Not worth it
10-05-07 | 09:50 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Been around
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 71
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Bikes: Recumbent
Not worth it
This morning I was feeling good so I rode pretty hard into work and was a tired. Time 36:11
Yesterday I took it easy and enjoyed my ride into work. Time 38:30
So why hammer since there was very little difference
Yesterday I took it easy and enjoyed my ride into work. Time 38:30
So why hammer since there was very little difference
10-05-07 | 09:54 AM
#2
It's full of stars...
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Bikes: Trek OCLV mt Bike, Diamond Back Sorrento (stolen), Cannondale 4000, KHS fixie, Giant Butte commuter work horse
Well it's actually really good for health reasons to push yourself a little. Maybe hammer once or twice a week and recover on the other days? Just my .02. 
10-05-07 | 09:54 AM
#3
K2ProFlex baby!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 59
From: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"
Bikes: to many to list
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
10-05-07 | 09:59 AM
#6
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 6
From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
I love getting my heart working, and trying to mark other riders - that makes it fun for me!
10-05-07 | 10:12 AM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Easy commute - 32 min
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
10-05-07 | 10:23 AM
#8
ride for a change
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
I hammer for fitness reasons, a few times a week, when I feel like it, or the headwind is really heavy It's sort of a personal time trial
But I realized, like you, a few years ago that the time savings are really negligible on my 7.5 mile commute between my cruising speed and my all out effort.
Although when I'm running late or whatever, it's always hammer time. I can't help it.
But I realized, like you, a few years ago that the time savings are really negligible on my 7.5 mile commute between my cruising speed and my all out effort.
Although when I'm running late or whatever, it's always hammer time. I can't help it.
10-05-07 | 10:33 AM
#10
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
My "recovery" pace is about 12 MPH. If I'm really hurtin', I'll ride along nice and easy. This gets me to work in about 1h 10m plus stop lights.
My usual commute pace is closer to 16 MPH. It's enough to keep me sweaty, but I'm not hammering it. Rolling time of about 52 minutes.
If I'm all-out hammering, I exceed 19 MPH average, often staying above 30 MPH for almost all the flat parts of my commute. This gets me to work in 43 minutes.
So, the difference between hammering and my usual pace is almost 10 minutes. Some mornings, it's worth the effort for me (and pretty damned fun). The difference between a leisurely stroll on the bike to work and hammering is close to half an hour!
My usual commute pace is closer to 16 MPH. It's enough to keep me sweaty, but I'm not hammering it. Rolling time of about 52 minutes.
If I'm all-out hammering, I exceed 19 MPH average, often staying above 30 MPH for almost all the flat parts of my commute. This gets me to work in 43 minutes.
So, the difference between hammering and my usual pace is almost 10 minutes. Some mornings, it's worth the effort for me (and pretty damned fun). The difference between a leisurely stroll on the bike to work and hammering is close to half an hour!
10-05-07 | 10:37 AM
#11
Jet Jockey
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,941
Likes: 30
From: St. Paul, MN
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD9, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Nashbar X-frame bike, Bike Friday Haul-a-Day, Surly Pugsley.
I've found the exact same thing.
If you were professionally racing that 2:19 difference could determine whether you continue to the next stage or not. On a commute...what's 2:19?
I do whatever my legs tell me. Some mornings I set out and the legs just want to spin easy, or they're feeling a little dull. Other mornings I intend to spin easy, and start out that way, but find myself sprinting for all I'm worth by the end.
Just enjoy the ride, however it works for you. +/- 2 minutes will work itself out later.
If you were professionally racing that 2:19 difference could determine whether you continue to the next stage or not. On a commute...what's 2:19?
I do whatever my legs tell me. Some mornings I set out and the legs just want to spin easy, or they're feeling a little dull. Other mornings I intend to spin easy, and start out that way, but find myself sprinting for all I'm worth by the end.
Just enjoy the ride, however it works for you. +/- 2 minutes will work itself out later.
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
10-05-07 | 10:57 AM
#12
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15,029
Likes: 2,170
From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
I spend my first 6mo. of cycle commuting hammering. My average speed increased >50% in the first year of riding. Now when I ride at that 50% increased speed at what feels like a very comfortable pace it leaves me energized, not tired.
In otherwords, the times you push yourself pay off in multiples down the road. Saving those 2min today with some discomfort will mean soon you will be saving 2min every day with total comfort.
Al
In otherwords, the times you push yourself pay off in multiples down the road. Saving those 2min today with some discomfort will mean soon you will be saving 2min every day with total comfort.
Al
10-05-07 | 11:15 AM
#13
Thread Killer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 0
From: Marfan Syndrome-Clyde-DFW, TX
Bikes: Fuji Touring Xtracycle, Merlin Road, Bacchetta Giro 26 (Sold), Challenge Hurricane, Cruzbike Sofrider
I've really been struggling with this and when the commute is shorter then 10 miles it didnt' matter much at all overall and barely that much on longer commutes. Getting stuck at a light would make more of a difference. My commute has doubled and my wife is grumbling about it and doing all the wifey - we need to get your a car and you can't ride anymore I miss you I worry etc etc...
I started collecting data and using online calcs to estimate mild electric assist effects trying to chip away
MPH Round Trip Rolling Time
14 3:00 Really slacking off
14.5 2:54
15 2:48 Normal Pace
15.5 2:43
16 2:38
16.5 2:33 Serious effort but not racing
17 2:28
17.5 2:24
18 2:20 Electric assist territory
18.5 2:16
19 2:13
19.5 2:09
20 2:06
Even over a 42 mile round trip bumping it up just a little doesn't make that much difference. I'm really eyeng that electric assist territory though since I could do 5 days a week fast and still race on a few days and just not use the assist.
I started collecting data and using online calcs to estimate mild electric assist effects trying to chip away
MPH Round Trip Rolling Time
14 3:00 Really slacking off
14.5 2:54
15 2:48 Normal Pace
15.5 2:43
16 2:38
16.5 2:33 Serious effort but not racing
17 2:28
17.5 2:24
18 2:20 Electric assist territory
18.5 2:16
19 2:13
19.5 2:09
20 2:06
Even over a 42 mile round trip bumping it up just a little doesn't make that much difference. I'm really eyeng that electric assist territory though since I could do 5 days a week fast and still race on a few days and just not use the assist.
Last edited by evblazer; 10-05-07 at 11:21 AM.
10-05-07 | 11:33 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
My "recovery" pace is about 12 MPH. If I'm really hurtin', I'll ride along nice and easy. This gets me to work in about 1h 10m plus stop lights.
My usual commute pace is closer to 16 MPH. It's enough to keep me sweaty, but I'm not hammering it. Rolling time of about 52 minutes.
If I'm all-out hammering, I exceed 19 MPH average, often staying above 30 MPH for almost all the flat parts of my commute. This gets me to work in 43 minutes.
So, the difference between hammering and my usual pace is almost 10 minutes. Some mornings, it's worth the effort for me (and pretty damned fun). The difference between a leisurely stroll on the bike to work and hammering is close to half an hour!
My usual commute pace is closer to 16 MPH. It's enough to keep me sweaty, but I'm not hammering it. Rolling time of about 52 minutes.
If I'm all-out hammering, I exceed 19 MPH average, often staying above 30 MPH for almost all the flat parts of my commute. This gets me to work in 43 minutes.
So, the difference between hammering and my usual pace is almost 10 minutes. Some mornings, it's worth the effort for me (and pretty damned fun). The difference between a leisurely stroll on the bike to work and hammering is close to half an hour!
10-05-07 | 12:06 PM
#15
All Bikes All The Time
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Bikes: Giant TCR 0, Lemond Zurich, Giant NRS 1, Jamis Explorer Beater/Commuter, Peugeot converted single speed
10-05-07 | 12:56 PM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Bikes: 2003 Giant OCR2
To me, it's not about the time. I just...can't...stand...going....slow. Don't know what it is. It's not a personal ego thing because I know I'm not exceptionally fast. I think I get bored if I'm just cruising. My biggest problem is that as I get better at biking, the definition of 'slow' has gotten progressively faster. At this point it drives me nuts to cruise at 15mph.
Between that and my short 6mi one-way commute, I usually push it pretty hard. But as a result, I'm usually dead on Friday after 5 days of hard riding and a long run mixed in for variety.
Between that and my short 6mi one-way commute, I usually push it pretty hard. But as a result, I'm usually dead on Friday after 5 days of hard riding and a long run mixed in for variety.
10-05-07 | 02:06 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 4
From: Near Portland, OR
Bikes: Three road bikes. Two track bikes.
I like hammering. Other than that... no reason.
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
10-05-07 | 02:08 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 4
From: Near Portland, OR
Bikes: Three road bikes. Two track bikes.
Opposite for me, actually. I like to unwind after work. Need to kickstart the brain in the morning.
__________________
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
10-05-07 | 02:12 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
The biggest determinant of my commute is how many red lights I get caught at. I've had days when I took it easy and made better time than when I was hammering, simply because I got through the major intersection with green lights. I've got a 10-mile commute, and the difference in time between my fastest and slowest commutes is about 6 minutes.
10-05-07 | 03:11 PM
#20
Crankenstein
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 3
From: Spokane
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Easy commute - 32 min
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
__________________
"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
10-05-07 | 03:34 PM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck; '91 Cannondale 3.0
A big part of why I commute is for my own personal health. If I just take it easy every day then I don't get as much out of it. Now, if I didn't have a 6 month old at home I would probably be less concerned with getting every ounce of a workout from my commute, but seeing as how I do have a 6 month old at home I need to really beat my legs up when I ride.
I don't do it every day...some days I chill and ride at a nice pace and enjoy the scenery.
It's just riding a bike, dude. I'm not out to set any world speed records. And hey, if you're just trying to get places then by all means there's no reason to hammer.
I don't do it every day...some days I chill and ride at a nice pace and enjoy the scenery.
It's just riding a bike, dude. I'm not out to set any world speed records. And hey, if you're just trying to get places then by all means there's no reason to hammer.
10-05-07 | 04:06 PM
#23
Support JDRF
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 925
Likes: 3
From: Arkansas
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Specialized Roubaix Elite
I like to hammer on when the wind is strong and at my back.
It will make you feel like your really did some good. Otherwise, there really isn't that much time difference and I will just enjoy the ride.
It will make you feel like your really did some good. Otherwise, there really isn't that much time difference and I will just enjoy the ride.
10-05-07 | 04:51 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Bikes: Leader 735TR 09 58cm 46/17
Easy commute - 32 min
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
Barely pushing it - 30 min
Gear jammin' - 27 min
I've got a fairly short commute. Some days I feel lazy (like the morning after I do an extra 15-20 miles on the stationary 'bent in the evening) and some days I see a taillight blinking waaaay up in the distance and start crankin' like a madman.
Is the 5 minutes I save really worth the effort it takes? Not even remotely, but I don't put the hammer down to save time; I do it to push myself and have fun. If I need the extra 5 minutes I'll leave the house earlier.
That's how i feel too. It may have to do with being on a wide road with cars flying past, both of which make me feel like i am going slow and i try to make it up. Bit that's only when i am feeling fast, otherwise i take it easy.
10-05-07 | 05:47 PM
#25
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
I have to be at work any time before 9am but traffic starts to suck in Downtown KC as 7:00 approaches. If I get out the door late, the difference between Southwest Blvd north of 25th street at 6:30 and 6:40 is freaky. It's the difference between riding through a ghost town and running with the bulls.