Originally Posted by
bikinpolitico
I agree it's probably the engine more than anything else. Try doing a separate "training" ride of at least one hour (2 hours would be better) once a week with lactate threshold intervals spread throughout. The only way to get faster is to ride faster.
I'd also check to make sure your brake pads or fenders aren't rubbing, even slightly.
I found this on velonews.com. Is this what I am looking at attempting to do to ride faster?
Finding your LT
• Find a flat or slightly uphill stretch of road (avoid undulations or hills)- you may also use a trainer (but this is mentally tough)
• Warm up for at least 10-15 minutes
• Ride a thirty-minute time trial with your best possible time
• If using a heart rate (HR) monitor, record the last twenty minutes of your ride. - Your average heart rate over this period will estimate your HR at LT
• If using a power meter, record the last twenty minutes of your ride – Your average power over this period will estimate your power output at LT.
Where do you stand?
To put things in perspective, untrained individuals usually reach LT at about 60 percent of their VO2MAX. Moderately trained athletes reach LT at 65-80 percent VO2MAX. Elite endurance athletes have a very high LT relative to their VO2MAX . They are able to ride at 85-95 percent VO2MAX, and it is this ability that allows them to making a living riding bikes.