Porsches and road bikes...it ain't the equipment that counts.

[cantdrv55]

I just joined the local bike club. These guys are hardcore road bikers as many of them do century rides (100 miles) several times a year. I'm probably the youngest in the group and I'm 41. I was so concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep pace with my fast Trek hybrid bike that I went and bought an expensive a$$ Marin road bicycle.

Today was my first ride with them and they had a 45 mile route planned out. I couldn't even make it halfway before turning around. It wasn't the equipment. As with Porsches, it's the person behind the wheel that can make the difference.

I just spent big bucks for parts for my car to make me go faster and take corners tighter. None of that stuff will help until I become a better driver. Next weekend there's an autox. You can bet I'll be there to hone my skills and may even ask for an instructor.

Anyone else in the same boat I'm in or is it only the equipment holding back your progress?

[Fishcop]

I am also generally the "weakest link" in my drive train

At 35, I have been asked to play in the "Masters" Australian Rules competition... frkin Masters!

[k9handler]

To answer your question, the type and quality bike is important to a certain level. A bike with Shimano 105 and a good rider can do as well as a rider on a Dura Ace equip bike.

Set up a good training schedule and you will be able to do sub 5 hour centurys in no time.

[lateapex911]

It all depends on your reference. I am a pretty fair swimmer, and for giggles I do the occsaional triathlon, but don't train for them. One year i did a Bud light (olympic distance) triathlon ...came out of the water in the single digits, jumped on my old state of the art in the 70's ten speed, and was around 100th of the 500 entrants after the 25 miles of biking.

The next year, I entered again, was again one of the first out of the water, but shaved 5 minutes off my bike time...and again, I didn't train on the bike. The difference? I borrowed a friends state of the art tri-bike. Both bikes were tuned well, and the course was the same, the weather and the rider were the same.

So the equipment made a big difference.

But........it was cheating, kinda! Buying my way up from 100th to 70th! Well, I didn't pay for it.....but if I DID pay, what a waste! 70th? 100th??Who cares! Either way, it's obvious that it's the rider thats the problem!

Same thing with cars. I think its almost distasteful to see a guy with no talent who just spends money on bigger motors etc, rather than more track time and instruction. Guys like Bill Auberlin, and such, are held back by their equipment...most of the rest of us leave a bit (or more) on the table.

Getting the last half second out of my race car is very difficult.

[k9handler]

ha ha Jack that is me you describe. "I think its almost distasteful to see a guy with no talent who just spends money on bigger motors etc, rather than more track time and instruction".

I am working on it though. =o)

[911nut]

I'm a decent time trialist (my bike times are usually in the top 5% in duathlons; too bad I run like a sloth) but there's some guys that have a genetic advantage for cycling (big heart and lungs) and they gravitate to the sport. Don't compare yourself to them, just work on your game.
If you are riding with guys who are all on road bikes, you will be at a disadvantage with the wider tires that are on a hybrid (higher rolling resistance). Also, a nice, light bike like a Marin will help you on a hilly course.
If you have the spare cash, buy a set of deep aero section wheels (like Hed Alps or Mavic Cosmic Carbones). The reduction in drag will let you ride faster with less energy output. That will enable you to hang with the group longer.
Car racing is similar at the highest levels, I imagine.

[einreb]

Having and actual road or touring bike for those sorts of rides is just fine. Putting it in car terms...

Hybrid = minivan
Road bike = sport coupe

What gets silly is the idea of having a reeaaalllyyy expensive road bike and expecting it to make the difference. That being said, I prefer to buy expensive art that I can ride rather than hang on the wall.

Don't give up on the group road rides. Ask for advise from the group, but a couple of thoughts to keep in mind... eat/drink enough before/during/after the ride. Get comfortable in a crowd of riders and take advantage of drafting. Keep riding! soon 45 miles will just be a warmup.

[SLO-BOB]

I sure have been there in all respects. Truly skilled and trained individuals will dominate regardless of equipment. You could put a seasoned bike racer on a Huffy and he'll still drop the average rider, much like you could put Hans Stuck behind the wheel of a Taurus and he would beat even an excellent driver on a race course.

I can speak on bicycling and say that there is no substitute for diligent training and miles accumulated. It's slow progress at our age, however. Hang in there and have fun. Drink Cytomax!

[randywebb]

"I think its almost distasteful to see a guy with no talent who just spends money on bigger motors etc, rather than more track time and instruction."

- I have no talent, but enjoy having a bigger motor - it's fun on my street car. It's all about whether your goal is to have fun or to win a race...

[ubiquity0]

I had been plannning various suspension upgrades until I tried my first AX (actually an AX school). Now I have put all further work on hold as the biggest 'problem' by far with my stock 911 is me

cantdrive- are you going to the AX on saturday or sunday?

[lateapex911]

H.D.I doubt you fall into the description!

Good points raised here ......By all means get a decent bike, but don't get crazy...the laws of diminishing returns are present after all.

It IS harder to develop physically the older you get....but that said, it's not impossible, and if you look at the fast guys, yu'll see a varied group age wise.

So, keep at it...in any endeavor, miles count...the fast/better/more talented guys have all done a ton of miles. So just get out thre and ride...alone, in groups, with a friend, whatever.

But spend 90% of your time and energy on you, and 10% on your equipment at this point.

[JP911]

I am definitely the weakest link in my drive train. I would like to learn before dropping my new engine in. Both my suspension and brakes are completely refreshed and my car handles awesome, but I don't push it very hard because I don't know its limits.

Cantdrv55-
What are the details of the autocross next weekend?

[randywebb]

"harder to develop physically the older you get"

- the scariest, most powerful guy I know is nearly 60 - a Chinese martial arts master.
- 2nd place would go to his buddy also a master, in his early 50's and about 4'11" tall, must weight at least 120 lbs.

I dunno about the first guy when he was young, but the 2nd guy says he is much stronger now than he's ever been.

So....

[KobaltBlau]

if your rides aren't too hilly (and I live in Colorado) you can keep up with most of those guys with 1 gear and no freewheel (fixed gear) with some training:

[anthony]

Cantdrv55, what club did you join?

My philosophy is that high performance equipment is more enjoyable to ride/drive. At least with bikes, I've found that the good stuff is more durable and lasts longer. My Litespeed Titanium frame is about 10 years old now and my Campy Record Carbon 10sp gruppo is 5 years old and the bike still rides and looks as good as new.

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by ubiquity0
cantdrive- are you going to the AX on saturday or sunday?

Yes, I'll be there on Saturday. It'll be good to meet you if you can make it on that day.

[dd74]

CantDrv55 - I used to train 400 miles a week, and even that wasn't enough for a serious race where points were awarded. Club rides were a little different, but I always found myself breaking away or chasing down someone, and from there, a race would inevitably begin on its own. I haven't given up the bike or fast cycling, but like Lance says, "...it's not the bike that counts."

Same with the 911. After a while, I asked myself how fast, how much time and how much money do I want to invest in this, particularly when considering my car is 31 years old and my time is limited. If you allow it to happen, you can find yourself in a black hole of expense and potential frustration.

Aside from some occasional inquiries into interesting modifications, and the occasional (thankfully) repair, and usual maintenance, I've stopped modifying my car. I've found it to be fast enough and handle well enough to surpass my skill and gut level. I truly don't need anymore unless I can fully dedicate myself to the track - and even then, who knows if I'd still need more.

Bicycles are the same. You can work yourself to a level of exhaustion, trying to slice five seconds off a hill climb, or just ride to stay somewhat in shape. After a while, the seconds on the hill climb aren't as important as just going out and having fun.

Just keep riding and driving. IMHO, the fact that you are doing either one becomes the ultimate payoff.

[rickdm]

Having spent a fair amount of time road racing bikes, and now learning to drive cars on a track, I think equipment does make a difference up to a point. A decent road bike with proper geometry, light wheels and tires, and set up to fit you comfortably will make a difference in your ability to stay with the group. However spending a ton of money to reduce the weight of your bike by an extra pound or two will not make that much difference compared to putting in the training miles.

On my 911 my feeling is that money spent on suspension, brakes and setup will give me a car that will increase my confidence on the track and steepen my learning curve. I do not believe that money spent on more power will do anything for me until I become a much more skilled driver. I have spent a lot more money on the two Skip Barber racing schools that I have attended than I have put into my car. My goal is to have people say 'he is a fast driver, how does he make that car go so fast?' rather than saying 'he has a fast car, too bad he cannot make full use of it'.

Regards,
rickdm

[jtkkz]

cantdrv55

If you ever in the mood of riding some hills, come ride with me.
I can take you on a short hilly ride, good training in the event you hit the hilly roads.

[kilodawg]

I'ts interesting to see how many of us are cyclists as well. Just a couple of random points. That most everyone already knows.

I'll be 50 this year and if you train with discipline and consistency you can still improve even at my age.

It takes at least a few years of steady training (10-15hours a week) before your body really adapts to the idea and you can start to understand what you are really capable of.

Train with people faster than you.

Don't make every ride a hard ride.

When purchasing equipment always go for reliability over light weight.

No matter what non-cyclists may think, a decent road bike costs at least $2000. At thats on the low end of decent.

Drink plenty of water.

Get plenty of calories while on longer rides

Get plenty of rest.

Fixed gears rule!!!!!!