I just got back from a ride where I topped 33 mph (tail wind assisted). Now I am new to this whole thing, but it was scary! Cadance up about 110 and started feeling pretty unstable. Am I just a big wuss, or is this a sign of poor bike setup. BTW I feel good and comfortable in the position I just changed to (thanks smartasscoach).
It may be the setup or simply your lack of time in the saddle. Also, 110 rpms is pretty spun out so you may feel more secure if you shifted up a gear or two. It’s hard to tell just from the post. You say you are new to this so maybe you just need to become more comfortable the bike. 33mph is fast from an effort exerted basis, but not that fast on an absolute basis (IOW, I would think that 55 mph on a descent is fast on an absolute basis). In any event, if you hit 33 mph on the flats that’s nice!!!
Or it could be that your feet aren’t pedaling circles. Were you bouncing a lot? A symptom that you’re pusing down mainly, and not going full circle (you’re still pushing down when the pedal gets to BDC, so you start lifting your body up). Shows up most at high cadences.
Bike and wheels has alot to do with it too. On my old road bike, it would wobble at 40+, but it had low end wheels, hubs, fork, etc. On my tri bike, I feel much more stable and “secure” going 50+. I can feel a huge difference, just from the upgraded parts
-bcreager
I set a new personal speed record this weekend. I got up to 50.5mph on a steep decent in Austin (2222 for those of you in the know). I had no wobbles out of my bike (2004 Cervelo Dual). I have had stints of 30+ on flats with a tailwind and after doing 50+, going 30 doesn’t seem that fast anymore.
Hey bigSky
we have a TT here in Bend and it half up hill and half down. on the way down i will hit 43mph in the TT bars!
now thats fun!! and if your not holding a 36mph avg on the way down your not going to get a good time.
and for all of you that don’t use your disk for hilly races i use my Renn and coming back down is a blast!!! and i do very well.
Dan…
practice some super spins whatever you want to call them. 1 min at a time of 110-140 rpm, whatever is challenging. easy gear so you’re not going fast or working hard just working on high cadence. concentrate on keeping your upper body fairly still. Also as you go faster, make sure you stay relaxed. A lot of people tighten up their shoulders and over-grip the bars as they get out of their comfort range and that makes every bump feel bigger and makes you over-correct.
I once rode from Colorado Springs @ 6500 ft to Woodland Park, Co @ 10200 ft and back and hit 62 mph just before I got a front flat. Talk about beau coup pucker factor! My ass sucked the leather off the front of my seat. Made it to the shoulder safely. Peed, changed the tube, and went after it again. Some people have a need for stimulation.
OK, I recognize the ‘You need more time in the saddle’ comments, and will disregard the wuss observations. I think that I did tense up as my speed increased (I was also not on the smoothest of roads).
I am a spinner and my back does not bounce at all when I ride. I would have shifted gears, but I am on a converted road bike and did not want to let go of the aero bars to reach for the shifter.
If I continue to go this fast I can justify a Tri bike next year!
I just got back from a ride where I topped 33 mph (tail wind assisted). Now I am new to this whole thing, but it was scary! Cadance up about 110 and started feeling pretty unstable. Am I just a big wuss, or is this a sign of poor bike setup. BTW I feel good and comfortable in the position I just changed to (thanks smartasscoach).
Drop me an email when you receive my invoice… 
Dan,
Yeah, and at least the photographer had the decency to be located on the fairly downhill sections when we were on our aerobars…
Can’t wait to see what tortures they find for us at Hood River.
Jay
I think it’s your stroke. It takes a really, really crappy wheelset and/or frame design to become unstable at 33mph. Competetive group rides routinely hit 35-40mph on the flats and can sustain it for a while if everyone works hard. I actually feel more stable at 30mph than at 18.
I guess I don’t know crappy from descent. I’m on a Trek 2100 with Bontrager Select 20 spoke front and rear. Bike is set up with 79 deg of virtual tube angle and has profle design carbon stryke clip ons.
Mabye it is my stroke… woudl love ot get some power cranks, but they cost almost as much as my bike did!
a set of rollers is only $150. lear how to ride them and your stroke will be smooth as butter.
That bike is stable enough and the wheelset is very balanced (unless you still have the 3-lb reflector in there). also, put your computer magnet opposite the valve.
Since your bike is new, I’d guess your wheels are a little out of true. Wait a bit more and get everything re-trued, it should help. My old Mavic 33s were a little wobbly over 40, but my Cane Creeks are nice and stable at speed. As far as spinning smoothly, try pedalling with only one leg clipped in. That should help you spin circles and find flat spots in your stroke.
33 on flat is pretty good. Get ready for 45+ on the downhill from Old Stage, though. Also, stop training so much, you’re going to embarrass me, altitude or no altitude.
No worries about beating you on your own turf. Even f I come out of the water first and hold my own on the bike (doubtful) you will reel me in on te run in a hury running 7:30 splits!
get back to work!
Big Wuss,
33mph is fast, but how about stuff like 50+ to get the blood flowing a little.