What is the truth behind bike weight? Does it really help THAT much?

Originally Posted by JohnO

On the other hand, super stiff frames and wheels tend to hammer you while you're riding, especially if the road isn't perfectly smooth, so there's fatigue to the rider to consider as well.

Originally Posted by kakman

I didn't see the thread but it seems there are regular claims about speed improvement with new bikes. There is, of course, the new bike placebo affect, but there's also the issue of fit and geometry.

My anecdotal evidence shows speed increases of around 2-3 kph when I ride the drops rather than the hoods. It's quite possible the person in question was seeing improvements, but they may have been more to do with a better position on the bike that anything else. The Soloist is very aero (and stiff) and may account for a small improvement but, as Alientaor said, the aero effect of the bike pales into insignificance compared with the rider, wheels, helmet etc. I think it's far more likely the benefits, if real, came from improved position.

Originally Posted by TheDarkLord

I haven't read the thread, but I think you are misunderstanding alienator here. A significant contribution to a reduction in speed comes from the air-resistance, and thus a more aerodynamic position should give you a significant increase in speed. More so with the rider's position compared to wheels, helmet, etc. This is because the surface area that is exposed to a direct head-wind is decreased most with a more aerodynamic position of a rider as opposed to smaller gains with helmet, wheels, etc. So, riding on drops should give you a nice boost in speed. But I guess you cannot climb hills by riding on drops...

Originally Posted by kakman

Um, that's exactly what I said. Look for the bit where I say rider position probably accounted for the gains and the aerodynamics of the bike are small compared to helmet, wheels etc.

/k

Originally Posted by oldbobcat

I propose a more scientific study--10 mile time trial on a rolling course, out and back, three times on each bike, one ride a day, with identical tires, shoes, and pedals, identical warm-up, and no panniers on the OCR.

Originally Posted by JTE83

I am working temporarily in Houston, TX - on the Space Shuttle. So I only have 3 of my bikes with me here, the rest of my 11 bikes are in Chicago. So I can't do a comparison test of all 7 of my road bikes, 6 of them having powermeters.

I'm spending more time on my weekends wrenching on my Honda Civic HX modifying it to be a dream ride. The HX is a classic fuel efficient car desired by hypermilers, and I'm spending lots of web time figuring out the best fuel efficient techniques and modifications to my car. Last tank was 43.87974 mpg, which is way better than any modern 2008 non hybrid fuel efficient car out there. So now I got a new hobby! - Hypermiling my car!

Originally Posted by alienator

Do you have a grasp of that whole significant digits thing? I'm willing to bet real money that your calculation isn't reliable beyond 1/100.....and that's a generous offer. Such ignorance with calculations really makes me fear for the shuttle program.

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

I think its fair to go to 5 decimal places. 1/100,000 of a mile is a little over half an inch a gallon. That's around 8 inches on a full tank which could be the difference between just making it to the pump or your car's fuel tank inlet being tantalisingly just out of reach of the nozzle...

Originally Posted by alienator

Originally Posted by sogood

PhillP: I hear you. But it stands in stark contrast to the ceramic bearing you are selling in your signature line.

Originally Posted by mikesbytes

Should I buy bike shorts because they are lighter than bib knicks?

Originally Posted by oldbobcat

And while you're at it, drill out your water bottles. Finally, somebody's talking sense here.