Yesterday I did a little ~40 minute loop segment during a ride that I hadn't done in about a year. I gave it some juice but still ended up 4 minutes slower than my best time. There were lots of variables-

Stopped for a train-induced traffic jam
Really hot
Gusty headwind
Kinda out of shape
Didn't start pushing until halfway through
Slowed to smile at a puppy

Still, I think I'm going to blame it on my wheels and start a thread about finding a pair that will gain those minutes back.

Good idea?