Ah, the responses are getting better and better. Thanks everyone. This was the kind of dialogue I was hoping for.

Pedalling ATX, yes I time myself to the second not to be a numbers nerd since the body, wind and traffic are different from day to day. But most days of my commute, I am within 30 seconds of 51 minutes 28 seconds which is an AVS of 23.3 km/h which includes the climb on Cambie. I am just curious how different tweaks to a bicycle and equipment affect elapsed times.

From what I have experienced (and certainly one person's experience is by no means a principal), more time is lost\gained on hills than any other kind of equipment change. I have ridden the commute tucked down in an aerodynamic position, I have done with a fairing and without, with a flat bar & bar ends or a trekking bar which allows a lower rider profile. Nothing affects elapsed time or AVS as much as attacking hills and climbing fast. Theoratical maximum speed downhill cannot be achieved due to the need to ride among traffic and watching out for lights. Therefore, the answer is the hills.


dsh & doohickie - thanks for the poignant answer. I think its spot on. I'm losing time on ascents. Yes, I do know that other things being equal, a similar cadence with a lower gear means slower speed. I was trying to "spin" my way up the hill instead of mashing it.

Banzai, I use Zefal toe clips on my bike.