Originally Posted by
rumrunn6
what weight do you think each aspect of a bike ride affects your efficiency or speed? are they all equal, or do so some matter more?
riding surface
bike type
tires
wind
human motor
ambient temperature
bike weight
bike age
quality of components such as wheels & bearings
other
had a slow painful ~20 miles ride with a strong wind last night & started me thinking why did I perform so poorly
for me, last night, I think it was: motor, wind, tires, bike, in that order
the ride took approx. 2 hrs (30 minutes longer than it should have)
In order of significance:-
1. Wind - trumps everything for determining your speed on a particular day, including the motor. Also explains your slow, painful 20 mile ride in a strong wind.
2. Human power - goes without saying really. This is also affected massively by training, nutrition and sleep.
3. Bike type - An upright touring bike is going to be significantly slower than a race bike in a more aero position
4. Tyres - Definitely the next biggest factor, but relatively small when comparing the same type of tyre
5. Riding surface - Rough roads can be significantly slower than smooth roads. I'm tempted to put this above tyres, but they kind of go together.
6. Ambient temperature - Can be very significant in the extremes, but not very important within a normal range
7. Bike weight - not very important unless extremely heavy and hilly. A little more important in mountainous areas, so might bump it up to 6 there.
8. Quality of components - not very important within a normal range and not abused.
9. Bike age - again not very important unless comparing extremes. Then it might bump up a few places on the list.
10. Other - rotational wheel mass (standing joke from old thread)