How fast to deserve a carbon bike?

v.e.e

I have just started cycling more seriously and have fallen in love with a gorgeous carbon road bike. Now here is my problem, as a beginner (have been cycling seriously for about two months) I am not going particularly fast, average speed for 40 miles 15.5mph. Well I really want that carbon bike so have decided to set myself a target average speed to achieve to deserve said carbon beauty. After all I wil look pretty stupid cycling along like a snail on a speed machine.

So this is my question; what should I set as a target average speed to deserve the carbon bike? Now here is the catch, well two actually,........I am not a man................I am not young. To be exact I am a 53 years old, 5' tall and with dodgy knees. On the Veterans Racing site it says that I would be rated against men ten years older than me were I to race. Soooooo what would be a good average speed for an ordinary 60 something man (Olympic veterans excluded)?

WHAT AVERAGE SPEED SHOULD I BE ABLE TO DO TO DESERVE A CARBON BIKE?

P.S. I am looking for suggestions for speeds set cycling alone, I have already discovered how much faster I can go drafting fit large blokes.

PPS Have already bought carbon mini pump to go with the bike..........so don't make it impossible

APIII

15.6mph?
seriously, if you want it, just buy it. No one deserves a carbon bike, no matter how fast they are.

Headhuunter

I would've thought that if you're slow you should definitely get the carbon bike. At 15mph people actually have time to stop, look, notice you and what you are riding so you don't want to be caught on some dodgy, cheap Halfords job!

Seriously though, if you have the money and it makes you feel better about cycling and you're not going to give up and leave the bike to rot in a shed or garage, just go for it now. If you've decided that cycling is your thing then do it with the finest equipment your money will buy. Y

our avg speed will probably go up as soon as you buy it anyway as I assume the bike will be lighter than your current one.

cjms85

I'd say if you can afford a carbon bike without compromising your current finances then that's the first hurdle out of the way.

As for your average speed 15.5 pmh over 40 miles certainly isn't bad, but a lot of it will come down to how much climbing you're doing. I've you're climbing maybe 0-200m over 40 miles that's not a huge amount of vertical ascent, and therefore you may want to improve your average speed, trying knocking it up to 16-18 mph bracket (but take it easy doing it - don't knacker your knees!). But if the 40 miles you're doing is pretty hilly, maybe 200-1000m of vertical ascent, try getting up to 16-17 mph.

At the end of the day by purchasing a carbon bike you might save yourself a few kilos between you're current racer and that, but you've got to remember that the heaviest component of your bike is YOU (no offence - that's the way it has always been)! So whilst you might make a saving of a couple of Kg's on your bike, if you've still not converted your excess fat to muscle or reached your lean weight you might want to work on that first.

If you search google for a lean weight calculator you can work that out for yourself. It'll certainly cost less than a new carbon bike, plus it'll help you go faster as you'll be developing your muscles and getting rid of surplus weight.

I hope that helps, and I know it goes slightly off topic, but maybe the points i've raised are worth considering, but again it all depends on your situation.

Regards,

Chris

CiB

Go and buy it. There are no rules about how quick you have to be, and if you want one, get one. I can't see any reason not to get a carbon bike (or anything else on the planet for that matter) because of what others might think.

There's a phrase that crops up on here from time to time - All the gear, no idea. It succinctly sums up what's wrong with this country, the jealousy and envy shown towards anyone who has the temerity to go out and buy something that they want, something that's better than the run of the mill or just a cut above what Joe Average can afford. It's why you don't go to Sainsburys in your Rolls Royce, why you you don't leave an Aston Martin in a multi storey car park, because some oik might decide that you're showing off, flaunting your disposable income, and leave his mark.

Same with bikes - all the gear, no idea - falling from the slack jaws of someone who believes that you should only buy something commensurate with your ability. You can't have a carbon bike, or a Fender Strat, or a Ferrari, not unless you can somehow prove to old Johny Jealous how capable you are with it. And you'll still get a sneer, because the sneer isn't because of any perceived lack of ability, it's because you've got something that someone else would love but can't have.

Go and buy it. Buy 2, and leave the other in the garage. When you've got it, enjoy it to the full.

</grumble mode>

Buy it, and enjoy it.

ShaunL

I'd go with what Chris says. I am on an alloy bike at the moment and I know I have still got another 3-4 kilos to go before i even think of getting a carbon machine.

If you are already at the lean a mean cycling machine stature then go for it if your finances will stand it.

Having a nice bike alays helps you feel good about your sport.

v.e.e

Thanks Chris, have just checked lean weight calulator out and it says I should weigh just over 7 stone aaaaarrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh! I weigh a bit more than that......just over 8. So looks like I will have to go on radical diet, hell of a lot cheaper than getting fancy bike but hell of a lot harder too.

By the way I have weighed just over 7 stone twice before; a) when I was thirteen b) after two bereavments. Coiuld there be something wrong with the calculator? Here's hoping.

Presumably if I lost a stone I would go like a rocket anyway or would I be to weak to move?

boneyjoe

I recently bought a carbon MTB, and while I love every minute of riding it, I must admit that in pure performance terms its probably only made about a 5% difference on my old alu bike, which is about 20% heavier. Far more important factors seem to be my own personal finess and riding skills, which I need to work on!

The main benefits of the light bike are in stop-start riding, on hills and longer rides (the most noticeable), where I definitely have much more energy and can keep speed up towards the end of the ride. I also feel my potential to keep improving is that much better on the carbon.

In short, riding is MUCH more fun on the lighter bike, so I'd say if you can afford it, then go for it! But be prepared to work in other areas too, so you can live up to the bike's high expectations!

ohlala!

Just buy it man, as long as you've got the money really.

You might end up addicted to your new carbon bike and keep on riding until without realising you're doing 30mph as an average. Ain't that cool?

Chip \'oyler

If you want it get it. Life's too short...

alfablue

I got a carbon bike last year - I am no lightweight, and I am a slow rider. Nevertheless, I loved the bike from the word go. It climbs like a demon and is an all round better ride. I am not interested in my speed, more the joy of riding, and this bike adds to the pleasure a lot. If you want to, then earn it, but there is nothing wrong with getting one now if you can afford it. You'll like riding it more, you'll ride more, you'll improve more quickly!

cjms85

Things like internet calcultors should be used with a pinch of salt, some of them are good and some aren't. If the calculator says you should be around 7 stone and you're currently just over 8 stone, try losing a couple of pounds maybe, but remember muscle is heavier than fat.

Also in terms of losing weight this is probably something you should ask your GP about, as I and probably many other people on here aren't qualified to comment on this. Next time you see your GP tell him/her you're interested in getting down to or around your lean weight, but first you need to know what that is etc. Another thing to take into account is that we have fat reserves for a reason, so getting rid of all your fat isn't always a good idea.

Long and short of it is try a couple of different calculators and see what results you get, and give yourself a target of somewhere between what they suggest and what you are now.

As for the bike, if you think you'll use it and this isn't just a fad then go for it. But if in the mean time you might want get down to your lean weight or closer to it, having a light bike will mean less work per ride and therefore more rides!

Hope that helps a little more,

Chris

Infamous

The slower you are, the more difference a faster bike will make.

markos1963

Bought a carbon bike last year even though I hadn't intended to. It was just sitting there in the shop saying buy me. It was the right fit and because it was an ex demo it was the same price as the aluminium bike I had gone in to look at. I was overweight then, I'm still overweight(although not by so much) much faster as I have the motivation and kit to go out and train. i would say given how well you are doing already there's no need to justify it on this forum, as most have said go and enjoy it.

v.e.e

Now I am really confused. Tempted by the hedonists on here who say just buy and enjoy and very very tempted by 'Infamous' comment 'the slower you are the more difference a fast bike will make'. the bike in question is so beautiful I would even enjoy just admiring it parked in my sitting room..........is that a bit sad? Can feel my resolve to earn the bike weakening already.................

However, the rationalist in me, (not to mention the puritan) makes me realise, thanks to Chris, that I was asking the wrong question. Should it have been:

HOW THIN DO I NEED TO BE FOR THERE TO BE A POINT TO OWNING A CARBON BIKE?

Really don't like that question as answer may put possession of dream bike out of reach for ever; or will it be the incentive I need. Would I get fitter/thinner faster if I tied lead weights to my present bike?

Have now stuck picture of dream bike on fridge and am awaiting its magical slimming effect.

alfablue

How thin you are is irrelevant, there's plenty of point in the carbon bike in terms of riding pleasure and just looking at it pleasure, and as Infamous wisely points out, it will be of more benefit in terms of speed to a slower rider. So look at it this way, keep training and getting thinner and you might get to the point where the bike is a big disappointment when you finally get it. The time is now! Carpe diem v.e.e.!

Bikefotos

15.5 avg over 40 miles is pretty impressive. I think that deserves a reward of a new carbon bike By the way, which bike is it?

You should see the benefit when climbing, have you checked the weight of the new bike over your existing one? You might struggle downhill though, especially with a body weight of 8 stone , that seems light enough to me!! Be careful before going on a diet, you will lose enough weight just through the increased riding on your new steed..

As Alfablue saye the bike will add to the pleasure of riding whether you go faster or not. Enjoy it!

alfablue

By the way v.e.e. you are older than me, of a different gender and have been riding 15 years less than I have, and your average speed is faster than mine! I have never felt I was like a snail on my speed machine - even if I am

v.e.e

My will is getting weaker and weaker, what a great bunch of guys there are on this forum.........

The most beautiful carbon bike on the planet, (that comes in my size, i.e v. small) is the Pedal Force RS2, in the black of course, it just oozes class. I am an interior designer in another life so am easily seduced by beauty..................

markos1963

Don't forget its not just a weight thing with a carbon bike you'll find it much more tuned for its purpose ie climbing,racing or sportives. Bear this in mind when choosing the frame, have a good long chat in the LBS and be honest with yourself and them as to what you want the bike to do for you.

alfablue

so...may the force be with you, v.e.e.

soon!

cjms85

v.e.e. i'm not saying don't get the bike! If I had the chance and the money I would love to get a carbon racer. The only point I was trying to make is that a lot of people think that a lighter bike will make a significant difference in terms of performance or will make them a better rider, which it can.

But there is also the flip side that sometimes it is worth honing your skills with the equipment you have until you are ready to progress. Now from what you've said I think you probably are ready to progress. I was just merely trying to play devil's advocate and point out some other factors that are worth considering.

Having a carbon bike will not necessarily make you a better rider, but it may make you feel more confident and want to ride more, which in turn may make you a better rider.

I'm sory if this is coming across as rather jumbled up. Anyway, I think you've probably made your decsion and you should definately go for it, as long as you have the money!

All the best,

Chris

v.e.e

Have just thought of another good reason for a slow rider to get great bike: more opportunity for admiring glances whilst being overtaken by fast fit guys..........for the bike not me obviously.

Now look what you have all done I started this thread to set a serious achievable goal now I am joining the 'if you want it, get it brigade'.

APIII

v.e.e wrote:

Now look what you have all done I started this thread to set a serious achievable goal now I am joining the 'if you want it, get it brigade'.

Good man, you've seen the light...

dg74

you only live once and can't take money with you...

BUY THE DAMN BIKE!!!!

Stewie Griffin

I wonder if on Supercar Forums folk worry about upgrading to an Enzo because they cant drive like an F1 driver? I seriously doubt it . Im sure they just buy what they desire and sod everyone who cant

Bikefotos

Well v.e.e you will need 2 bikes - the carbon bike for the Summer and your existing one for the Winter. So that justifies it on its own!

Had a quick search for the bike on t'internet but can't find out much about it . Found some really low weight builds for it on their website though - should fly up those hills!

Aggieboy

Get the bike - the more ladies that cycle the better.

There are no pockets in a shroud.

v.e.e

Not many women on the roads are there? Can't understand why, road bikes are such fun.............

There is a review of the RS2 at

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/ ... ro-review/

Tends to pop up on Weight Weenies forum a bit too

datafusion

v.e.e. - I'm 54, not much faster than you, and wayyyyyy heavier - 6'5" and pushing 16 stone. I bought a custom steel racing frame in 1983, wrecked it in 1994, and since then I've been riding nothing but a Cannondale touring bike I built in 1987. I just could never seem to justify spending the money for a new racing bike. Like you, I thought I was too old, too slow, too unworthy.

Finally, I woke up and ordered a custom carbon. What was I waiting for? Hitting 60? 70? Life is short. Summers are short. Speed isn't everything. As long as I can keep up with (or even blow by) other geezers, I'm happy.

Finally, if I buy an expensive bike, I'm more likely to pull myself off my fat ass and ride it.

-Rick

Infamous

datafusion wrote:

v.e.e. - I'm 54, not much faster than you, and wayyyyyy heavier - 6'5" and pushing 16 stone. I bought a custom steel racing frame in 1983, wrecked it in 1994, and since then I've been riding nothing but a Cannondale touring bike I built in 1987. I just could never seem to justify spending the money for a new racing bike. Like you, I thought I was too old, too slow, too unworthy.

Finally, I woke up and ordered a custom carbon. What was I waiting for? Hitting 60? 70? Life is short. Summers are short. Speed isn't everything. As long as I can keep up with (or even blow by) other geezers, I'm happy.

Finally, if I buy an expensive bike, I'm more likely to pull myself off my fat ass and ride it.

-Rick

Freudian slip?