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2013-02-10 9:42 PM


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Subject: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

I have a beginners road bike, a Fuji Roubaix 1.0. With 105 components. What is the best way to spend money in order to go faster, like more MPH, i can suck up not having 200 dollar shorts. (obviously other then a better engine)??

Clip on Aerobars?? Just have normal road bars

New Wheels?? I have Aclass ALX200, stock wheels. They weigh 795 and 1080 grams. Heres a link http://www.aclass-wheels.com/product_detail.asp?sc=1&cat=1&cat2=2&pid=28

Or some other upgrade??

 

Thanks



2013-02-10 9:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
Tires are Maxxis Refuse 700x23
2013-02-10 9:48 PM
in reply to: #4616853

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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
Bike fitting / aerobars.
2013-02-10 10:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
X2 on Bike fit + aero. I had a fitter fit the aerobars on my road bike. I ended up with a new stem but the bars gained me 2+ mph at twice the distance after 1000 miles with the new setup
2013-02-10 10:12 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

Check out this article.

In brief, in speed-per-dollar: clip-on aerobars > aero helmet > tires > rear-wheel disc cover

2013-02-10 10:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
drag a used car tire behind you on training rides.


2013-02-10 10:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

How good are the attack/force tires while we're at it? I've read a ton of people putting the attack on the back and force on the front and double attack blah blah.

When you get down to it is the 22/24 a good setup? I trust conti and not too sure about the michelin brand of tires..

2013-02-10 11:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
colinphillips - 2013-02-10 10:12 PM

In brief, in speed-per-dollar: clip-on aerobars > aero helmet > tires > rear-wheel disc cover

Dead nuts on.

2013-02-11 8:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?


Take a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.

The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.

I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.



2013-02-11 8:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

simpsonbo - 2013-02-10 9:48 PM Bike fitting / aerobars.

Yes. Bike fitting in aero position. This will help you now and help your development more for the future.

2013-02-11 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
sand101 - 2013-02-11 12:49 AM
colinphillips - 2013-02-10 10:12 PM

In brief, in speed-per-dollar: clip-on aerobars > aero helmet > tires > rear-wheel disc cover

Dead nuts on.

Well, except for the fact that they didn't test a rear-wheel disc cover or tires in that article.  Wheels are generally more important than helmet (helmets can vary dramatically depending on user/position).  And a disc cover lowers the $ per aero savings which is what that 'ranking' is attempting to show.  Tires/tubes can also make a very big difference.  Since every bike needs them, you shouldn't really ignore them if you are looking for savings.

Agree that position & clip-ons are the first thing you should consider.  You are the biggest source of drag on a bike.



2013-02-11 9:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
Aero clip-ons and an aero helmet. In general, lose a few pounds.
2013-02-11 9:33 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 8:49 AMTake a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.
On threads like these someone always makes this type of observation, as if this is an either/or question, that if someone buys better equipment he will then foresake his training. It's not either/or, most people can gain speed by both buying equipment and by training, strangely enough. It's a given that a pro or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride any bike fast. But they will be faster on any given bike with more aero equipment, especially equipment that optimizes the rider's position.
2013-02-11 9:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

the bear - 2013-02-11 4:33 PM
bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 8:49 AMTake a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.
On threads like these someone always makes this type of observation, as if this is an either/or question, that if someone buys better equipment he will then foresake his training. It's not either/or, most people can gain speed by both buying equipment and by training, strangely enough. It's a given that a pro or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride any bike fast. But they will be faster on any given bike with more aero equipment, especially equipment that optimizes the rider's position.

 

Im surprised noone mentioned red spray paint yet...

Ok so Im new to all of this and dont know a proper answer to give which I should probably do after spewing a worthless joke but I leave it at that anyway

Chris

2013-02-11 10:16 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
the bear - 2013-02-11 9:33 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 8:49 AMTake a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.
On threads like these someone always makes this type of observation, as if this is an either/or question, that if someone buys better equipment he will then foresake his training. It's not either/or, most people can gain speed by both buying equipment and by training, strangely enough. It's a given that a pro or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride any bike fast. But they will be faster on any given bike with more aero equipment, especially equipment that optimizes the rider's position.


But how many times have we seen the guy with the P4, aero helmet, etc....getting passed by a 12 year old girl on a mountain bike and a banana seat. It's almost as if there is the perception that the better the components/bike, the faster you will be. You can almost heat them say "I don't understand....I dropped 10k for all this equipment and gained some speed but I'm still getting passed."

There is no way of knowing the fitness level of the OP.....but my observation was based on the "I want to get faster, so here is some money".

I'll reiterate.....spend money on the engine and get that tuned, then worry about the vehicle.

2013-02-11 10:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 10:16 AM
the bear - 2013-02-11 9:33 AM
bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 8:49 AMTake a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.
On threads like these someone always makes this type of observation, as if this is an either/or question, that if someone buys better equipment he will then foresake his training. It's not either/or, most people can gain speed by both buying equipment and by training, strangely enough. It's a given that a pro or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride any bike fast. But they will be faster on any given bike with more aero equipment, especially equipment that optimizes the rider's position.
But how many times have we seen the guy with the P4, aero helmet, etc....getting passed by a 12 year old girl on a mountain bike and a banana seat. It's almost as if there is the perception that the better the components/bike, the faster you will be. You can almost heat them say "I don't understand....I dropped 10k for all this equipment and gained some speed but I'm still getting passed."There is no way of knowing the fitness level of the OP.....but my observation was based on the "I want to get faster, so here is some money".I'll reiterate.....spend money on the engine and get that tuned, then worry about the vehicle.

to the bolded parts: never. Not in ten years doing this. Not ever at any level close to what you describe.

so at what level of "tuned" should one be, in your opinion, before they buy anything above a Walmart mountain bike?



2013-02-11 10:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 11:16 AM

 It's almost as if there is the perception that the better the components/bike, the faster you will be.

Strangely enough, when 'better' is put in the context of more aerodynamic, this perception is actually true.

2013-02-11 10:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 10:16 AM

But how many times have we seen the guy with the P4, aero helmet, etc....getting passed by a 12 year old girl on a mountain bike and a banana seat. It's almost as if there is the perception that the better the components/bike, the faster you will be. You can almost heat them say "I don't understand....I dropped 10k for all this equipment and gained some speed but I'm still getting passed." There is no way of knowing the fitness level of the OP.....but my observation was based on the "I want to get faster, so here is some money". I'll reiterate.....spend money on the engine and get that tuned, then worry about the vehicle.

As the bear said, how fast does someone need to be before getting better equipment? It's not to make anyone faster than anyone else, it's so they go faster than they would have. And the reiteration at the end still suggests that one can not do these things simultaneously. In some cases, it can be possible that doing them together will be better overall. I agree that the engine should be the primary focus, but that does not mean one should ignore the secondary ones.

2013-02-11 10:46 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
the bear - 2013-02-11 10:24 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 10:16 AM
the bear - 2013-02-11 9:33 AM
bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 8:49 AMTake a look at your saddle......if you can see your saddle, that means that you're not on it.The best way to gain speed is to build the engine. Time on the bike is the only way to build that.I'm sure that TdF pro (a non-EPO aided one...haha) or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride your bike fast. It's not always about the components.
On threads like these someone always makes this type of observation, as if this is an either/or question, that if someone buys better equipment he will then foresake his training. It's not either/or, most people can gain speed by both buying equipment and by training, strangely enough. It's a given that a pro or a top 10 Kona finisher could ride any bike fast. But they will be faster on any given bike with more aero equipment, especially equipment that optimizes the rider's position.
But how many times have we seen the guy with the P4, aero helmet, etc....getting passed by a 12 year old girl on a mountain bike and a banana seat. It's almost as if there is the perception that the better the components/bike, the faster you will be. You can almost heat them say "I don't understand....I dropped 10k for all this equipment and gained some speed but I'm still getting passed."There is no way of knowing the fitness level of the OP.....but my observation was based on the "I want to get faster, so here is some money".I'll reiterate.....spend money on the engine and get that tuned, then worry about the vehicle.

to the bolded parts: never. Not in ten years doing this. Not ever at any level close to what you describe.

so at what level of "tuned" should one be, in your opinion, before they buy anything above a Walmart mountain bike?



The example was, of course, an over-exaggeration....but I've passed people with my Fuji Aloha that spent way more cash than I have put into the bike.

I'm not saying that they shouldn't buy a nice bike....but, to what I said initially, the components don't aways equal more speed. I have all lower end shamino comps on my bike. The only thing I've upgraded is the wheels. I did get a retul fit and that helped....however, I didn't go from averaging 15mph on a sprint to average 18 on a HIM because I put better wheels on the bike. The components on a bike didn't gain me 3mph....the trianing did. Did the wheels help....maybe, but not 3mph.

I'll agree that there is an advantage to having nice comps on a bike....and that there is some benefit to having it....as far as "how tuned" someone needs to be.....that's dependant on their goals and what they are at now. If I'm trudging up a hill and need to get off to walk it up the rest of the hill.....no bike/comps will help. If I can't get above 14mph on a flat....no bike will get you faster. If you can't go the distance that your A race is.....I'm sorry, but dropping cash on the newest cassette isn't going to get you there either.

2013-02-11 10:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 11:46 AM

If I can't get above 14mph on a flat....no bike will get you faster.

There is almost certainly one that will do so.

2013-02-11 11:04 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 10:46 AM

The example was, of course, an over-exaggeration....but I've passed people with my Fuji Aloha that spent way more cash than I have put into the bike. I'm not saying that they shouldn't buy a nice bike....but, to what I said initially, the components don't aways equal more speed. I have all lower end shamino comps on my bike. The only thing I've upgraded is the wheels. I did get a retul fit and that helped....however, I didn't go from averaging 15mph on a sprint to average 18 on a HIM because I put better wheels on the bike. The components on a bike didn't gain me 3mph....the trianing did. Did the wheels help....maybe, but not 3mph. I'll agree that there is an advantage to having nice comps on a bike....and that there is some benefit to having it....as far as "how tuned" someone needs to be.....that's dependant on their goals and what they are at now. If I'm trudging up a hill and need to get off to walk it up the rest of the hill.....no bike/comps will help. If I can't get above 14mph on a flat....no bike will get you faster. If you can't go the distance that your A race is.....I'm sorry, but dropping cash on the newest cassette isn't going to get you there either.

The general idea you are trying to convey is actually understood, but unfortunately only be those who already get it. The wheels did help you go faster to some degree. If you have to get off and walk up the hill, it's possible different gearing will help as that can be adjusted. If you can't get above 14 mph on a beach cruiser, a P5 will likely make that more attainable.

The attempted examples are a bit misguided as one does want to consider equipment in their development. It's highly unlikely that one will be able to go from an upright mountain bike position to a very aggressive aero position. That takes time to develop. So throughout the development process select equipment to help advance this. How far one goes with it depends on what they want. This is why it should not be entirely one then the other. There are some equipment pieces that can certainly be bought at any time that don't affect this, but to say to only develop the engine is also misguided.



2013-02-11 11:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
JohnnyKay - 2013-02-11 10:51 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-02-11 11:46 AM

If I can't get above 14mph on a flat....no bike will get you faster.

There is almost certainly one that will do so.

I maintain that on my mountain bike in a near-upright position I can barely average 16mph over a 10-mile time trial, yet I have averaged a hair under 25 on my tricked-out P2. Same engine.

Why wouldn't you "buy" the speed if you can afford to and it gives you pleasure? As I said initially, it doesn't preclude training. We're not talking about a new cassette here, but things like properly fitted aerobars that give a real, measurable benefit.

Edited by the bear 2013-02-11 11:19 AM

2013-02-11 11:23 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
Get a coach.
2013-02-11 11:36 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?

Is there a 'bike fit' compromise when adding aerobars? I've always wondered...

After finally getting a 'bike fit' myself. Wouldn't you need to adjust your seat height/foraft position etc if you added aero bars?

2013-02-11 11:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Best equipment to gain speed on bike?
dtrimmer - 2013-02-11 12:36 PM

Is there a 'bike fit' compromise when adding aerobars? I've always wondered...

After finally getting a 'bike fit' myself. Wouldn't you need to adjust your seat height/foraft position etc if you added aero bars?

You very well may need to do so.  'Shorties' are often the best bar choice for a road bike since you may be limited in how much you can adjust the saddle position.

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