Light and Low Power?

bernithebiker
bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
edited May 2017 in Road general
Seeing as I have always been in this category and most likely always will be, I thought I'd share my thoughts about how best to to make the most of what you've got.

Keeping up with the 'big boys' on the flat has always been a challenge for me, so some little tips that may (or may not!) help;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Pje-XdSNE

Comments

  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    Are you looking for sympathy?
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    SloppySchleckonds wrote:
    Are you looking for sympathy?

    Absolutely! You wouldn't believe the hell us littl'uns go through trying to keep up!!
  • fat daddy
    fat daddy Posts: 2,605
    pah, you should try Fat and no power ..... the only thing we are good for is extended coffee stops with no drop in performance when we get back on the bike :D
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Good stuff Berni, all valid points for folks like us (although I am a Lightweight Apprentice). If you just half-sat on that window ledge instead of standing then you would have been framed in picture perfectly :-)

    Actually, talking of sitting, I have just found that sitting behind the type B bloke for large parts of a ride works better than most tactics. Although I do like to do my bit and jump past on the last 50 yards of a climb. That always seems to leave 'em speechless in recognition of my contribution for the day...
  • ben@31
    ben@31 Posts: 2,327
    In the YouTube video, you need a new microphone.

    Try cycling in the hills. A light guy should have the advantage on a climb, if he is reasonably fit. But heavier guys will have the advantage on the flat TTs.

    Reading about power to weight ratios on hill climbs. (Watts per Kilogram). Theres some mathematical trickery going on where a few Kg makes more difference than few a few Watts.

    http://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/tr ... urs-164589
    "The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby
  • MiddleRinger
    MiddleRinger Posts: 678
    As a certified lightweight hovering around 60kg I've found getting low and aero on the bike my best weapon. Get some good recovery in the draft of the biggest rider in the chain gang, because you'll have to dig a little deeper when you hit the front! On the flatter rides it comes down to your watts/cDa.

    Or take the club ride into the hills instead (then I just get dropped on the descents).
    ~ ~ How fast is fast enough? ~ ~ ~ ~ Tempo Cyclist - Tasmania ~ ~
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    ben@31 wrote:
    In the YouTube video, you need a new microphone.

    Try cycling in the hills. A light guy should have the advantage on a climb, if he is reasonably fit. But heavier guys will have the advantage on the flat TTs.

    Reading about power to weight ratios on hill climbs. (Watts per Kilogram). Theres some mathematical trickery going on where a few Kg makes more difference than few a few Watts.

    http://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/tr ... urs-164589

    Strange, I turned the sound down a touch as it seemed too loud....!

    Not sure what mathematical trickery there is in that article though? Power to weight ratio is simply power divided by weight. Power required to overcome air drag is a cube function.

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