You know, I recently went through some of these thoughts after a ride.

Some bikes do feel faster, and I'm not learned enough to really know why. What I can say is that some days I have "it" and some days I just don't.

One day I'll look down at my computer and see 18mph or so on a straight, flat stretch with no wind, or even a light tailwind.

Another day, I look down on a similar stretch and see 21+! I think, "I don't feel like I'm pushing harder." Same bike. Similar conditions. No explanation. In the moment I tell myself that I do feel stronger that day.

Months back I was trying to push myself, but was not having it. There was this older guy way ahead of me on a mountain bike. I used him as motivation, thinking trying to catch him might wake me up.

Nope!

This guy could spin! Dusted me. He was just out hammering - no idea I was trying to catch up. He was a rocket on a "slow" bike.