bpatterson said:
Long story short I moved my seat up about a 1/4 inch before my ride yesterday and I stopped twice to check for a flat... I can't believe moving the seat up that little could cause that significant of a difference .. is it me maybe coincidence maybe I’m getting sick? what's the deal? I moved the seat back as soon as I got home.
I think people's performance varies for different reasons, and can vary with factors that seem as if they oughtn't to be significant.
My own 'curse' was a Specialized Allez that left me totally 'bushed' after every ride. Couldn't generate any power at all and just felt dreadful. I measured every dimension to be measured and changed everything to be within millimetres of my best bike. Still nothing, still awful.
My best power and stamina are consistently on my steel bike, which is heavier in every way. But I ride much better on it. Makes sense? No, I don't think so either. (I always take great care to set up equal dimensions, so it shouldn't be a factor.)
So, it's a very fickle thing, for me at least. The slightest difference really can make the ride horrible. When it 'works', I make a note of where eveything was, which bike etc, etc and only deviate from that if I don't mind a horrible ride, or if it's an experiment of one kind or another.
Of course the other major factor, for me at least, is that I can be having a really 'off' day and I could be riding a helium filled titanium frame with anti-gravity wheels and tyres, and I'd still be totally ****. It just happens sometimes.