New bike "placebo" effect

Jonesinamilion

Does such a thing exist?

I've gone from a med / low end bike (specislized hardrock sport disk 2013) to my beloved btwin rafal 740 which to me, seems a million miles apart... Looking at some of the hardwear displayed on here I appreciate that it's hardly high end but it's chalk & cheese to me.

Anyway, I've barely ridden since last summer so general fitness has declined. Today I did a 20 mile route that I do quite regularly and I'm sure I was 3-4 mph faster on the levels / slight declines and maybe 1-2mph average quicker over the entire route.

I do use a speedo but...

Could readings be out mounting the speedo from one bike to another (both 26" wheels).
Was I trying a bit harder on my shiny new ride without knowing it?
Could over 2kg weight saving and all round better components make such a difference?
Is it all in my head?

rockmonkeysc

A 2kg weight saving will make a big difference, especially any weight off the wheels.

The Rookie

A 2kg weight saving is obviously going to make you faster uphill, it also makes the bike more responsive and so faster on anything but smooth constant speed use. A big saving on wheels and tyres means reduced rotational inertia as well as translational inertia to the bike will accelerate, brake and turn better.

Chunkers1980

Actual wheel circumference may be smaller too which may account for some of the difference if you didn't change your speedo.

The Rookie

I don't wear speedo's when I'm riding......the look is all wrong for me.

Thewaylander

The Rookie wrote:

I don't wear speedo's when I'm riding......the look is all wrong for me.

I don't believe you, I reckon you go with a rubber duck ring aswell!