Cheap Vs Expensive

[Cyclist33]

I'd like to see a 20Kg bike (that's not from JD Sports...)

I said "laden up to 20 kg", which I would have thought was obvious enough to mean including a bottle of water, a rack and pannier full of stuff, lights, plus the rider's massive ego of course!

But anyway, my question stands, does one rider put the same performance down on two otherwise identical bikes where one of the bikes is loaded with kit and the other is stripped to the bone?


Stu

 

[oldfatfool]

But anyway, my question stands, does one rider put the same performance down on two otherwise identical bikes where one of the bikes is loaded with kit and the other is stripped to the bone?
Stu

Depends if he was already riding the 7kg bike to their maximum, also depends on the terrain, the loaded bike would be quicker downhill slower uphill etc etc

 

[Cyclist33]

Depends if he was already riding the 7kg bike to their maximum, also depends on the terrain, the loaded bike would be quicker downhill slower uphill etc etc

Assuming all other variables were identical, would the rider do the route in a quicker or slower time? If the answer is not "both performances would be identical", then it cannot be accurately stated that "Fast depends on you - not the bike.", as if that is all there is to it. Which was my point.



Stu

 

[roadrash]

to the op ... ride what you like and like what you ride ,

do any of us actually need someone elses approval , if your happy with your lot (and it sounds like you are ) then enjoy

 

[HovR]

Assuming all other variables were identical, would the rider do the route in a quicker or slower time? If the answer is not "both performances would be identical", then it cannot be accurately stated that "Fast depends on you - not the bike.", as if that is all there is to it. Which was my point.



Stu

"Fast depends on you - not the bike."

What that means is the difference between a 9 kilo steel bike and a 7 or 8 kilo alu bike, at an amateur level, is going to be negligible at best. You could take this to extremes and compare a 6 kilo featherweight with a 25 kilo BSO, but it isn't in the spirit of the phrase.

 

[Cyclist33]

"Fast depends on you - not the bike."

What that means is the difference between a 9 kilo steel bike and a 7 or 8 kilo alu bike, at an amateur level, is going to be negligible at best. You could take this to extremes and compare a 6 kilo featherweight with a 25 kilo BSO, but it isn't in the spirit of the phrase.

Since the phrase had no context beyond itself and was stated in its nakedness as a fact, I think you're speculating on the spirit of the phrase.

 

[Standoff]

I was was quite happy with my inherited (off my son) halfords special. Then I borrowed my sons new carbon bike. I am considerably faster on a run but this may be down to me peddling harder. The enjoyment factor due to better handling, gear change and brakes makes me think it's worth the extra thousand pounds!

 

[HovR]

Since the phrase had no context beyond itself and was stated in its nakedness as a fact, I think you're speculating on the spirit of the phrase.

Well the fact that we're debating about the speed differences between steel racers (which are typically in the 9 kilo region) and newer alu/carbon bikes is a bit of a giveaway to me. Take the phrase literally or in the spirit of the thread, it's your own choice which you're entitled to.

 

[mickle]

although the makers of wd40 do say it is safe to use as a bicycle chain lubricant,

They would say that.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Since the phrase had no context beyond itself and was stated in its nakedness as a fact, I think you're speculating on the spirit of the phrase.

in the context of this thread, surely it was clear enough? Riders are fast, bikes are not. Put the OP on a Venge and it's likely he will not be that much faster than he is now. But there does come a point where an ancient steel contraption will become a limitation, rather than a bragging tool. Doesn't sound like he's reached that point yet though....

 

[black'n'yellow]

They would say that.

they would say that, because it's true. It may not be ideal as a lubricant, in much the same way as water isn't ideal either, but it's not 'unsafe' to use....

 

[Andrew_P]

I just love the smell of a new bike the more expensive the better...

 

[Powely]

Because my cheap bike is rubbish and has bent already! :/ So I am looking to invest in something decent. Saying that from my research so far it appears you can still spend a 1k on a bike which isn't a good as other at the same price. So I would imagine it still all comes down to quality rather then the cost but unfortunately quality comes at a cost.

 

[AndyPeace]

But anyway, my question stands, does one rider put the same performance down on two otherwise identical bikes where one of the bikes is loaded with kit and the other is stripped to the bone?
Stu

If all variables were eliminated, i.e. bikes had equal aerodynamics; both set ups put the rider in the same seating position, etc...purley on weight, the difference on flat terrain would be minimal, it would win you a race but not really make much difference to a commute. Consider also that a bike is not the only weight in the complete machine, so if your 90kg and unfit riding a 7kg bike vs a skilled competiion racer-fit 70kg rider on a 20kg bike which machine weighs more? Of course rider weight is not clear cut, it would be down to how much was muscle and flab,etc. but your fitness is a far bigger factor than droping a couple of kilos off 100kg load

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I'm all in favour of insanely expensive bikes, I don't think I'll ever own one but the cash they hopefully inject into the trade benefits me by keeping skilled mechanics in business so they can help me out with my bikes.

Or am I being optimistic?