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Further and Faster / Re: New bike for Audax from Halfords.
« Last post by Asterix, the former Gaul. on Today at 09:27:56 am »By the way, I've always been disappointed by the difference between my effortful speeds on a "fast light bike with fast tyres" and the other sort. On the whole, less than 1mph. Is it me??
Mathematically speaking, bicycle speed is largely a function of power output vs wind resistance (mostly of your body) and on particularly hilly rides power vs weight (again, mostly of your body). While the style of bike can definitely influence those things, for the same rider on two vaguely similar bikes they're going to work out pretty close.
Rolling resistance, bicycle weight, gearing, even the weight of a bit of luggage has a much smaller influence than manyroad club borespeople who've watched too much GCNpeople assume.
Ergonomics or bike fit is something I pay most attention to. It's also nice to have gearing that suits your power band. My first century ride I wore jeans and trainers, a lot of people did. Lycra and cycling shoes are much better.
WRT weight, I turn up to club rides on old steel bikes and people with carbon fibre have expressed their amazement when I reach the tops of hills. Especially the younger ones (people, not hills)..