- What makes a bike faster?
So I’m an unremarkable, but reasonably fit rider on an unremarkable (Scandal 29er) framed bike. Swapped all the parts from it onto a new Solaris frame last week and built the Scandal as a rigid SS – carbon forks, cheapish wheels, 32:18 gear. First time out on it yesterday (I’ve had a 26″ SS up ’til now) and I got a few PRs on the dreaded Strava round Whinlatter.
Now I can understand going faster on the South Loop climb, as the surface and gradient are pretty much ideal and the bike is pretty light, but I also got a PR on the second DH section – and I thought I’d pushed it in the past with gears and sus forks.
Am I maybe not good enough to eke out the benefits of gears/suspension. Does the twisty/smooth nature of the trail favour rigid. Have I wasted a load of money on posher bikes – because there was plenty of fun involved.
I’ll take the Tallboy round there soon and see.p.s. not a Strava hound – just use it to log miles/set personal targets.
Posted 4 years agoIs it red? Red makes it faster.
I’ve a similar dilemma. Local loops I do – I’ve an identical weight 29″ and one of those old 36″ things. Both Ht’s. Yet the 29 is 2 mins quicker over the same loop, and crests climbs quicker too. No idea why.
Posted 4 years agoOr possibly the trails were in perfect condition, see how you get on over the next few weeks.
36″ things
.
Do you need a step ladder to get on
Posted 4 years agoWhat makes you faster is a bike that inspires confidence.
Posted 4 years agoRed? Hell no – British racing green.
Posted 4 years ago
Conditions average.Nobody stated the obvious tonight yet?
Oh go on then, I’ll be the one…
What makes any bike faster? The rider!
Posted 4 years ago100% the rider. And what makes any rider better and therefore faster? The answer is time in the saddle. It’s not rocket science I’m afraid, just plain and simple hard work and lots of it. A properly decent rider can ride any bike fast so upgrading and buying new kit won’t make you faster. It might make you want got get out and ride though, which is good.
Posted 4 years agoSometimes a SS is fast downhill because you can’t rely on pedaling so you work on flow and momentum instead, it focuses good technique which is often quicker and also less effort than more pedalling. And rigid bikes can be really quick on the right surface, again you focus on being smooth, good lines etc.
Posted 4 years ago
I also think that some bikes just work better for us ergonomically, not ‘better’ bikes as such but they just work with us rather than against us. That can be the fit, general type, riding style, etc.Wearing Rapha.
Posted 4 years agoA properly decent rider can ride any bike fast so upgrading and buying new kit won’t make you faster.
Shhhhh! That’s a secret!
Posted 4 years agoKashima coating, ESI grips and 1×10.. Allegedly…
Posted 4 years agojust checking; you ARE comparing times recorded with the same GPS device, yes?
phones tend to think they’re travelling faster than dedicated garmin-type gizmos.
(i don’t pretend to understand how this would happen, but my measurement-geek pal has tested it)
Posted 4 years agoNew bike excitement adds enthusiasm, enthusiasm makes you go faster.
Posted 4 years agoWhat makes a bike faster?
The rider, most stuff on the bike makes **** all difference.
Posted 4 years agoOr possibly the trails were in perfect condition, see how you get on over the next few weeks.
36″ things
.Do you need a step ladder to get on
Sorry…didn’t mean my Penny Fathing. Meant my 26″!
Posted 4 years agoMaking sure your brakes are centred properly.
Posted 4 years agoMaking sure you have fitted tyres.
Posted 4 years agopedaling harder!
Posted 4 years agoTesticle size, plain and simple.
Posted 4 years ago
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