More speed needed
Discussion
I'm doing a 60 mile charity ride in July and looks like it's turned into a race between me and my boss' husband. He's 10 years younger than me and a fitness instructor so I need help.
I've got a Specialized Allez Elite 2007 (triple) and I'm looking to change teh pedals and tyres. Anyone got any (not too expensive) recommendations?
I've got a Specialized Allez Elite 2007 (triple) and I'm looking to change teh pedals and tyres. Anyone got any (not too expensive) recommendations?
You don't say if you ride your bike much already (oh, yes you just have). I think really it's your fitness that will be the most important factor here. You've got a reasonable bike so there's not likely much you could do to improve it beyond clipless pedals (and shaving 100gs on pedals will make feck all difference except give the bike shop more money), so make sure you're able to do fast 3-4 hour rides with lots of hills!
I would also suggest two things:
1)Pump your tyres up as much as you can. Get a track pump with a dial so you see when you get to 120psi, or whatever the max rating for the tyre is. Make sure they are really skinny road tyres too, not wider cyclo cross/commuting tyres which will increase rolling resistance.
2) Get yourself used to pedalling in a good aerodynamic riding position so that when going downhill and along the straights you are going a fast as possible.
During teh ride itself, make sure you take advantage of faster riders by trying to draft them, using less energy.
I would also suggest two things:
1)Pump your tyres up as much as you can. Get a track pump with a dial so you see when you get to 120psi, or whatever the max rating for the tyre is. Make sure they are really skinny road tyres too, not wider cyclo cross/commuting tyres which will increase rolling resistance.
2) Get yourself used to pedalling in a good aerodynamic riding position so that when going downhill and along the straights you are going a fast as possible.
During teh ride itself, make sure you take advantage of faster riders by trying to draft them, using less energy.
Edited by prand on Monday 19th May 16:44
I like Conti GP Triathlon tyres - good balance of weight vs puncture resistance.
A set of lighter, more aero wheels will make a noticable difference - but you'd be spending the far side of £300. If 'just riding more' doen't feel good enough then invest a few bob in a bike computer with cadence (pedal rpm) sensor and focus on riding to a consistent 85rpm or higher. Don't forget nutrition and hydration - you should train on what you intend to use during the event.
A set of lighter, more aero wheels will make a noticable difference - but you'd be spending the far side of £300. If 'just riding more' doen't feel good enough then invest a few bob in a bike computer with cadence (pedal rpm) sensor and focus on riding to a consistent 85rpm or higher. Don't forget nutrition and hydration - you should train on what you intend to use during the event.
You cannot buy the speed you need. You need to be in the gym and on your bike training like fukc if you want to get close to him, let alone beat him.
Boomshanker said:
Yeah, I have got clipless pedals but they are pretty heavy so looking for something lighter(every little helps). I'm working on the fitness. I've got 26 miles down to 1hr 27m on the road with traffic/etc.
18mph is a pretty good pace on the road, espceially if that is riding your mountain bike!! What state are you in after (both immediately, and 20 minutes after).Edited by mat205125 on Tuesday 20th May 08:02
mat205125 said:
You cannot buy the speed you need. You need to be in the gym and on your bike training like fukc if you want to get close to him, let alone beat him.
That's what I was afraid of. Just needed it confirmed. LOL. Looks like it's going to be a long 7 weeks then. I'll let you know how I get on.Chilli said:
Perhaps if you just lost a bit of weight, you tubby, lard ass (ginger) bas'tid.
Oh, Ive got some pedals in the shed you can have if you like? Just drop the 200 you owe round, and they're yours.
And there I was thinking I could have a nice normal conversation with people where you couldn't find me. Talking of fat bastids I think they should know how after 40 miles of the ride last year you were cycling on flat roads in 1st gear.Oh, Ive got some pedals in the shed you can have if you like? Just drop the 200 you owe round, and they're yours.
mat205125 said:
You cannot buy the speed you need. You need to be in the gym and on your bike training like fukc if you want to get close to him, let alone beat him.
Unfortuantely that's 18mph on the Allez. I feel like I can barely walk immediately after i finish but 20 minutes later I feel like I could do it again.Boomshanker said:
Yeah, I have got clipless pedals but they are pretty heavy so looking for something lighter(every little helps). I'm working on the fitness. I've got 26 miles down to 1hr 27m on the road with traffic/etc.
18mph is a pretty good pace on the road, espceially if that is riding your mountain bike!! What state are you in after (both immediately, and 20 minutes after).Edited by mat205125 on Tuesday 20th May 08:02
Boomshanker said:
Chilli said:
Perhaps if you just lost a bit of weight, you tubby, lard ass (ginger) bas'tid.
Oh, Ive got some pedals in the shed you can have if you like? Just drop the 200 you owe round, and they're yours.
And there I was thinking I could have a nice normal conversation with people where you couldn't find me. Talking of fat bastids I think they should know how after 40 miles of the ride last year you were cycling on flat roads in 1st gear.Oh, Ive got some pedals in the shed you can have if you like? Just drop the 200 you owe round, and they're yours.
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