Originally Posted by
ArizonaAdam
I only have a compact crank, so I spin it out at just about 40 mph downhill.
What puzzles me, however, is that I see people simply out-coasting me, even when I'm pedaling.
I'm 6', 168 pounds or so. Not a brick but no lightweight.
I found this oldish article (
http://www.sportsci.org/jour/9804/dps.html#downhill) saying "terminal velocity" dowhnill is about 43mph, a speed I've not quite reached.
Long story short, can you guys help me talk my wife into new wheels?
But really, are these people just heavier than me, is it that simple?
What cassette do you have? I've gone over 40mph freewheeling down a 14% grade, hit 40mph pedalling quite fast in (I think) 50-13, and hit 38mph on a mountain bike pedalling in 44-12 down a big hill.
You are a lightweight compared to me, I tip the scales at more like 240lb. Sometimes that's what makes the difference, more weight to boost the speed but without a proportionate increase in frontal area for wind resistance. You'd probably smoke me going up the hills though.