nowitsshowtime

My bike - 70s pre paintjob ugly yellow Schwinn Varsity with IRO drivetrain, 69 GI, wheelset is whatever came on the Windsor The Hour

My Friends - Windsor The Hour, wheelset from a Bianchi Pista I think, 72-74 GI or so.

The review - my bike sucks.

Im sure that was pretty much a given, but I didn't realize how much more I would like his bike, and I just want to know what is the difference. His bike is definitely bigger than mine, but still a bit too big. The difference in GI seems pretty minimal, but maybe its a big difference, I don't really know. It just seemed his bike was so much easier to push around and pedal up hills (nevermind I liked the handling better, but thats another story). Then I rode my bike and was tired a lot faster.

I don't know what I'm getting at besides I'm a bit drunk, and have strong feelings for my friends bike. I want to pinpoint what is it that makes his bike that much easier, or could it be the lighter frame?

Raiden

I suggest counseling before pursuing this relationship further :x

Ok, but seriously, there are many reasons that the two frames could feel different based just on the frame- for instance, even cheap new steel is likely to feel more stiff than a cheap 70s anything, and allow you to put more power to the road. Likewise, his bike could be lighter, the wheels a notch better, or the fit could be better (I find getting a good fit into the drops on an older bike to be a little tough- my conversion has bullhorns).

Sikbug

I would think there is a huge difference in the weight of the two bikes. That would make it feel a lot better.

ianjk

Geometry and 10 lbs. or so will make a huge difference.

sleepy

Just reconvert the bike to a 10 speed.
I once saw a young woman tune up her yellow Varsity at the local bike co-op. She took good care of it, kept it clean. Bike looked great. Rode it a bit myself. Much nicer geared than fixed.
Reconvert!
So what if it's 60 pounds. It's got gears and it ain't the Giro d'Italia.