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Gear Talk / Bicycle Speeds Question
« on: January 17, 2011, 03:15:34 pm »
I am planning an upcoming self supported (camping) east to west cross country tour this summer on the northern tier, ide like to average over 100 miles a day. I recently bought a 2010 Raleigh Sojourn (frame weight 34lbs) that i found a great deal on craigslist. My background is in triathlon (i train >15 hrs a week) so for training purposes i mostly ride my carbon fiber time trial bike. I just took the Sojourn on a weekend one night out and back tour (170 miles round trip). I only had rear panniers on the bike but i plan on getting a front rack and putting small front panniers as well.
One thing that really bothered me throughout the trip is how slow this bike feels. I understand that its a very sturdy and solid bike and i may be extremely jaded from triathlon training however i cannot get over the speed. I ride for training purposes 21-23 mph steady state and i averaged about 15 mph on the tour (although i did have some 7-12mph headwinds for most of the trip). Without getting a completely new bike, does anyone have any tips for upping the speed. I currently have 35c vittorio randonuerr tires with a fair amount of tread on them, what about a 28c slick? Also in a fully loaded touring bike lets be honest, will a few pounds that i would save getting a lighter frame or using a different bike really make all that much of a difference? I do enjoy going fast and covering alot of ground. Advice from experienced touring cyclists wanted! Is it the bike or is it my expectations?
One thing that really bothered me throughout the trip is how slow this bike feels. I understand that its a very sturdy and solid bike and i may be extremely jaded from triathlon training however i cannot get over the speed. I ride for training purposes 21-23 mph steady state and i averaged about 15 mph on the tour (although i did have some 7-12mph headwinds for most of the trip). Without getting a completely new bike, does anyone have any tips for upping the speed. I currently have 35c vittorio randonuerr tires with a fair amount of tread on them, what about a 28c slick? Also in a fully loaded touring bike lets be honest, will a few pounds that i would save getting a lighter frame or using a different bike really make all that much of a difference? I do enjoy going fast and covering alot of ground. Advice from experienced touring cyclists wanted! Is it the bike or is it my expectations?