hypothetical scenario

[novakrj]

Today I completed a 40+ mile ride on a 25 lb. Cannondale hybrid. I averaged 16.1 mph.

Hypothetically, what could I have averaged on an 18 lb. Cannondale Synapse carbon?

 

[alienator]

Probably at least 16.1mph. The weight difference won't make much of a speed change at all, unless you were climbing mountains.

 

[jpwkeeper]

There is an online speed calculator here, linked to me by gudujarlson in another thread:

http://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm

It puts the change at around 17.3 from 16.1, but it depends on other things.

Remember it's not just a difference in weight since he's going from a hybrid to a road bike, it's a difference in rider position, aerodynamics of the bike (even the tires being narrower has a measurable aerodynamic advantage, not just a rolling resistance one), etc.

 

[novakrj]

Thanks very much. Checking out calculator now