Originally Posted by
noglider
Oh here's another theory. On my go-fast bike, I tend to wear tight-fitting cycling clothes. Not only do they cause less air drag, but because of the fit, they feel more comfortable while pedaling hard. I wouldn't call street clothes uncomfortable, but I suspect the little tugging on my body here and there is a very slight discouragement from pedaling my best.
This and what you wrote before says the most significant thing you can do to go fast is all in the mental prep. I totally buy into that.
For many, a bike can trigger that drive. For me, it depends on who I'm riding with. One day I can be plooting along with some folks and the next I'm with a bunch of hammerheads doing a
pr with the same bike.