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

[S-Express]

Its hardly revolutionary to discover a Golf GTi is faster than a Land Rover

I had a Land Rover which was faster than a Golf Gti

 

[fossyant]

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

That's the answer. 1.5 kg won't make any difference. You can make an MTB as quick as a road bike (on road) by putting 1.2" slicks on it.

 

[grellboy]

I'd changed the tyres on the cx ages back for some Gators (32), so don't think it would be down to that.

 

[vickster]

I'd changed the tyres on the cx ages back for some Gators (32), so don't think it would be down to that.

Could be if the roadbike has lighter / racier 23/25s

 

[S-Express]

I'd changed the tyres on the cx ages back for some Gators (32), so don't think it would be down to that.

32mm gators are pretty cumbersome, compared to (presumably) 23/25s - that's probably where the increase is.

 

[cyberknight]

CX knobblies to slicks.

At those weight difference thats probably the most effective , when you get into twice the weight difference and more you really notice it even with slicks , my slicked mtb even with drops gets up to speed slower , i cant maintain the same top speed and on the hills................ but we are talking 20 kg ish when loaded with panniers full of work stuff etc .

 

[boydj]

Over the last year or so I've noticed a similar issue - Strava estimates for runs on my carbon bike consistently show me producing 5% to 10% more watts than I produce on my other bike on the same route. I find it hard to believe that mudguards and a bit more weight would give 5 to 10 watts of extra resistance, but checks of the running gear show no other obvious source of extra drag.

 

[Drago]

Because Strava makes a back calculation based upon speed and distance, and has no way of knowing the weight of your various bits of equipment, gearing, even wind resistance from different clothing, so is little more than a guess.

 

[S-Express]

Over the last year or so I've noticed a similar issue - Strava estimates for runs on my carbon bike consistently show me producing 5% to 10% more watts than I produce on my other bike on the same route. I find it hard to believe that mudguards and a bit more weight would give 5 to 10 watts of extra resistance, but checks of the running gear show no other obvious source of extra drag.

Strava power estimates are comical. Dismiss them as irrelevant.

 

[boydj]

Strava power estimates are comical. Dismiss them as irrelevant.

I take the actual values with a pinch of salt - as I know I actually produce a lot more power than they show

However it's the relative measures that are consistent and hard to understand.

 

[Banjo]

I have a commuter road bike that's a couple of kilos heavier than my just for fun road bike.On hils the extra weight is noticeable . Any placebo effect is long since worn off. On the odd occasion I take my best bike to work its very noticeable to me how much easier the hills are.

 

[Drago]

Do you get to work any quicker though? Your perceptions are irrelevant if you're still walking through the door at the same time each morning

 

[Adam4868]

Pretty much all minimal weight differences are of little significance or gain unless your a pro.

 

[Banjo]

That's true. Never time it so no data to compare. Leave home at the same time ,am lucky enough to have a lock up shed to stow bike and clothes etc in so probably linger in there a bit longer then start on time.

 

[fossyant]

32mm gators are pretty cumbersome, compared to (presumably) 23/25s - that's probably where the increase is.

Exactly. Tyres and placebo effect.