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Watts Better?

rocketfast

Apr 7, 12 20:50

Post #1 of 8 (818 views)

Watts Better?	Quote \| Reply

I'm considering whether to upgrade my 2008 P2C (new aerobars) or purchase one of the new super-bikes. While I have no doubt the new bikes are faster than my P2C, are the aero advantages worth the price? For example, if I rode my P2C @ 22.5mph with an average 230w over an 40k or 56mi in a triathlon, how many watts (on average) will a P5 or Shiv or BMCTT02 save over the same distance under similar conditions (are temp, wind, barometer, course, good fit position,etc)? Is it 10w, 50w?

rroof

Apr 7, 12 21:00

Post #2 of 8 (799 views)

Re: Watts Better? [rocketfast] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Easy answer ... the new uberbike will save you exactly ZERO watts!

What you are asking is how much faster you might be on the new bike. There are far too many variables for any sort of exact answer. Remember, YOU are about 80% of the drag, so if you are in a better position, you will have a lower Cd and will go faster. The frame itself won't make that much of a difference (WAG of a few watts over your already aero bike/position).

Your biggest increase in speed will likely come from increased training from new bike wood! ;-)
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
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Thomas Gerlach

Apr 7, 12 21:07

Post #3 of 8 (794 views)

Re: Watts Better? [rocketfast] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Well it certainly is not 50 watts - you would be lucky to see 1/10th of that.

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RobtheRobbo

Apr 7, 12 22:29

Post #4 of 8 (732 views)

Re: Watts Better? [rocketfast] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

FAKT: The sexier the bike, the more and harder you will want to ride it......so yes then, you MUST get the sexiest looking superbike you can find if you want to go faster - more quality time spent training on it will mean less time taken riding it in zer race.

kdw

Apr 8, 12 4:33

Post #5 of 8 (632 views)

Re: Watts Better? [RobtheRobbo] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

"FAKT: The sexier the bike, the more and harder you will want to ride it"

Not necessarily...at least judging by the speed (or should I say lack thereof) some of those bikes get ridden. Plus, a lot of people's sexy bikes seem to be allergic to any hint of adverse conditions. I think the effect you are speaking of lasts for about 1 month after purchase.

jackmott

Apr 8, 12 4:58

Post #6 of 8 (602 views)

Re: Watts Better? [rocketfast] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

the p4/shiv/speed concept etc would be about 1 second per kilometer quicker on an idealized flat course.

a bit less on most courses in 'the real world'

Don't know about the BMC. The P5 should be a bit quicker still than the p4.

rocketfast wrote:

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(This post was edited by jackmott on Apr 8, 12 4:58)

RobtheRobbo

Apr 8, 12 5:15

Post #7 of 8 (581 views)

Re: Watts Better? [kdw] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

kdw wrote:

Not necessarily...at least judging by the speed (or should I say lack thereof) some of those bikes get ridden. Plus, a lot of people's sexy bikes seem to be allergic to any hint of adverse conditions. I think the effect you are speaking of lasts for about 1 month after purchase.

Nope. It's just that the bike really wasn't that sexy enough after all. Anyone can be on their best behavior for a month, then it's time to get another ride. Gotta keep those Chinese factories busy my man, otherwise they'll have another revolution on their tank tracks.

tri_scott90

Apr 8, 12 7:14

Post #8 of 8 (508 views)

Re: Watts Better? [RobtheRobbo] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I honestly think the difference for your situation would be negligible. The P2 is a very aero bike capable of going fast and winning races (Kahsar won collegiates and age groups on his with top bike splits). You'd be better off investing your money on coaching or maybe a road bike if you don't have one. That being said, buying bikes is a blast if you have money to spend and if having a shiny new bike gets you out the door to train more, it's a good thing.