Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper. OK, I've not done the ride for a few months and I'm probably fitter than I was in November, but this was the non-trivial ride on the new bike: I picked it up on Friday afternoon and only pottered around near home over the weekend. And that's with one long section of the tow path positively glutinous.
I'm not sure if I'm pleased (``hey, that money was worthwhile''😉 or depressed (``never mind how hard I try, better gear makes a bigger difference''😉.
On Mon, 16 Feb 2004 09:17:40 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> wrote this:-
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I'm not sure if I'm pleased (``hey, that money was worthwhile''😉 or depressed (``never mind how hard I try, better gear makes a bigger difference''😉.
Be pleased. Life is much better with a positive outlook:-)
-- David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper. OK, I've not done the ride for a few months and I'm probably fitter than I was in November, but this was the non-trivial ride on the new bike: I picked it up on Friday afternoon and only pottered around near home over the weekend. And that's with one long section of the tow path positively glutinous.
I had much the same experience when I switched from a fifteen year old rigid mountin bile (quite good in its day and well loved) to a brand new, very good, full suspension bike. On rough ground they really do flatter your riding ability.
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I'm not sure if I'm pleased (``hey, that money was worthwhile''😉 or depressed (``never mind how hard I try, better gear makes a bigger difference''😉.
The money was worthwhile. But a lardy gut bucket on your new full susser still couldn't beat you on your old hybrid.
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper.
I learned this as an undergrad. Spent £100 on a nice new bike with drops and derailleurs, and the journey between Girton and town got suddenly shorter - and I could much more comfortably keep up with friends on 'real' bikes.
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters
I'd guess that's as much to do with the level of difference the cost brings. The difference between a £1000 to a £2000 bike would have been much less I reckon ..
A change from a £200 to a £1000 bike would still have produced a marked difference in times and 'feel' ..
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper.
I learned this as an undergrad. Spent £100 on a nice new bike with drops and derailleurs, and the journey between Girton and town got suddenly shorter - and I could much more comfortably keep up with friends on 'real' bikes.
On a similar note...
Can anybody estimate how much difference moving from a MTB to a Road bike will make? I'm currently riding around on a hardtail MTB (front suspension, 26x2.1 combination tyres), and have just got to the stage that I can average 16-17mph over decent distances (30+ miles). I'll soon be moving to a road bike (light frame, 622x25 tyres) and I'm wondering how much difference it might make.
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper. OK, I've not done the ride for a few months and I'm probably fitter than I was in November, but this was the non-trivial ride on the new bike: I picked it up on Friday afternoon and only pottered around near home over the weekend. And that's with one long section of the tow path positively glutinous.
I'm not sure if I'm pleased (``hey, that money was worthwhile''😉 or depressed (``never mind how hard I try, better gear makes a bigger difference''😉.
If it's on a towpath, I reckon my old 21.5lb rigid Cannondale could do it even quicker :-)
On 16/2/04 5:25 pm, in article [email hidden], "Ningi"
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On a similar note...
Can anybody estimate how much difference moving from a MTB to a Road bike will make? I'm currently riding around on a hardtail MTB (front suspension, 26x2.1 combination tyres), and have just got to the stage that I can average 16-17mph over decent distances (30+ miles). I'll soon be moving to a road bike (light frame, 622x25 tyres) and I'm wondering how much difference it might make.
In article <[email hidden]>, Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> writes:
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Quoted message said:
Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three quarters arriving quite chipper.
I learned this as an undergrad. Spent £100 on a nice new bike with
Quoted message said:
drops and derailleurs, and the journey between Girton and town got suddenly shorter - and I could much more comfortably keep up with friends on 'real' bikes.
Can anybody estimate how much difference moving from a MTB to a Road bike will make? I'm currently riding around on a hardtail MTB (front suspension, 26x2.1 combination tyres), and have just got to the stage that I can average 16-17mph over decent distances (30+ miles). I'll soon be moving to a road bike (light frame, 622x25 tyres) and I'm wondering how much difference it might make.
Depends on the surface. On good quality tarmac the road bike should be of the order of 5% faster, perhaps more. But the wins are largely from better aerodynamics - your torso will probably be more horizontal - and possibly lower rolling resistance (if you're running knobblies on tarmac then the rolling resistance is pretty high, but if you're already using slicks then it may not make much difference).
Your front suspension isn't costing you anything except possibly when stonking on hills, and the extra weight of the MTB isn't costing you very much - if it's a good, light, MTB, there won't be that much difference anyway.
In article <[email hidden]>, Ian G Batten <[email hidden]> writes:
Quoted message said:
>Lance claims it isn't. For the rest of us, switching from a <200 quid hybrid to a >2000 quid FS >mountain bike took my ride to work from a shade over two hours working hard to an hour and three >quarters arriving quite chipper.
I learned this as an undergrad. Spent £100 on a nice new bike with
Quoted message said:
drops and derailleurs, and the journey between Girton and town got suddenly shorter - and I could much more comfortably keep up with friends on 'real' bikes.
Can anybody estimate how much difference moving from a MTB to a Road bike will make? I'm currently riding around on a hardtail MTB (front suspension, 26x2.1 combination tyres), and have just got to the stage that I can average 16-17mph over decent distances (30+ miles). I'll soon be moving to a road bike (light frame, 622x25 tyres) and I'm wondering how much difference it might make.
Depends on the surface. On good quality tarmac the road bike should be of the order of 5% faster, perhaps more. But the wins are largely from better aerodynamics - your torso will probably be more horizontal - and possibly lower rolling resistance (if you're running knobblies on tarmac then the rolling resistance is pretty high, but if you're already using slicks then it may not make much difference).
Your front suspension isn't costing you anything except possibly when stonking on hills, and the extra weight of the MTB isn't costing you very much - if it's a good, light, MTB, there won't be that much difference anyway.
Thanks for all the replies. I was hoping that a new bike should be good for another couple of mph average speed, and several of you seem to think that's about right. I might almost be able to keep up with some of the groups round Richmond park.
Any further improvement will have to come from the engine.
"Ningi" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
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Can anybody estimate how much difference moving from a MTB to a Road bike will make? I'm currently riding around on a hardtail MTB (front suspension, 26x2.1 combination tyres), and have just got to the stage that I can average 16-17mph over decent distances (30+ miles). I'll soon be moving to a road bike (light frame, 622x25 tyres) and I'm wondering how much difference it might make.
My guess is perhaps 1 to 1.5 mph depending on your current tyres. That'll make give you up to 18.5 mph which I think is pretty respectable for a solo rider on rolling roads. -- Regards, Pete
My guess is perhaps 1 to 1.5 mph depending on your current tyres. That'll make give you up to 18.5 mph which I think is pretty respectable for a solo rider on rolling roads.
<sigh>
I've been feeling pretty chuffed, until i realized you guys were talking mph, not kph...
Eugenio
-- If at first you don't succeed, call in air support
"Ian G Batten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:c0qomu$rtc$1@news- out.ftel.co.uk...
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In article <[email hidden]>,
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What bike did you get ?
Marin Mount Vision. With Goodrich brake hoses, which are lovely.
Ah, that'll make it faster than mine then, I've only got yer basic Kevlar reinforced Parker hoses ;-)
I only had them done because I'd used them on motorbikes in the past. When I collected it, I was told that they'd all had to feel the brakes in the shop and were going to recommend them to all customers. Certainly, compared to the new `standard' MV parked next to it the brakes were very different. As it better or worse, I don't know, but this is the hi-fi logic: it's different, it's more expensive, it must be better.
Ningi <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Thanks for all the replies. I was hoping that a new bike should be good for another couple of mph average speed, and several of you seem to think that's about right. I might almost be able to keep up with some of the groups round Richmond park.
I should think that's highly likely. Some of the roadies in the Park though race at a high level, so don't get too depressed if a few of them blow you away.