Of the following, which migh impact speed most?
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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.
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.
Last edited by TXCiclista; 07-15-06 at 09:25 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
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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my vote = Bontrager Select wheelset with Mavic Axiums (Axiums = bladed spokes, Selects = round)
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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.
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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wheels will make a huge difference. Rotational weight is far more significant than reducing "sprung" weight.
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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.
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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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.
55/Rad
Which probably explains why I'm always building something.
55/Rad
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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!
Who cares though. You're faster!
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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.
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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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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1)wind,
2)exuberence, (Ked's effect)
3)calibration of the cycle computer. (biggest reason for reports of being faster with new wheels).
2)exuberence, (Ked's effect)
3)calibration of the cycle computer. (biggest reason for reports of being faster with new wheels).