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Of the following, which migh impact speed most?

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Of the following, which migh impact speed most?

Old 07-15-06, 08:35 PM
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Of the following, which might impact speed most?

As I mentioned in another post, I've been frustrated this year on my bike because I've just never felt like I was going "fast" without a lot of effort. Some of this is due to just being out of shape but, of course, I decided to blame it on equipment Anyway, over the last two days, I've changed the following...

Replaced my SPD's with Shimano Ultegra PD-66110 SPD-SL's
Replaced my old shoes with Nike Altea II's (old ones had above-average flex)
Replaced my Bontrager Select wheelset with Mavic Aksium Race (Axiums = bladed spokes, Selects = round)
Replaced my old saddle with a Specialized Avatar Gel (with the cut-out thingie so you can have kids )

The bike: '05 Trek 1500

Well, I went out today and noticed that on a regular basis I was about 1-2 mph faster than normal. What clued me in was that I would feel like I was working harder, but oddly enough I didn't feel as tired as the end as normal (though it wasn't a huge difference). I finished the ride about 1.5 mph faster compared to Thursday's ride (~15mph wind then vs ~10mph today).

Knowing a trulty scientific answer is not possible, would any of the above changes have this type of effect? Or is it that I likely just had a subconscious image of myself going faster with new stuff and engaged in a bit of self-fulfilling prophecy?


Regardless of what it is, at this point if it gives me more motivation to get out and ride, I'm happy. I guess I just don't want to delude myself if the equipment isn't what's responsible.
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Old 07-15-06, 08:45 PM
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maybe a tiny bit of an affect. Probably more placebo.
You dont really need a cutout, plenty of good saddles dont have them (i hate on myself for this) check some of the saddles in the TdF McEwen's saddle Whatevers comfortable.

The pedals are probably a sound investment though
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Old 07-15-06, 08:58 PM
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my vote = Bontrager Select wheelset with Mavic Axiums (Axiums = bladed spokes, Selects = round)
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Old 07-16-06, 06:00 PM
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I would have to say the wind difference that you mentioned.
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Old 07-16-06, 06:08 PM
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Have you been fitted properly?
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Old 07-16-06, 06:11 PM
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What did you have/not have for breakfast?
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Old 07-16-06, 06:14 PM
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Whenever I finish a new build, I always ride that bike faster than I normally ride. Then in a couple of weeks, I'm basically back to where I started. I attribute it to the euphoria of having something new.

Which probably explains why I'm always building something.

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Old 07-16-06, 06:38 PM
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How much lighter is the wheelset? Having a lower rotational mass can make a big difference in how tired you are.

I'd also put money on the aero wheelset, and having good road shoes with a stiff sole can also have a noticeable effect.
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Old 07-16-06, 07:43 PM
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wheels will make a huge difference. Rotational weight is far more significant than reducing "sprung" weight.
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Old 07-16-06, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by The Fixer
Have you been fitted properly?
Yeah, though I think I set the cleats a tad far back this time
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Old 07-16-06, 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by ericgu
How much lighter is the wheelset? Having a lower rotational mass can make a big difference in how tired you are.

I'd also put money on the aero wheelset, and having good road shoes with a stiff sole can also have a noticeable effect.
No, interestingly enough, they're about 5% heavier front and rear. But yeah, they have bladed spokes so I'm sure that helps. And yes, the new shoes are MUCh stiffer than the old ones
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Old 07-16-06, 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 55/Rad
Whenever I finish a new build, I always ride that bike faster than I normally ride. Then in a couple of weeks, I'm basically back to where I started. I attribute it to the euphoria of having something new.

Which probably explains why I'm always building something.

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lol. Yeah, I think that's had something to do with it. but i DO feel like the bike moves quicker. Who knows?
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Old 07-16-06, 08:15 PM
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I'm sure the wheels helped a bit, but you're talking seconds of time savings, it at all. The wind difference and your new "toys" mentally is what I think helped.

Who cares though. You're faster!
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Old 07-17-06, 07:30 AM
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+1 on the "new Keds" syndrome - they'll make you run faster and jump higher. I have a Trek 1500 and a Merlin Agilis. I ride the Trek in bad weather / winter. And when I switch back in the Spring, it's like a two week turbo charger.

That said, if you're more comfortable on the new saddle, I think that definitely adds some speed in an indirect way.
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Old 07-17-06, 07:37 AM
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Do you have some physics to back that up? In most cases aerodynamics of a wheel will beat out weight... and rotational weight has little to do when riding at a constant speed.

Originally Posted by ranger5oh
wheels will make a huge difference. Rotational weight is far more significant than reducing "sprung" weight.
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Old 07-17-06, 07:38 AM
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BTW - the Mavic Aksiums weigh MORE than the Bontrager Selects. 1980 to 1890 grams for the pairs.
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Old 07-17-06, 08:12 AM
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1)wind,
2)exuberence, (Ked's effect)
3)calibration of the cycle computer. (biggest reason for reports of being faster with new wheels).
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