Improvements? Are they down to the new bike or me just trying harder?

[grellboy]

Gone from a 10kg Boardman cx to a carbon 8.5 kg with semi aero wheels in the last few days. New bike is much stiffer and feel most of my effort is going straight through to the transmission, rather than being wasted on a flexing frame etc. Anyway, picked up loads of PBs on first two rides, but just wondering about the opinions of others who have upgraded bikes and found significant improvements: how much is due to the bike being lighter, more aero and stiffer or am I just trying harder to justify buying it!?

 

[Tin Pot]

The improvements are down to whichever you want them to be

 

[gbb]

Probably a bit of both, mostly a placebo effect I should think.
Nevertheless, an improvement is always good

 

[Apollonius]

Probably both, but the lighter bike will make a definite difference, especially if you are coming up any inclines. Maybe a lot of it is in the mind, but that doesn't mean it isn't a real improvement.

 

[Drago]

Engine.

 

[Dave 123]

A tail wind probably!

 

[Racing roadkill]

Gone from a 10kg Boardman cx to a carbon 8.5 kg with semi aero wheels in the last few days. New bike is much stiffer and feel most of my effort is going straight through to the transmission, rather than being wasted on a flexing frame etc. Anyway, picked up loads of PBs on first two rides, but just wondering about the opinions of others who have upgraded bikes and found significant improvements: how much is due to the bike being lighter, more aero and stiffer or am I just trying harder to justify buying it!?

 

[Dave 123]

My serious answer is both.
The new bike is making a difference, and you're motivated/excited.
Good for you. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Cuchilo]

Aero helps to shave a few seconds off . Enjoy the new bike

 

[Slick]

Same effect as go faster stripes on your new trainers when you were a kid. Nothing wrong with it, I've been enjoying the sane effect myself for a while now, items magic.

 

[KEEF]

Subliminal advertising

 

[fossyant]

CX knobblies to slicks.

 

[S-Express]

Gone from a 10kg Boardman cx to a carbon 8.5 kg with semi aero wheels in the last few days. New bike is much stiffer and feel most of my effort is going straight through to the transmission, rather than being wasted on a flexing frame etc. Anyway, picked up loads of PBs on first two rides, but just wondering about the opinions of others who have upgraded bikes and found significant improvements: how much is due to the bike being lighter, more aero and stiffer or am I just trying harder to justify buying it!?

As suggested, what tyres were on the cx?

 

[Drago]

Fossyant makes a fair point. Its hardly revolutionary to discover a Golf GTi is faster than a Land Rover.

 

[derrick]

Fossyant makes a fair point. Its hardly revolutionary to discover a Golf GTi is faster than a Land Rover.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPFP05QPX-s:laugh
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