Sprinting
 

If you are doing a sprint wearing "improper gear"* versus proper gear(?), what kind of speed/effort difference is there?

• Basketball shorts
• T-shirt
• Running shoes
• Platform pedals
• Regular giro helmet
• Wearing a backpack with racquetball rackets sticking out
• In the drops

VERSUS

• Cycling bibs
• Jersey
• Clipless shoes
• Clipless pedals
• Aero helmet
• No addition weight or drag on your back
• Using aerobars -- or are drops better?

*Improper implies that the standard gear worn when racing in the TdF or any Cat race isn't being worn at that time.

Too hard to tell without repeated sprints and recorded data on both. But I gained 3 mph on my max speed with my new shoes. I struggled to hit 45 with my old shoes but hit 48 with the new white shoes, same jersey and helmet.

You need some of these!:D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8...c622dbc35d.jpg
IMG_3094 by mrbeanz1, on Flickr




Oh I forgot, I was riding new GP4000s as well. You need some of these too!:D



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8...58a3ef8b3f.jpg
GP4000 by gulpxtreme, on Flickr

48mph? Holy sh*t.. :twitchy:

Well, sure thing it wasn't up hill!

The actual difference is probably minimal but you'll be more comfortable in bike clothes... when I was younger (and fitter) I passed a guy on a mountain bike. He had his laundry attached to the top strap of his backpack so I naturally passed him on an uphill. I went all out, thinking no WAY!!! At the top he said "thanks for the draft" and sped off with his laundry flapping.

So yeah, it's more about the engine but the comfort of the engine makes a difference.

I don't think there's any way in the world to objectively quantify something like that. It would depend on so many different things. Like how long a sprint it is, or whether the rider has experience sprinting in performance gear or not. I would think that someone who has little or no experience with, say, clipless pedals, when suddenly put on a bike with clipless pedals, they're likely not going to be able to take full advantage of them, particularly if they don't have the technique that comes from years of experience in such situations.

And aero bars are for constant speed efforts like time-trialing and triathlons where reducing wind resistance is critical, and not for sprinting.

I almost think the problem here is the perceived meaning of the word "sprint." A sprint is a short-distance ultimate acceleration effort that comes either at the end of a race, or at a predetermined location mid-race for accumulation of points (or bragging rights). They're not long, drawn out efforts.

There, I fixed it for you! :roflmao:

Perform a controlled experiment and get back to us with the results.

Why did you pass somebody who was wearing proper gear and you weren't. Try it out and let us know.

From the data pool of my commutes, I can relate this information:

- Over the course of a 15 mile one way with 1000' elevation, I am no faster in lycra than in loose wool jersey and 3/4 pants.
- I haven't seen a difference in my ability to hammer off the line at a stop light, regardless of my outfit.
- My top speeds for tucked downhills remain the same for either clothing choice. (body position can affect it more, from what I've noticed.)

My conjecture is that unless you're already at a peak performance level, there won't be a lot of difference based on your clothing.

There may be some small increase in effort required due to looser clothing etc, but it would likely be negligible. The biggest difference I myself would notice is from the pedals. From a standing start style of sprint, I pull up on the backstroke. You just can't do this with platform pedals.

What? I wasn't racing/over-taking anyone. This thread was random.

My regular road speed is about 15 mph. My sprint tops out at 15-1/2 mph. Unless it's the neighbor's pit bull chasing me, then I can sprint about 250 mph lol

Ok, when I commute I sometimes take my backpack full of food and cloths for two shifts so I don't have to ride loaded up both days. Not sure about sprinting as I don't sprint unless I'm riding with someone but overall my speed is higher without backpack, not sure if its because of the extra weight or the bulk.

Axiom, at some point ya' gotta join a local club, or, at least find yourself a local group ride that you fit in with.