Originally Posted by
bunkerman
I have a question and am just curious what you all think. In 1972 E. Merckx set the hour record at 49+ Km per hour. When the rules changed back to a traditional bicycle Chris Boardman bettered Merckx's record by 10-11 meters. Ok would there have been any power changes based on the pedals/shoes worn by these riders? Did Boardman or Merckx have an advantage bc of clipless pedals vs traditional pedals with toe clips and straps or the flexibility found in Merckx's leather shoes or is any advantage de minimus and of no consequence. Just curious what you all think bc I don't know.
The items you mention were possibly factors. But remember Boardman's attempt was at sea level (a negative) on an indoor track while Merckx did his at higher altitude in Mexico City on an outdoor track. There are additional factors with Boardman: aeroish helmet, more aero clothing, less spokes in wheels, and what appears (from videos) to be narrower bars.