Are you slower in winter?
01-06-12, 10:25 AM
#1
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Are you slower in winter?
I commute to work everyday. For the same effort I feel I am putting out (sometime with a PowerTap to measure so I know I am pretty close to my normal average), I am definitely slower in winter than summer, like about .5-1 mph slower. What's going on?
01-06-12, 10:27 AM
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Yes. I don't have a power tap, but I'm almost certain I'm not putting out as much power, or putting as much effort into it.
01-06-12, 10:45 AM
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Yes. My FTP has dropped 10% since September. I'm hoping that some of that loss is due to the most recent test being done indoors (versus the prior being conducted outside), and after a 2 week lafoff including a light head cold.
01-06-12, 10:47 AM
#7
Descends like a rock
Yes. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the 10lbs I gained over the holidays.
01-06-12, 10:55 AM
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01-06-12, 10:56 AM
#9
You gonna eat that?
It's the drag of extra clothing layers.
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01-06-12, 10:59 AM
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the air density being that large of a deterrent is very interesting.
either way i feel much slower commuting during the winter months.
either way i feel much slower commuting during the winter months.
01-06-12, 11:37 AM
#13
You gonna eat that?
Ha!
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
01-06-12, 11:55 AM
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If I was any slower than I am in the summer, I would fall over
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Last edited by baj32161; 01-07-12 at 02:48 PM.
01-06-12, 12:11 PM
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Cold, dry air is denser and can easily drop 1kph from your speed at a given power. Also fenders, mudflaps and bulky clothes don't help.
01-06-12, 12:35 PM
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I haven't ridden a road bike for enough years to really tell.
Oh wait, this is BF? Yes, I am slower, definitely, by 0.75-1.25 mph.
Oh wait, this is BF? Yes, I am slower, definitely, by 0.75-1.25 mph.
01-06-12, 12:46 PM
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Slower here, too. I adhere to the "denser air" theory. Seriously, I go a lot faster in hot weather; noticeably slower (1-2 mph on average) in winter.
01-06-12, 12:59 PM
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My winter beater bike is about 10 lbs heavier then the unsalted roads warmer weather bike. Plus the winter winds seem to be a lot harder to push against and the slush at the side of the road is difficult to pedal through, etc.. Yes.
01-06-12, 01:06 PM
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I'm not slower on warm days.
01-06-12, 01:54 PM
#24
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01-06-12, 01:57 PM
#25
Descends like a rock
There's also the wind chill thing - the faster you go, the colder it feels. Makes you think twice when you feel the urge to drope the hamer.