Of Course Equipment Matters
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
Then wouldn't I have a headwind on the way back
Maybe I was more motivated after buying a new bike that increased my level of enjoyment. Maybe I was motivated to go to the gym over the winter instead of sitting on the couch. Maybe since i enjoyed riding more, i rode more.
The April after I bought the new bike had more miles and more calories burned than the previous August with the old bike.
Maybe I was more motivated after buying a new bike that increased my level of enjoyment. Maybe I was motivated to go to the gym over the winter instead of sitting on the couch. Maybe since i enjoyed riding more, i rode more.
The April after I bought the new bike had more miles and more calories burned than the previous August with the old bike.
I would just take the tailwind out, have my gf come pick me up and post to Strava.
I've taken a different approach to the off season myself. This year I'm trying to build strength seriously (which bulks me up) and then back off near the start of the season. Hopefully, I will lose some weight and maintain strength. Just some weird ass theory I concocted..
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
Then wouldn't I have a headwind on the way back
Maybe I was more motivated after buying a new bike that increased my level of enjoyment. Maybe I was motivated to go to the gym over the winter instead of sitting on the couch. Maybe since i enjoyed riding more, i rode more.
The April after I bought the new bike had more miles and more calories burned than the previous August with the old bike.
Maybe I was more motivated after buying a new bike that increased my level of enjoyment. Maybe I was motivated to go to the gym over the winter instead of sitting on the couch. Maybe since i enjoyed riding more, i rode more.
The April after I bought the new bike had more miles and more calories burned than the previous August with the old bike.
#78
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,892
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sagan and Froome (and other pro riders) are going to want equipment that they feel does not put them at a disadvantage to their competition. Because 4# of weight will make a difference in a race between them. These riders are very close in ability, so equipment matters to the point that they are not at a disadvantage. Look at Lemond's first TdF victory, where an aero package let him win the time trial by enough over a competitor with similar ability that he won the yellow jersey.
If the cyclists are not close in ability, then the equipment hardly matters at all. For example Lemond (even at his current age) could be riding the lowest level LBS road bike (I'm discounting BSO's because a Pro might break them in a race), let's say a BikesDirect bike with Claris, and he'd still beat me even if I was riding a bike that you see in the TdF (e.g. Pinarello Dogma, etc.). So the 4# would not make a difference here.
Obviously, these are the extremes, and there are points in between.
GH
#79
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,434 Times
in
1,187 Posts
Those rainbow stripes tell me he adapted quickly to the change.
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,892
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And he was already riding the S-Works when he won the World Championship.
I would say that almost all of the riders on the Tour (specifically the tour that the TdF is in) have access to bikes that don't put them at a significant disadvantage to their competitors. So they're riding comparable equipment where the difference is going to be mostly the rider. I'm sure that occasionally, equipment choices make a difference. But their teammate probably make a bigger difference in their results than the difference in their equipment.
And his switch was probably due more to sponsorship, and who would pay him more than due to equipment deficiencies with Cannondale compared to Specialized.
GH
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
My next build will have Ultegra. On an entire groupset I save, I think, 200 grams over 105. Less than eight ounces. Does that make a difference? Don't make me laugh. Not a performance difference, but a Huge satisfaction difference. A very, very meaningful difference.
The fact that I would probably cover the same route at the same rate on a GMC Denali----That makes no meaningful difference (Call it Denali denial.) I want Ultegra---Even if I get laughed at for spending the money for performance capabilities I am incapable of using.
The fact that I would probably cover the same route at the same rate on a GMC Denali----That makes no meaningful difference (Call it Denali denial.) I want Ultegra---Even if I get laughed at for spending the money for performance capabilities I am incapable of using.
I don't know what performance capabilities Ultegra has over 105, that you're incapable of using but that would benefit other riders. You don't need a 300w FTP to appreciate buttery smooth and quiet shifting.
#82
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,433
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 741 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times
in
230 Posts
He could have rode any bike that day. His move was timed to perfection. He rode a perfect race tactically. Which is a good example of equipment not mattering as much as tactics.
#84
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
Gear gets old...and I'm in the business of selling it.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#85
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
A TON of riders and racers really do spend an inordinate amount of time paying attention to what everyone else is riding. tbh - I seldom did that to begin with and anymore I nearly never remember what anyone was riding. It's always after a race where people are like, "did you see that guy on that Felt with the 808's when he chopped that guy with the ...." I'm always lost until they go, "The short dude with the attitude that's riding in that green kit. Had some sort of car company listed as a sponsor on his ass."
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#86
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,434 Times
in
1,187 Posts
#88
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern San Diego
Posts: 1,726
Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,892
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you mean that he could have ridden any brand that any other rider was riding in the race, I'll agree with that.
But with riders that are close in ability, equipment can matter. The point is that the equipment that these top riders are using are all roughly equivalent, so that the riders aren't at a disadvantage equipment-wise.
And to another poster, while Sagan and Froome have abilities that differ about as much as pros could differ, the sum of their abilities is roughly equal. Hence, one won the Tour de France, and the other won the World Championships.
But the Specialized S-Works and the Pinarello Dogma are roughly equal bikes, so neither one is at a disadvantage equipment-wise.
GH
#94
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
I'm pretty sure his doping regime was much more important to his tour performance than his front derail issue....rather Contrador's doping regime.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#95
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
I'd take issue with that. Walk into a bike shop and gauge how busy it is. Then go back in July and do the same. If' you're trying to imply that training done now wins the season down the road - then ...duh but no one around here is riding outside today with -1 temps. This is the off-season. They're just all in the gym.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#96
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
Its not the equipment or the gym. It's the hair. That's what matters. The riders hair.
Sagan has great hair. Reference above.
Mario Cipollini. Spectacular. Nuff said.
Merckx was down.
Ask yourself why Lance fell from grace. Coincidence? Not even gonna post a pic.
Anthony Bourdain could easily win a major tour with a little coaching.
Races are won and lost in the stylists chair. American Crew in your saddle bag is your best bet.
Sagan has great hair. Reference above.
Mario Cipollini. Spectacular. Nuff said.
Merckx was down.
Ask yourself why Lance fell from grace. Coincidence? Not even gonna post a pic.
Anthony Bourdain could easily win a major tour with a little coaching.
Races are won and lost in the stylists chair. American Crew in your saddle bag is your best bet.
#97
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 237
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
3 Posts
Off season is much more of a temperate zone thing - subtropical and tropical climates may have their own quirks - the wet monsoon season is probably the off season in someplace like India, perhaps.
Cycling per se - still doable here, been seeing a number of the dedicated locals switch to fatbikes or mt bikes. Not many riders out there on road bikes when there is ice and snow cover on the roads.
Cycling per se - still doable here, been seeing a number of the dedicated locals switch to fatbikes or mt bikes. Not many riders out there on road bikes when there is ice and snow cover on the roads.
#98
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,475
Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3375 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times
in
253 Posts
I'd take issue with that. Walk into a bike shop and gauge how busy it is. Then go back in July and do the same. If' you're trying to imply that training done now wins the season down the road - then ...duh but no one around here is riding outside today with -1 temps. This is the off-season. They're just all in the gym.
EDIT: Crisp, cool, sunny 60 something (here). And junior is riding home from gym...
Last edited by Doge; 01-11-16 at 11:42 AM.
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,475
Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3375 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times
in
253 Posts
We are fortunate enough to have a Tarmac and Venge (just own the Venge). There are at least 3 junior selection (so USAC trips to Europe) races that have a TT in them, all will use road bikes, but each race will likely have a different configuration of equipment. The selection of bike and wheels can mean the difference between a trip or not as that podium may be separated by 10 sec or so. Sure - a junior thing, but when you have similar fitness / ability competing the little differences matter enough to think hard about your equipment selection. While something may not be measurable or calculate-able, it still can matter, although I'm sure much less in a group.
#100
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
Yeah - there's no events around here for a while and everyone is in the gym. Therefore: off season. Sucks.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels