Originally Posted by naisme
I have enjoyed reading the accounts of dropping guys on the commute. I've been a staunch advocate of getting out there and rolling and smoking anyone and everyone I can. Until this past week. I have been fighting age and weight, and did some research, I learned that going balls to the wall wasn't helping me burn fat, I was going anaerobic, and burning proteins and carbs, to burn fat I had to adjust my HRM and not let my HR get over 120. OMG, I have so much built up testosterone from not chasing, and the things I have seen riding "sensibly." I feel like a fool just out pedaling on the 3 speed Raleigh with this stupid smile watching as kitted freaks blast by me on a busy multiuse trail. I wonder where their heads are at to ride at 18 plus just to look good for the roller bladers. If they'd slow down they might be able to talk to some of them too.
Seeing how 80% of your energy is used to overcome aero drag. So, to go fast, you either have to put out more power or decrease your drag. I switched to a Bacchetta Corsa, and use it for commuting, I stay aerobic and pretty much pass every bike I come across. You did find the downside to commuting, and that you are either pushing it because you have to be there in a certain time, or you see a carrot up the road and push it to catch/pass said carrot and start looking for the next one. Since I've got my power tap, 200-220 watts has me doing 23 on the flats at 125-130HR, and I can stay at that output all day.
