Thread started by wormser at 11.28.07 - 2:50 pm

Can I get some feedback on "fast paced rides?" I dont wanna hear about the specific groups that perform this lately overflowing forum topic but I wanna know what it is in the make-up of this ride to perform this task. I ride a 48:18 fixed and at some point I bottom out and don't feel my speed is going to increase. Basically, I just wanna know how fast is the "fast" that most speak of? I know I'll get a bunch of "come out to this and you'll find out" and "learning is doing" but that doesn't answer my question.

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are you referring to a HUSTLE?



hipster
11.28.07 - 2:54 pm

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I'm not sure how fast is fast. But I can tell you we don't accept fixed gears into our group, so if you happen to be on the westside I would grab a deraileur.



franz
11.28.07 - 2:54 pm

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hipster,

I'm talking about a fast paced ride, I hear the term all the time and though it could relate 75% to the WP hustle, I am not speaking specifically of that ride.



wormser
11.28.07 - 3:04 pm

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wormser, keep your group together that's the most important thing.... gradually you can build average speed up over the weeks by drafting and taking advantage of the wind and the stronger riders will be in the front most of the time pulling the slower riders. I cant tell you about gear ratios being that I ride geared but dont worry so much about being fast right off the bat. averaging 15-20mph overall with hills and breaks is probably about right.... flats you can get to 25-30 mph downhills 35-45mph


love that Juggernauts logo btw



Roadblock
11.28.07 - 3:21 pm

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Thanks RB...

I'm trying to train myself to pick up my pace and was just curious, more for myself, to get an idea from other riders that keep strong paces. Your speeds tell me what I was looking to find out. thanks again...seeya sometime on the road..



wormser
11.28.07 - 3:36 pm

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Wormser,

Just as RB says but the speeds out in Claremont might differ because of the terrain. Being in the foothills, you will encounter rolling hills more often than in LA. An average of 18 - 22 mph for the entire ride could be considered pretty fast in your area.

Also a ratio of 48/17 might be better for the area. It give you 17 skid spots while 48/18 only has 3. Another thing to consider is what cadence are you comfortable spinning. 80 - 100 is optimal for most.

For example, your comfortable spinning at 80 RPM. with your gear ratio you will be going a little under 17MPH. With 48/17 it will be closer to 18 MPH.



sc_nomad
11.28.07 - 3:57 pm

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thanks SC, i've been meaning to switch to a 17t so I can increase skid patches just haven't because as you mentioned our terrain is a bit mixed out our way. Used to run a 16t and could keep up on the flats and downhills were more managable but the 18t has been a good all around. I'll have to give it a shot...Just trying not to pigeon hole myself into speeds on our terrain when I eventually want to give some of the more metropolitan rides a shot.



wormser
11.28.07 - 4:16 pm

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Wormser,
You definitely have to check out other fast rides since to get a better appreciation of the challenges. As RB said, drafting is probably the biggest factor to the Wolfpack's overall speed. There are a few in the group who can maintain a good clip for a long time but sharing the load makes the group more efficient.

Once you get the speed up, there's the issue of stopping with a pack of fixed and geared bikes. The main issue is that fixed and geared bikes will stop differently. Geared bikes with brakes can pretty much stop in a straight line. While fixies can do this too, most times they will swerve to left or right. In a panic stop, this difference becomes very apparent. As a geared bike rider, if I don't give the fixies behind me room to maneuver I can get rear ended. As a safety precaution, in case of a sudden stop most geared riders in our group will move to the sides of the road.

These nuances are what makes our rides exciting and different. Any roadie with basic skills can ride in a group but our type of riding is requires a little more awareness. We are finding out what works as we go along.



sc_nomad
11.28.07 - 4:58 pm

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Turning is different too but that lesson is for another day.



sc_nomad
11.28.07 - 5:04 pm

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I hear ya, that all makes sense...



wormser
11.28.07 - 5:09 pm

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