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From: Roger Merriman <roger@sarlet.com>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: Science of cycling still largely mysterious
Date: 25 May 2025 20:41:19 GMT
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Frank Krygowski <frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> On 5/25/2025 4:31 AM, Roger Merriman wrote:
>> cyclintom <cyclintom@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Because touring bikes are supposed to be slower, people often don't
>>> notice that the wide tires actuallu make them faster. It certainly took
>>> long enout to notice that and I was as guilty as anyone else.
>>> 
>> I very much doubt that an older touring bike with 32mm tyres was faster
>> than race bike with 23mm tyres, you need to be comparing like with like.
> 
> I think many people could use a review about what actually makes a bike 
> faster for road riding. There are always a lot of myths circulating.
> 
> One way to think about the question is to first list what are the 
> physics of resistance to forward motion? What actually slows a bike 
> down? Where does the lost energy go?
> 
> 
I’d also say folks need to be honest is that your primary aim? 

And back to having to your position on the bike, can you really hold and be
comfortable on a bike with a race position?

I’m absolutely sure my gravel bike is slower than a full on road bike
particularly ones more race focused, but I’m also sure it’s more
comfortable and sure footed.

Roger Merriman