the other, but it might not feel that way
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I dusted off my 'fast' bike last night. In addition to the Schwinn, I also have a LeMond Poprad which hasn't been ridden in about 5 years. Both bikes have essentially the same tires, 700x28 vs 27x1.25 but, in addition to being a couple pounds lighter, the steering on the Poprad is a bit quicker and it doesn't have fenders so I suppose it does 'feel' a bit faster.
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Look who the cat drug in.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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And to answer the question, it's one that can be dialed up to 400 watts.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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Hey, my kid is finally old enough where he is entertaining himself. That gives mom and me a little bit of free time to get back into our old hobbies
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Edit: let's not forget that all of this can be quantified with a power meter. Same position, same wind, same watts, yet more speed? Faster bike.
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Not having a power meter - I guess I will never really know but it sure feels faster to me.
And the camera can make the difference
And the camera can make the difference