CAAD9 with Mavic Cosmos real wheel and Continental Hometrainer Tire on it.
Previous wheel: OEM Mavic CXP22 w/same tire.
Same cassettes (Ultegra 6600/11-23).

Other changes:
Computer: Kurt Kinetic Wireless VS Cateye Micro Wireless
Dura Ace 7900 SPD-L pedals/cleats over Wellgo MG8 SPD set-up.
Dura Ace 7800 Chainrings on Ultegra SL crank (previous were SL rings).

Trainer: Kurt Kinetic Rock & Roll Trainer


Here's the thing...

I am able to spin up MUCH faster on the Mavic and can maintain a higher speed at with less effort.

It felt almost "too" easy. Any ideas as to why?

Could those component changes make "that much" of a difference?

When I rode the CAAD with it's upgrades, it definitely felt far better on the road (with a 295g Edge 1.0 full carbon fork VS Cannondale Ultra alu/carbon fork at 567g). But I don't think that would translate to anything on the trainer.

Did I just experience the revelation of the "better" wheel?

I thought the computer might be "off", but that wouldn't explain the actual effortless feel of the rear wheel and the power transfer through the pedals I attribute to the DA7900's wider and more secure platform.

Thoughts?

More likely: Increased fitness, better rest/hydration/breeze/ambient temp, different computer calibration (wheel size setting), different tire pressure, different roller pressure on tire, failing trainer resistance unit...

Different wheel probably has nothing to do with it...

+1

Might check your computer's wheel circumference setting for the higher average speed. Dunno about the perceived effort.
I've often wondered if I crank the KK Road Machine down on my wheel too far, causing higher resistance.

Possibly.

All pretty much the same as always.


I had it installed by a mechanic who builds race bikes.
Wheelsize is same (700c)

Identical pressure.

Brand new KK which is a consistent pressure roller.

Ok. But on the road (as stated earlier), it was also way easier to get up to speed.
I can only imagine what tomorrow's wheelset is going to bring out of my bike.

Sugar pill.

I'm definitely going to look into the computer's set-up, but as stated, it was installed by a pro that I trust.

As far as the KK goes, I get it as tight as it would not allow the tire to spin while I'm holding the flywheel with the other hand.

Actually, pretty close...these;