I think it’s a fair assumption that if you can average 19-20mph+ for a couple of hours solo, taking into account the odd stop and start at a junction, lights etc and maybe some hills, that’s a decent ride. Well recently I’ve been focussing on the road a little more and, for me, the old, retired racer, I think I’m currently in decent shape for the amount I do. I’m not race-fit or at my race weight, probably will never be again, but a couple of recent solo rides at these kind of averages got me thinking about my bike and being more aero for more speed.
Let me list what I don’t have
- Aero Frame – wannabe TT frames of old have become the norm on road bikes now. My Planet X Pro Carbon I’d probably call it semi-aero? It’s definitely not on a par with your Cervelo, Specialized and Canyon’s et al.
- Aero Helmet – mines a standard, plain grey, vented Kask Mojito
- Aero Bars – mine are standard round, standard width and no shifters tilted inwards
- Hidden Cables – all mine are on show under the bars and then go into the frame
- Aero Seatpost – nope, just round again
- Skinsuit – I do see riders with these on out training, just a standard jersey and shorts for me but a nice snug fit
- Aero socks – nah, they’d look like girls school socks from the 70’s on me
- Oversocks – I actually would wear these because they were cool in the 90’s but I’d look a cock now
This begs the question how much faster would I go if I had them? I’m sure there are a list of wattages somewhere what each of the above would save me. Tot them up and I’m in no doubt I would either be faster or use less energy for the same speed.
But at what cost? I paid £1350 for my Planet X new. Aero road (race) bikes are now £4K-£10K+ and quite extreme geometry aka not that comfy. Is the additional financial and comfort cost to gain some speed worth it? Not for me but perhaps if I was racing maybe a bike at the lower end of that price bracket to try and close the gap to the rest of the aero peloton. I have looked 😉 For others, it’s their money, they can spend it how they see fit but I would politely ask why if they don’t race? I’m absolutely convinced there is a diminishing return the more you spend. What does a £10K bike give you in terms of performance a £6K bike won’t? Seems a waste to me but that’s just me. I just get a kick out of keeping up on my bike vs theirs LOL and if I do get dropped it’ll be a fitness thing not because of the bike.
…but I will own up to some 50mm deep section carbon wheels with Conti GP5000 tyres (+standard tubes though. No Latex, TPU or Tubeless). They are aero and they are fast and a piece of equipment, I think, can make the biggest difference and bang for your buck. So I’m not averse to spending some money for some gain. They cost me £850 all in.
So my conclusion is, I could go faster or further but I’d have to spunk £000’s more to do it which, for me and what I do, I see no point and I’m happy with my lot. I will concede a lighter bike on longer climbs would be a benefit but I can’t justify the cost for the weight saving and how many long climbs do I do really? Why do I need to ride at, say, 22-23mph when 19-20mph for 90 mins is fine and good training. It’s still the same effort and I’m £000’s better off. To me that’s marginal (small, negligible, not very important by definition!) gains or a nice holiday.
I’ll take the holiday thanks
Adios