Originally Posted by
The Hansenator
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 think the main things that make a bike fast, are good fit, so that the rider is comfortable, and a geometry that puts the rider in an aerodynamic, powerful riding position. Another important factor is bicycle maintenance, it is hard to be fast if your bike is breaking down, or your chain keeps falling off, or you have excess friction somewhere. Tires matter a lot as well. Aerodynamics of the bike and bike weight also contribute some but I'm guessing not quite as much as the first things I mentioned. As for the details of all the above and what work's best, well I don't know about all that.