My winter bike feels slower, could be chainset?

[willhub]

Hi.

For some reason my winter bike seems slower, yes it has got mudguards on and is slightly heavier and the position is not 100% set up yet but I don't think they should slow me down.

It's got Aksiums on the winter bike compared to the R550 Shimano wheels on my summer bike and the chainset is same on both same crank length.

I went out on the winter bike did this 2.5 mile loop then did the same on my cannondale and despite not having a speedo on or the GPS I could tell for sure the cannondale was faster.

Now in the shop when I picked it up, I turned the cranks on the chainset, no chain on and thought this seems abit stiff? but I never said anything as I fitted the one on my summer bike (cannondale) and it's fine, but on my cannondale it is smooth and not so stiff to turn.

Which one is right/wrong? Should it be pretty stiff, I mean it's not stiff so you cant turn it and a casual rider would probably not notice it when cycling
along but I know something is making that bike slower and wondering if it's the chainset and if it should be smooth?


Sorry for the long winded post on such a short subject.


Thanks
Will.

 

[Landslide]

I'd worry if it feels rough/notchy or if there's any play in it. Otherwise, as long as it does spin, then I'd probably not be too fussed.

 

[Landslide]

... yes it has got mudguards on and is slightly heavier and the position is not 100% set up yet but I don't think they should slow me down...

Oh, and I suspect these will slow you down.
Heavier = slower for a given effort
Mudguards = not known for their aerodynamic properties