Originally Posted by WesMorrison
Why am I so slow compared to the road bikes whizzing by me?
I know some of the reasons, but I'm wondering why the difference is so huge.
It's not that important, really, as I'm riding to lose weight and for enjoyment, but I'm just curious.
Some facts...
Height: 5' 10.5"
Weight: ~ 210 lbs
Bodyfat: ~ 24%
Squat: (Smith machine) 260 lbs for 12 reps (just as a reference point)
Bike: Trek 7.3 FX (hybrid style, tires 700x32c)
Last night I rode 10 miles and averaged 13 mph even though I walked up a 1/3 mile hill.
Today I rode 33.5 miles and averaged about 9.5 mph walking up about 1 miles worth of hills. I slowed down as the ride progressed. About 3 miles from the end, a guy on a road bike whizzed by me.
I'm guessing my weight has a lot to do with it. Also, I'm eating low-carb on non-weightlifting days, so that could be why I slow down so much. I do have to eat carbs after a 30 mile ride.
Lots of things. Less weight up the hills, lower bodyfat, lighter bike, better food.
low-carb is a killer for athletic performance. If you don't have much in the way of carbs, your speed will be seriously compromised. Carbs 30 minutes before you ride (say, 200 calories), during the ride, and the some carbs & protein right after the ride.