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OK, following on from this thread [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/my-new-commuter-bike ]New Bike[/url], I thought that my time into work this monring would be a LOT quicker than when I do it on my Rockhopper with MTB Tyres (1hr 15mins).
However, I only took 5 mins off my time (1hr 10mins). The commute is a mix of gravel paths and asphalt cycle lanes.
My new bike has bigger wheels, thinner tyres, better gearing and lighter so I really was expecting an improvement. 5 mins isn't a lot though is it?
That's almost 7% faster. What did you expect?
Imagine if you'd raced yourself on the other bike and finished 5 minutes in front... that's a pretty big margin!
If you want to go even quicker, use a higher gear.... therefore you will go faster for the same pedal strokes
for instance I started on my singlespeed 34:17 and now am down to 34:15 and it knocks minutes off each time you change down a sprocket.
Oh - and buy a road bike instead of a hybrid. Aerodynamics count once you start going any real speed.
Yup should have gone for drop handlebars if you wanted to make a big difference to the speed.
Thinner tyres is the only real thing that will have made you quicker than a mtb on that commuter.
how about you go in the car? That shaves loads off my commute time, and I only have to travel 500 yards
If you are racing yourself to work, you should have bought yourself a TT bike.... 😉
For a start it depends on other factors rather than just the bike - how you feel, the weather, the traffic, etc. And 5 mins off isn't a bad start.
Out of interest how far is your commute - 20 miles?
Thinner tyres is the only real thing that will have made you quicker than a mtb on that commuter.
I don't know, it looks like he's got a nice big chainring on that thing, and it looks like the chain's on it.
5 mins off a commute is a massive jump in one go, don't be disappointed. And it'll improve as time goes on. A full on roadbike might knock that much off again, but it depends if you want to ride such a thing day in day out. I wouldn't.
I find roads way faster than paths and tracks.
i had to come to work in the car this morning, normally i come on the bike. 20 mins most days, today it was just over an hour. for 7 miles. 😆
21mph average speed, sheesh you're fast.
I don't know, it looks like he's got a nice big chainring on that thing, and it looks like the chain's on it.
Only works if your legs can push it fast enough - I can ride in a 52x13 and not exceed 10mph.
A friend of mine that I used to commute with, and were about equal on speed over the 17 mile run, recently bought a road bike instead of his hardtail with slicks. He can now average 21-22 instead of 17-18 on the smooth/flat/junctionless bits, however he isnt much faster to work as he still hits all the traffic lights etc and because of that journey time can swing by +-5 mins. And then theres the wind.
Should have bought a road bike.
Cant imagine that Ridgeback would be any different to a ht on slicks.
My av on the roadbike is easily 5 - 8mph faster than the mtb.
Seriously, its probably half the effort if I'm pootling along.
however he isnt much faster to work as he still hits all the traffic lights etc and because of that journey time can swing by +-5 mins.
Yup this is what makes the most difference ime especially on a shortish commute.
I thought this was gonna be a thread from your wife.
Buy a road bike.
That ridgeback looks like a flat bared road bike to me and not a hybrid. Going to a full on road bike might make a little more difference but only if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort on your journey. I know when on my road bike i only ever use the drops occasinally as i find it much easier to nogtiate traffic on the hoods as i have a better view.
[i]That ridgeback looks like a flat bared road bike to me and not a hybrid[/i]
Slaps forehead. 🙄
Gary_M - Member
That ridgeback looks like a flat bared road bike to me and not a hybridSlaps forehead.
that was aimed at those saying buy a road bike.
commute is 15 miles and is a bit rough in places (through some woods at one point). a full on roadbike (which i do plan to get) would be totally impracticable for the run for various reasons:
bike needs to carry a rack
have enough clearance for spiked tyres in winter
have enough clearance for full on mudguards
come in on budget
not look bling
swap parts with MTB
that being said the Flight 01 is very near to a flat bar road bike and, as a commuter, perfect for it's purpose.
suppose I'm expecting too much at the start.
owenfackrell - Member> Gary_M - Member
>> That ridgeback looks like a flat bared road bike to me and not a hybrid> Slaps forehead.
that was aimed at those saying buy a road bike.
And Gary's comment was aimed at those who don't know what a hybrid is.
Gary_M - Member21mph average speed, sheesh you're fast.
thanks.
[i]commute is 15 miles[/i]
Oh right, you will get a lot faster than 1h 10m then, although I think training rather than a hybrid is the answer. 😉
Indeed druidh, the term 'flat barred road bike' is for those that are scared of drop bars and don't want to appear unfashionable by riding a 'hybrid'.