Making Flat Bar Road Bikes faster and lighter - Page 3

artemidorus · #31 11-16.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezyrider

I can't give any specific recommendations on making the bike faster but I can tell you the results of some testing I have been doing. Based on a series of 20 ten mile time trials with a variety of bike setups, I was not able to discern any significant difference in speed between my flat bar road bike (Ibex Corrida 4.4, 2003 model) and my drop bar road bike (Cannondale RW700, 2002 model) when the same size tire (25 mm 100 psi road tire) was used. They averaged 17.86 and 17.81 mph respectively.

However, when I tested the effects of a larger tire on the flat bar bike, I found that there was a significant (2%) difference going from a 28 mm, 80 psi tire (Kenda Kwest) to a 25 mm, 100 psi tire (Kenda Kontender). They averaged 17.54 and 17.86 mph respectively.

I'm not a competitive athlete, so there may be some difference at higher speeds, where the drops might give an aero advantage; and the drop bars may be more comfortable for some over longer distances (I haven't found this to be the case).

Drop bars realistically become helpful for speed above 30km/h. You didn't get there.

rohc · #32 11-16.-2007

I had a Merida Flat Bar road last year.

The bike came standard with 700 x 28 cc tyres. I lasted about 3 months on them and changed to 23's. Although alot faster, I felt every bump on the road.
Maybe the carbon front end of the CRX 1 may take a little sting out of it. But if I was only commuting I would stick with the 28's.

Why would you want to put drop bars on a flat bar road bike?

Defeats the purpose of a flat bar roadbike....doesnt it?

If you want to go faster get a full road bike.

I got rid of the Flat bar and upgraded to full carbon Colnago as I was doin to many K's and wanted to join the bunch rides.

Have rebuilt the old Dodsun mountain Bike and put 26 x 1.3 slicks on it. Use it for commuting to work etc. Absolutley indestructable machine.

Have never looked back......

cheezyrider · #33 11-16.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by artemidorus

Drop bars realistically become helpful for speed above 30km/h. You didn't get there.

Don't think I ever will at this (st)age - at least over 10 miles - think I missed that train!

JeremyP · #34 11-17.-2007

A fast commuting tyre that doesn't cut like the pro race2 or evo corsa cx would have to be the GP4000S 23C. Great traction, excellent for commuting - not as 'fast' as the other two but fast enough

.

artemidorus · #35 11-18.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyP

A fast commuting tyre that doesn't cut like the pro race2 or evo corsa cx would have to be the GP4000S 23C. Great traction, excellent for commuting - not as 'fast' as the other two but fast enough

.

I'm not convinced that the GP4000 is any better than the ProRace - I've got a $10 note holding my tube inside a gash on one of my mine.

JeremyP · #36 11-18.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by artemidorus

I'm not convinced that the GP4000 is any better than the ProRace - I've got a $10 note holding my tube inside a gash on one of my mine.

Are you referring to the GP4000 or GP4000S?

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