New bike, lots of PB's
Discussion
Picked up my new bike on Saturday, Specialized Roubaix Pro. This was to replace my Canyon Aeroad which has been a great bike but have always felt it was a touch large for me (it's a 58cm and I am 6'1") and certainly way too stiff and harsh for my back. The Roubaix (56cm) is obviously not as racy and certainly a kg or more heavier but is just so smooth to ride. Anyway, been out on a couple of local loops and have been bagging loads of PB's without even trying despite it being very cold, wet and windy and me wearing several layers. Not sure if all the Turkey and Beer over Christmas has given my legs a boost or if the smoothness of the ride is just enabling me to go a bit quicker. Climbing seems to be the thing despite the weight, I am just able to carry a bit more momentum and my pedal stroke seems far smoother, settling into a rhythm and just tapping it out. Well happy with the results so far and looking forward to some longer rides once the weather improves to see what it's like once I have been in the saddle for 4 hours, talking of which, the saddle is at the top of my change list....that is crap.
Its probably a combination of things, shiny new bikes do make you go faster....
it sounds like the Roubaix probably does fit you better than the Aeroad thus you are more comfortable and not stretched. The taller head tube is pitching you a little more upright which may improve cadence? The gearing on the Roubaix is a compact and not semi like the Aeroad, is that smaller inner ring is probably helping you climb in a more stable seated fashion?
it sounds like the Roubaix probably does fit you better than the Aeroad thus you are more comfortable and not stretched. The taller head tube is pitching you a little more upright which may improve cadence? The gearing on the Roubaix is a compact and not semi like the Aeroad, is that smaller inner ring is probably helping you climb in a more stable seated fashion?
S10GTA said:
I'd also suggest 6'1 should be on a 58 rather than a 56
That's all very well until you have to ride it with a bad back. I seem to be right in the cusp of most charts, 56/58 but certainly find the 56 an easier ride. My Cross bike is a 55 which is fine for off-road and technical stuff, jumping on and off etc.I am 6ft 1 and have a 58cm Roubaix and S-Work Tarmac, mate who is the same height has just bought a S-Works Roubaix Di2 Dura Ace Disk thing in a 56cm he is very inflexible due to back/hip issues.
Hopefully the frame is the right size for him after the money he has spent on it.
I reckon you may be making time up due to placebo and better braking.
Glad you are enjoying it, is the wife setting new records as well?
Hopefully the frame is the right size for him after the money he has spent on it.
I reckon you may be making time up due to placebo and better braking.
Glad you are enjoying it, is the wife setting new records as well?
On the subject of the actual question asked, on my first ride on my new bike with its proper wheels I set a ton of PBs too. I didn't just feel faster, I was faster, on every single segment of the ride bar the descents (I'd switched from a disc braked bike to rim brakes, which was to be expected).
https://www.strava.com/activities/375555857
Placebo, no, because there was an actual clear improvement. I guess maybe it was psychological though, I wanted to be faster so I rode harder maybe.
https://www.strava.com/activities/375555857
Placebo, no, because there was an actual clear improvement. I guess maybe it was psychological though, I wanted to be faster so I rode harder maybe.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff