How much faster would I do a Sportive in on a Carbon Bike?

[Ayesha]

Right test done, knackering as I was out delivering charridy magazines on the bike this afty too so gettng back up the hill was a chore. Tests done within 25 minute window, Computer is Raleigh Echo W1

Bike 1: Principia Rex Ellipse Project, Wheels Mavic Ksyrium SSC 20/18 bladed spokes, Schwalbe Stelvio Light tyres. Total Weight 111.6kg Seat height from floor 102cm, hood height 95cm
Wind Speed very light 0-3mph
Average terminal velocity 30.4mph

Bike 2: Specialized Globe Pro (Flat bar) Ultegra/Open pro rear, Sansin sealed/Mavic MA2, 25mm Gatorskins + wide mudguards. Total weight 117.8kg (including panniers, large front light & heavier shoes). Seat height 101cm, top of grip height 97cm
Wind Speed very light 0-3mph
Average terminal Velocity 29.9mph

Conclusion, I'm faster going downhill on the race bike with no pedalling despite the weight 'advantage' of the Spesh

Baldock Lane descent.JPG

-6% slope, 111.6 kg, 30.4 mph,,,

My calcs say thats 200 Watts at 17.5 mph.

That's considerably worse than my SWorks which is 18.6 mph at 200 W.

You must have a larger cross section area.

[Tonyf33]

How many samples did you take? I'm not convinced that the difference is statistically significant.

Enough!

Especially with all the pot-holes on that road!

It's a lot better than when I had my crash into the 'grand canyon' a few years ago The flat section over the A1 is pretty dire but at least the downhill bits are bearable. The only thing to deal with now is the excess gravel laying hither & thither

The best speed I've attained down that stretch actually pedalling is 41mph (on the globe), frankly I wouldn't want to try to do more on an out and out road bike like the prinny as the surface is pretty uneven and there are a couple of hidden entrances in the trees at the bottom of the slope where dog walkers park up. Not worth going balls out for sure...

I'm 103kg wet through with broad shoulders/big chest and I was on the hoods as per the up thread suggestion so fairly upright even compared to the flat bar bike, it wasn't an aero position by any stretch , I might try it in the most aero position I can attain on each..watch this space..lol

[PhilWhitehurst]

Lance Armstrong: It's not about the bike.

It's about the drugs