Re: Science of cycling still largely mysterious

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