How much difference does the bike make? (roadie content)

[raf_gti]

For the previous nine years I've been riding a mid-range, all alu Giant OCR, it was £850 in 2000 and pretty decent, it certainly served me well. This year I finally upgraded and bought a lovely full carbon Merida with complete Ultegra group.

Naturally my first few rides were quick, a lot of which I put down to 'new bike' effect, however I just keep on getting faster and faster, having already beaten several PBs from last year. Surely for a normal rider such as myself that bike isn't making all that much difference?

My avg speed has easily increased by several MPH and I can hold a higher sustained speed than even when I've been at my fittest and lightest,which I certainly aren't at the moment.

Now don't get me wrong, I certainly ain't complaining

[itsnotarace]

Plenty of variables. Maybe the new carbon bike soaks up the road better than your old one, plus the psychological benefits, plus lighter wheels spin up faster and a lighter overall bike will be easier to maintain a higher speed (less effort required to maintain same momentum)

I guess weighing both bikes would be a good way to prove that last one. IMHO it's upgrading the engine that makes the most difference

[bikemonster]

itsnotarace said:

... a lighter overall bike will be easier to maintain a higher speed (less effort required to maintain same momentum)...

Partially quoted for readability - not attempting to take anything out of context, but the physics of that statement do not add up.

Another variable may be that the new bike is more comfortable, and more comfortable generally equates to less tiring and hence better sustained speed.

[AyBee]

I didn't think it would make that much but if you're telling me otherwise...! I've always been of the opinion that until I can't lose any more weight from myself then there's no point shaving weight off my bike, although when I have the money I will be buying a boardman carbon rp One thing that might make a difference is aero parts or just the whole thing running smoothly with better wheel bearings etc. I ride a 2005 Trek 1500 and regularly ride with a guy who rides a full CF giant with mavic cosmics, his bike is much lighter than mine but I don't have much of an issue keeping up and I reckon we're a similar size and fitness levels.

[raf_gti]

itsnotarace said:

Plenty of variables. Maybe the new carbon bike soaks up the road better than your old one, plus the psychological benefits, plus lighter wheels spin up faster and a lighter overall bike will be easier to maintain a higher speed (less effort required to maintain same momentum)

I guess weighing both bikes would be a good way to prove that last one. IMHO it's upgrading the engine that makes the most difference

I would estimate there is perhaps 5lbs difference in the weight, if that but I can assure you there is a lot more extra weight on me than a few years ago!

I know the carbon will absorb a lot of road buzz but being a very stiff frame it isn't exactly a cushion I'm riding.

As I said, certainly not complaining, I guess I was wondering if it was just me!

[Beardy10]

Is your riding position any different ? Can make a huge difference.

Bikes are generally set up in a slightly less aggressive way now with a more upright riding position meaning you don't fatigue as quickly.....for most people it outweighs the benefits of being more aero.

[raf_gti]

Beardy10 said:

Is your riding position any different ? Can make a huge difference.

Bikes are generally set up in a slightly less aggressive way now with a more upright riding position meaning you don't fatigue as quickly.....for most people it outweighs the benefits of being more aero.

It feels much the same, certainly when I'm on the hoods I'm pretty stretched out. I tend to struggle with speed when I'm in a relaxed position.

[itsnotarace]

bikemonster said:

itsnotarace said:

... a lighter overall bike will be easier to maintain a higher speed (less effort required to maintain same momentum)...

Partially quoted for readability - not attempting to take anything out of context, but the physics of that statement do not add up.

Yes, I meant to add the word "uphill" but failed