does it matter how fast your bike is
 

It is human nature to work as hard as possible for any given situation. I find that even though I am now riding a faster road bike, I'm still working my ass off. Yes, I get there in less time (5-10 minutes) but is it any less work?

it never gets easier, you just get faster.... I just made that up. :)

+1
That is the correct answer.

Although, if you were traveling the same speed on the two bikes, it'd be easier to go at that same speed with the nicer bike, it just allows you to go faster, so you'll still be working hard.

So... yeah....

Your boss must love you.

Hahahahaha

I'm doing distance cycling (50+ miles a ride) on my hardtail mountain bike. I like the fact that I'm working my ass off to keep up with my friends on their road bikes, mainly because I could stand to lose some of my ass, and stomache, and fat in other places.

I agree, though. Even if I were to get the road bike I want right now, I couldn't see working any less, mainly because I'm getting addicted to the health benefits of a good long bike trip, and working harder just makes it feel that much more meaningful to me. :)

another "fast bike" thread....If you're like me or 90% of the folks on this forum then everytime you get on the bike you're going to work it just about as hard as you're capable. If you're seeing an increase in mph then that becomes yuor new benchmark. Lighter bikes will handle differently - perhaps better. I think mine does. But its all about how fast you can turn a big cog.
I don't think I've ever done a "recovery" ride in my life. If I'm worn out then I stay off the bike for a day and stretch, eat, scratch. Next day? Back on it working it as hard as I am capable.

small cog, big chainring.

OK, how about speed? Anybody have any thoughts on NOT GOING AS FAST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE? When is fast too fast?

Slow news day?

I stand keerected.

ohhh this will elicit some responses.....
I always go as fast as Schilhab-ly possible. except on some downhills....I will often feather the brakes to keep it just inder 50mph.

Spend some time reading this blog: http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

Specifically, this post: http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2...ogy-folly.html

Or alternatively, this picture page: http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bicycles/

In many countries, bikes are primarily used for transportation. Speed isn't of the essence; practicality is. People ride to work, to buy food, to socialize--all in their day-to-day clothes. I've flirted with this mindset, and I've found it to be just as enjoyable (more?) as barreling about at top speed.

I went really fast this morning. At one pint I took over the lane. It seemed this car wanted to pass me even if I was going faster that he would normally go. I did move over a little and he crossed the double yellow and floored it going well above the speed limit for that area. I think I was going over 40. Anyway, in hind sight I felt I should just calm my ass down and not do what I did today ...

Ask yur mum.

a light bike will not help you move faster, though it can slow you down less.

You should try them. It is better to ride easy for an hour or so than it is do no nothing.

You should try going over 50mph, it's fun :D

You should be good cruising at about 40 mph, but a good sprint should flirt with 70mph:D

i just made that up, true story. ©

If my bike is too fast, I wouldn't be able to catch it and would end up doing a lot of walking.

I hope to get there in 2017, ping me then.

The simple existence of Bike Forums conclusively disproves this hypothesis.

What are you clever?

If your goal is to get faster, then you are taking the wrong approach.

Originally Posted by SKYLAB http://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif I don't think I've ever done a "recovery" ride in my life. If I'm worn out then I stay off the bike for a day and stretch, eat, scratch. Next day? Back on it working it as hard as I am capable.


umd says: You should try them. It is better to ride easy for an hour or so than it is do no nothing.


In theory, yes, it is better to ride for an hour then do nothing. In reality, my 'recovery' rides go something like this... I get out, pedal, relax, ride, enjoy the view, etc. Then I get warmed up and get loose. Then I start speeding up. Then I start mashing and going all out. By the end, I have replaced my 'recovery' efforts with another daily ride.

I have found it better to stay off the bike all-together on 'recovery' days.