Range of speed increase on step up

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2013-05-06 4:11 PM

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Subject: Range of speed increase on step up

Say a cyclist averages 21 mph on 40k TT on the entry level carbon TT bike for a manufacturer (say Cervelo or Felt).  Assuming same fit, conditioning, components, course, etc. I was curious as to what is the likely range of speed increase that cyclist would achieve on the next higher model for that bike on the same 40k TT course and same conditions...for example, going from Cervelo P2 to P3 (or Felt B16 to a B12).

 

I know that's a lot of hypotheticals, but just trying to understand how big an impact the step up in brake frames itself is (from entry level to next level up) IF all other factors are held constant (same fit, same components, same rider (so same conditioning), etc.

 

I assume the performance difference will vary amongst manufacturers when comparing their entry level bike and next level up. 

Thanks for any input.

2013-05-06 4:30 PM
in reply to: #4730069

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Subject: RE: Range of speed increase on step up
I"d say pretty Minimal..   If you are asking to justify getting a new bike, just go buy it.
2013-05-06 4:38 PM
in reply to: #4730069


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Subject: RE: Range of speed increase on step up
Zero measurable difference with the same position. For real.
2013-05-06 5:19 PM
in reply to: #4730069

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Subject: RE: Range of speed increase on step up
LazyRiver - 2013-05-06 11:11 AM

I was curious as to what is the likely range of speed increase that cyclist would achieve on the next higher model for that bike on the same 40k TT course and same conditions...for example, going from Cervelo P2 to P3 (or Felt B16 to a B12).

AFAIK, the B12 and B16 are the exact same frame.  They just come with a different line of components, and maybe some slightly deeper "training wheels."  So maybe you'd go a handful of seconds faster due to the deeper wheels, but if you were already going to use the same race wheels on both the B12 and the B16, then the time savings should be very close to zero.

The older P2 and P3 designs are slightly different.  I can't remember, but maybe about 10-15 seconds faster over 40k.  There is a new P3 design out this year with the beefed up head tube.  I don't recall seeing how much faster they claim it to be over the older P3 or the P2...but I think the price jumped too.

You may start to see more of a difference between something like a P2 and a P5.  The P5 frame is much more advanced as far as the frame, cable routing, and integrated front end.  But even then, you're looking at about 45-60 seconds over 40k.  And of course the price difference between the P2 and the P5 is about triple.

2013-05-06 5:29 PM
in reply to: #4730069

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Subject: RE: Range of speed increase on step up
As Jason said, it is important to know whether you are upgrading the frame or just components - if the frame stays the same, unless you are getting race wheels (not tweeners) with the upgrade, you're looking at zero increase.

The difference between the P2 and old P3 was, IIRC, around 1s/km and with the new P3, probably another .5s/km on top of that.

Shane
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