Cycling Thread 2

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Stupid question:

I have an entry level Cannondale Synapse Soira.

If I bought a better road bike (ie non entry level), how much of a boost would I get speed wise when riding? minimal or more than minimal?

I have a mid-level name-brand road bike, but I upgraded a few specific parts which made a huge difference: carbon seatpost, better saddle, carbon bars, and most notably a decent set of house-brand carbon-hoops thanks to Chain Reaction mail-order. I'd suggest around Calgary don't go with deepest rims, but more mid-level (~35-40'ish mm) due to our winds. I've been SUPER impressed with the modern wheelsets ability to handle our cross winds.

The wheelset DID make a large difference - BUT you need to think a little beyond and make smart decisions with the tubes (if you have them) and the tires. Tire selection actually makes a big - they can save or cost you easily 15-25 watts. Might not sound like much until you realize for most riders that's 10% of their output NOT going to speed.

Other things for speed:
- ride more; and have easy and hard days, and rest days
- proper bike fit makes a big difference, but so does having the flexibility to comfortably manage more aggressive positions.
- tight clothing, not this flappy crap which grabs the wind. If you don't wanna be a lycra-superhero-skin-tight-clothing-wearer then ask yourself if you really want to be faster or just needlessly spend money.
- keep a clean bike and cleaner drivetrain
- get a hidden motor or ebike

[Ryan Coke]

I find it sad that unchained comes out on Netflix, and it makes a person want to actually follow the TdF, but they make it near impossible to easily watch it in Canada. Great way to prevent people from becoming fans. Even as an avid biker, I didn’t care much about pro road racing. But getting to know some of the personalities made me want to follow it more this year, but I wasn’t going to buy a Flobikes subscription just for a few days of TdF that I’d be able to watch.

Thanks a bunch for the alternate viewing suggestions.

[Ryan Coke]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Stupid question:

I have an entry level Cannondale Synapse Soira.

If I bought a better road bike (ie non entry level), how much of a boost would I get speed wise when riding? minimal or more than minimal?

How old are we talking for the Synapse? Is it carbon or aluminum?

Overall, it is probably still a very good bike….I’ve ridden older model carbon Synapse’s several times as rental bikes, and there is nothing wrong with them. A new bike isn’t likely to give you some massive, noticeable difference in speed. Even things that might give you an extra km/h or 2 aren’t really noticeable unless you’re doing some kind of racing, or at least enjoying comparing your PRs on strava or whatever.

Now, if you want to upgrade to a mid level road bike, you’ll probably find several things about it that you would enjoy, but it might not be that much pure speed.

As has been said, tires might be the biggest upgrade for a reasonable cost. They can make for a more comfortable, faster ride. Great point above about clothes….loose flappy clothing makes a huge difference. Most people don’t realize how much extra work they’re having to do (or how much slower they’re going) if they don’t have tight fitting kit.

One last comment for someone thinking of buying a road bike, I would suggest for most to get one that fits into the gravel bike category. There are now several that are light and aero like a good road bike, but have room for wider tires. You give up very little compared to an average road bike, but get a bunch of flexibility by being able to put wider tires on and go just about anywhere off pavement.

[RichieRich]

Agreed on the gravel/road crossover with one caveat... pay attention to the crankset. A friend recently bought a decent "road bike" and it seems to be very nicely kitted out... but he didn't pay attention or notice that the largest chainring is a 48t. He basically thought he had a roadbike but it has gravel/cyclocross gearing. This is fine if your smallest cassette ring is a 9 or 10t, but that's unusual as the standard is an 11 or 12. For the average road rider a 48t will be too small, shoot for a 50/34 or 52/36 with a wider 11-28 or 11-30 cassette.

[curves2000]

What are you cyclists thoughts on quick rides on a road bike without padded shorts once in awhile? I am not a hard core rider or anything on a Specialized Allez, I have a 2 jerseys and padded shorts that I try to keep up with washing.

If I want to do a few Zwift rides or a quick 45 minute ride on the pathway in regular athletic shorts once in a while, is that ok and safe for saddle sores?

A few friends who ride A LOT and are what I consider top cyclists say absolutely not and others say don't worry so much.


Appreciate your thoughts

[Ironhorse]

I wouldn’t. Easiest solution is to buy a second pair of shorts.

[Ryan Coke]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

Agreed on the gravel/road crossover with one caveat... pay attention to the crankset. A friend recently bought a decent "road bike" and it seems to be very nicely kitted out... but he didn't pay attention or notice that the largest chainring is a 48t. He basically thought he had a roadbike but it has gravel/cyclocross gearing. This is fine if your smallest cassette ring is a 9 or 10t, but that's unusual as the standard is an 11 or 12. For the average road rider a 48t will be too small, shoot for a 50/34 or 52/36 with a wider 11-28 or 11-30 cassette.

I get what you’re saying, but a 48/11 puts you at about 50km/h at 90 rpm, 55 km/h at 100rpm. If you are able to routinely spin out with that, then you probably want a full on road bike anyway. For most people that isn’t an issue.

My high end road bike I went with a 50/34 chainring, and an 11-34 cassette. If I’m on a flat course there are times that a bigger chainring would be useful (mostly for higher efficiency running in the middle of the cassette), but at least as often I am thankful to have bottom end gearing living west of Calgary and doing loads of climbing.

So I respectfully disagree that a regular gravel drivetrain would be limiting for most people. Maybe my judgement is coloured by the type of terrain I ride.

Now want to debate 1X versus 2X?
That one I think is very debatable, but so far I’m still 2X when I’m not on the mountain bike.

[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by Ryan Coke

I get what you’re saying, but a 48/11 puts you at about 50km/h at 90 rpm, 55 km/h at 100rpm. If you are able to routinely spin out with that, then you probably want a full on road bike anyway. For most people that isn’t an issue.

My high end road bike I went with a 50/34 chainring, and an 11-34 cassette. If I’m on a flat course there are times that a bigger chainring would be useful (mostly for higher efficiency running in the middle of the cassette), but at least as often I am thankful to have bottom end gearing living west of Calgary and doing loads of climbing.

So I respectfully disagree that a regular gravel drivetrain would be limiting for most people. Maybe my judgement is coloured by the type of terrain I ride.

Now want to debate 1X versus 2X?
That one I think is very debatable, but so far I’m still 2X when I’m not on the mountain bike.

I agree with you. I have a road bike and I run a 48x34 (after starting with a 50) with a 12-29 rear cassette. I have more than enough gearing with the 48.

[Kybosh]

Rode the Badlands Gran Fondo on Saturday (163k distance). The first 100k was awesome going through the badlands and out to the last chance saloon but then the final 63k was a bit of a slog. The last climb at Dorothy killed my buddy (1.3k, 8.5% grade) but he managed to finish. I held a 26kph pace which I was happy enough with as I wanted enough gas in the tank to take my toddler to the Royal Tyrell the following morning. Good event, tons of support and good vibes. I'd definitely recommend the 100k distance but only the 163k if you have a distance goal.

[Icantwhisper]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

Agreed on the gravel/road crossover with one caveat... pay attention to the crankset. A friend recently bought a decent "road bike" and it seems to be very nicely kitted out... but he didn't pay attention or notice that the largest chainring is a 48t. He basically thought he had a roadbike but it has gravel/cyclocross gearing. This is fine if your smallest cassette ring is a 9 or 10t, but that's unusual as the standard is an 11 or 12. For the average road rider a 48t will be too small, shoot for a 50/34 or 52/36 with a wider 11-28 or 11-30 cassette.

Could just buy different chainrings for $150.00, new chain for 80.00, and a slight adjustment to the front derailleur, he'll have the road bike he thought he would

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

Rode the Badlands Gran Fondo on Saturday (163k distance). The first 100k was awesome going through the badlands and out to the last chance saloon but then the final 63k was a bit of a slog. The last climb at Dorothy killed my buddy (1.3k, 8.5% grade) but he managed to finish. I held a 26kph pace which I was happy enough with as I wanted enough gas in the tank to take my toddler to the Royal Tyrell the following morning. Good event, tons of support and good vibes. I'd definitely recommend the 100k distance but only the 163k if you have a distance goal.

Am I your buddy? Think there were a few of us dying at that point the other day lol

I also did the 163km category -- finished with 5:07 moving time (Strava, not the time chips). I had hoped to pull in under 5hrs but life and work stress sorta derailed my training in the last couple weeks. Was on the second ferry, with a big peloton all the way to the top of the Dorothy Hill... but then my heart rate blew up and I couldn't quite keep up. Ah well.

Learned to bring a banana in the future as the gels and electrolytes were not sitting well at that point (was hoping for one at the bacon station but they only had those gross fruit bars). Having done it once before, I generally felt more comfortable keeping up with the group, and PR'd both climbs this time around. I did manage to catch another peloton from the final aid station to the finish line as well (literally ran to get back on my bike when I saw the group on the horizon lol) which greatly helped my motivation and pace for the final 25km.

[Deegee]

We did the 100km distance this year at Badlands (did the 163 km last year) and was really happy with our Strava moving time of 3:25 (just under 30km/hr) which is pretty big fitness progress over last year's slogfest. Outside of missing the Dorothy climb I didn't really miss the extra 60kms and the nasty headwind that usually comes with it and it was kind of a last minute thing to join my friends at this event.

Was neat as we had some custom jerseys done up (CoalTrain if anyone saw us) and we got to ride with an older guy out of BC who we do TTTs with on Zwift who we had never met in real life.

Ultimately think this is my last go at that event for a bit. A ton of the ride is on open road and the road quality was pretty poor overall.

[cral12]

Any mtn bikers here happen to own a Ibis Ripmo AF?

Just looking at new bike options, probably won't purchase til next yr.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by cral12

Any mtn bikers here happen to own a Ibis Ripmo AF?

Just looking at new bike options, probably won't purchase til next yr.

Great bike. I was going to get for my son but then I got a good deal on a different bike. I think Insideline was going to an IBIS demo day soon. It may have already happened but it might be worth checking. They have the Ripmo AF on sale right now.

[Flames0910]

Ultimately think this is my last go at that event for a bit. A ton of the ride is on open road and the road quality was pretty poor overall.

Road seemed about the same as last year (which ya, not great but definitely not getting better either) but the snacks definitely took a nosedive with TransRockies taking over IMO -- last year had Skratch, Honey Stingers, Coke, Dinosours, trail mix, and even Crave Cupcakes. Also the bacon station needed more real food alternatives (I had my hopes up for a banana but they only had those awful Xact fruit bars).

Don't get me wrong, still a great event, cyclists just have to have something to complain about.

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by Ryan Coke

I get what you’re saying, but a 48/11 puts you at about 50km/h at 90 rpm, 55 km/h at 100rpm. If you are able to routinely spin out with that, then you probably want a full on road bike anyway. For most people that isn’t an issue.

My high end road bike I went with a 50/34 chainring, and an 11-34 cassette. If I’m on a flat course there are times that a bigger chainring would be useful (mostly for higher efficiency running in the middle of the cassette), but at least as often I am thankful to have bottom end gearing living west of Calgary and doing loads of climbing.

So I respectfully disagree that a regular gravel drivetrain would be limiting for most people. Maybe my judgement is coloured by the type of terrain I ride.

Now want to debate 1X versus 2X?
That one I think is very debatable, but so far I’m still 2X when I’m not on the mountain bike.

Nah man I’m the 2x school of thought for road and gravel. Love my 52/36 and 11-28. When I had a 50t x 11 there were times on the past I got dropped on fast long downhills where 120rpm wasn’t enough.

I see what you’re saying about a 48 and perhaps for my friend it’ll work. He’s neither fast enough nor hardcore enough to get to the limits often.

As for mtb I only made the jump from 3x9 to 1x last year. So far I’m very impressed and don’t miss it at all. Except those flat/false flat downhill tailwind sections won’t be as fast as with my 44x11.

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by curves2000

What are you cyclists thoughts on quick rides on a road bike without padded shorts once in awhile? I am not a hard core rider or anything on a Specialized Allez, I have a 2 jerseys and padded shorts that I try to keep up with washing.

If I want to do a few Zwift rides or a quick 45 minute ride on the pathway in regular athletic shorts once in a while, is that ok and safe for saddle sores?

A few friends who ride A LOT and are what I consider top cyclists say absolutely not and others say don't worry so much.


Appreciate your thoughts

The odd ride here and there you’ll be fine. Maybe a little tender though. Lots of girls don’t wear bike shorts and manage. Best though is to pick up some cheap bib or regular bike shorts which is better than ginch. You don’t need to spend $200/pr. If you ride often though then you are tempting fate for those pores and sores.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by RichieRich

The odd ride here and there you’ll be fine. Maybe a little tender though. Lots of girls don’t wear bike shorts and manage. Best though is to pick up some cheap bib or regular bike shorts which is better than ginch. You don’t need to spend $200/pr. If you ride often though then you are tempting fate for those pores and sores.

I do some commuting without my cycling shorts. Mostly bar hopping, commuting and sometimes recovery rides. There's definitely a big difference in comfort, but sometimes it's nice to just get out the door quickly.

I also have a pair of these from MEC for days when the bib seems like overkill. They're good for quick zwift rides, too.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5058-3...s?colour=Black

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by Flames0910

I do some commuting without my cycling shorts. Mostly bar hopping, commuting and sometimes recovery rides. There's definitely a big difference in comfort, but sometimes it's nice to just get out the door quickly.

I also have a pair of these from MEC for days when the bib seems like overkill.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5058-3...s?colour=Black

I have a really old version of those which are easy to throw on under some baggy/casual shorts for those easy social ride days with friends family or recovery spins.
Although not everyone may agree, but there are often almost-new shorts on Kijiji or Marketplace and often at a fraction of new price. Or just watch online sales and/or take your chances with Amazon/AliExpress

[Ryan Coke]

I did the 100 in Drum this weekend, and had a blast. Good front group, and was done in 2:45. Got a PR on the ferry climb. Felt great right to the end, wasn’t hurting like I probably would have been after another 100 minutes of riding.

The road through town sucked, otherwise it was fine I thought. I was going to do the Okanagan fondo this weekend, but scheduling made it difficult. Whereas I drove out the morning of to Drumheller, and was home by 3 in the afternoon.