Cycling 10% faster (2nd post)

[cycling2work]

this is my next (hybrid) bike - is it missing the sexy?

[Tom Allen]

this is my next (hybrid) bike - is it missing the sexy?

Dude. "Hybrid" and "sexy" do not belong in the same sentence, I don't care how much carbon you put in it.

[Bird in a Cage]

Dude. "Hybrid" and "sexy" do not belong in the same sentence, I don't care how much carbon you put in it.

Ha! No more need be said!

(Cannondale Synapse 3 with carbon bars, Reynold Attack wheels, and Time Xpresso pedals... Zoom, zoom.)

[TitaniumChastiTi]

I must confess I too have a bike problem and struggle with the formula "Number of Bikes Required = (N+1) where N is the Number of Bikes You Own"

[Tom Allen]

My own fave is a Cannondale Synapse 105 (aluminum alloy). Mostly stock, but I'll be looking for a new saddle next season. And I just got the clipless pedals/shoes last year - after 30+ years of riding toe cages. Only fell twice so far

[Bird in a Cage]

My own fave is a Cannondale Synapse 105 (aluminum alloy). Mostly stock, but I'll be looking for a new saddle next season. And I just got the clipless pedals/shoes last year - after 30+ years of riding toe cages. Only fell twice so far

Good choice. I call the Synapse my "old man's bike" because of the less aggressive geometry and the S.A.V.E. system that takes some of the road noise away from the seat post. Clipless is the way to go—you can always adjust the release tension so being stuck aboard shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Back to the original topic, what other activities do you go without a CD?

[TwistedMister]

I must confess I too have a bike problem and struggle with the formula "Number of Bikes Required = (N+1) where N is the Number of Bikes You Own"

I'm guessing that you guys have dropped more dough on those things than I did for my Yamahog that powers me down the road with 62 horses between my legs...

[Tom Allen]

I must confess I too have a bike problem and struggle with the formula "Number of Bikes Required = (N+1) where N is the Number of Bikes You Own"

I'm guessing that you guys have dropped more dough on those things than I did for my Yamahog that powers me down the road with 62 horses between my legs...

I've been fortunate enough to pick my bikes up pre-owned, so I've saved quite a bit of money... that I ended up spending on bike related gear, like Garmin GPS trackers, helmets, clothes, tools, and of course, the upgrades: handlebars, saddles, tires, etc.

It's funny that Bird calls the Synapse the "old man's bike," but I'll tell ya - I have an older, stiffer aluminum frame Cannondale, and I've had them both on long rides in the New England hills, and they are both about the same comfort. I just picked up a nice Selle Italia saddle for the older bike, so I'll see how that one does over the longer trips - I start to get numb after 25 miles with the original saddle.

[Tom Allen]

[quote="Bird in a Cage"
Good choice. I call the Synapse my "old man's bike" because of the less aggressive geometry and the S.A.V.E. system that takes some of the road noise away from the seat post. Clipless is the way to go—you can always adjust the release tension so being stuck aboard shouldn't be too much of an issue.[/quote]

Since I've always ridden with toe cages, it's an easy transition to the clipless. I didn't think that they would add that much to my riding, but I have to say that I'm very pleasantly surprised at that 15% more power / speed that I seem to have gotten just in the last few months of the season.

[quote[Back to the original topic, what other activities do you go without a CD?[/quote]

Pretty much all of them, since Mrs Edge and I have been taking a device break for the last few years. After 10+ years, we needed a change. Right now it's all honor system, but after all that time in a cage, it's a lot easier to control myself.

[Bird in a Cage]

I didn't think that they would add that much to my riding, but I have to say that I'm very pleasantly surprised at that 15% more power / speed that I seem to have gotten just in the last few months of the season.

There is a remarkable power transfer difference when going to clipless pedals and shoes. Watch out for the "sexy" factor though—last year I bought a pair of $300 Diadoras, not because I needed them, but because they were freaky sexy (and comfortable—but mostly just sexy).

Pretty much all of them, since Mrs Edge and I have been taking a device break for the last few years. After 10+ years, we needed a change. Right now it's all honor system, but after all that time in a cage, it's a lot easier to control myself.

That is impressive to me... I don't have that level of self-control. Odd, since I have great self control over: food, exercise, tv time, and all other bad habits—except the one in my pants. Maybe 10 years is the key.