larkim
Peloton Rider
Posts: 82
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Post by larkim on Aug 14, 2018 12:05:35 GMT
So I've only done around 1400 miles on the red Triban 3 I've had for a few years, and it is mostly stock.
SPD pedals / shoes, red Zaffiro tyres ;-) , Charge Spoon seat. But beyond that, I think everything else is stock.
In a theoretical world with say Β£100 to spend (it is only a Β£300 bike after all), if I simply wanted to be faster uphill (beyond just getting fitter myself), what would be the best bang for my buck? I was routinely dropped by my B-I-L at the weekend, and whilst he does ride about 2500 miles a year and is therefore a "better" rider, I'm reasonably fit aerobically but just don't have the power to hang with him on even the most gentle length of climb.
I appreciate there's only so much to be gained, but just curious as to where the best gains were expected - I'm guessing wheelset, but is such a small budget of Β£100 going to get a noticeable improvement in climbing efficiency?
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Post by Scott M on Aug 14, 2018 18:19:21 GMT
Are you a similar weight to your brother in law? Biggest factor with uphill, rather than flat, riding is you're fighting gravity, so lighter riders (specifically those with better power to weight ratio) find it easier.
If you are similar weights then I'd say his bike fitness, in terms of regular miles is probably the difference.
Even if you spend a few k on a carbon bike, light wheels etc. you're only going to save, what 3-4kgs? It's not going to make any noticeable difference if his body is trained to do, say, 100 miles week in week out and you're only riding sporadically.
So, sorry, I haven't answered your question, but I don't think you asked the right question!
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Post by Rocket on Aug 14, 2018 21:38:47 GMT
Save your money and train on hills - a lot. It worked for me
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larkim
Peloton Rider
Posts: 82
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Post by larkim on Aug 15, 2018 13:16:36 GMT
LOL, I'm about a foot shorter than him, and probably of a similar BMI or so.
I know the best way to go faster is to be fitter - just interested in scratching an upgrade itch! If effectively you're saying that no upgrade to the bike will make any meaningful difference then that is music to my bank account's ears.
One day I'll get myself a ride on a 7kg bike to see what difference lightweight makes to a recreational rider for whom saving 100s off a 2 hour ride makes no difference!
Bottom line I suppose is the T3's wheels are OK enough to not be holding someone back.
Anyone know what the wheelset is supposed to weigh on a T3? Just for comparison in case a cheap 2nd hand set of "better" wheels comes up in my area?
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Post by Scott M on Aug 15, 2018 18:10:42 GMT
I don't know the weights, but for the sort of budget you're talking about, check the 'New VFM wheels for T3' thread in the 'Wheels and Tyres' section.
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Post by erictherat on Aug 15, 2018 20:58:42 GMT
Save your money and train on hills - a lot. It worked for me its the hard answer but true. and the most cost efficient place to save weight is on the rider.
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Post by Paulinblack on Aug 16, 2018 6:51:23 GMT
My experience was:
- Bought T5 and could go quicker up hills than on a mtb - Lost weight (found hills easier) - Bought stiffer wheels (felt like better power transfer) - Lost more weight (started to enjoy hills) - Bought a Mach (Felt easier up hills so I found harder hills) - Changed cassette to an 11-32t (Able to do seriously steep hills as well as other hills as well as many people lighter than me) - Bought Dolan RDX (heavier aluminium commuter) with 11-32t (For winter hills. Slower up them than with best bike) - Lost more weight - Bought an Ultra and put 11-32t on straight away (Easier to do hills than on the Mach) - Still losing weight
So, what have I learned from that? What are the most important things for climbing hills
1. Lose weight 2. Gearing 3. Wheels 4. Lighter bike
At each stage add 'Do more hills'
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Post by chas on Aug 16, 2018 8:29:37 GMT
"Don't buy upgrades ride up grades"
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Post by KiwiBeard on Aug 16, 2018 22:59:22 GMT
"Hills are your friends"
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Post by chas on Aug 17, 2018 8:36:10 GMT
Just to add another option if you see one cheap, the chainset is another budget item on the T3 which does it's job but can be improved on. Replacing it with a Hollowtech2 will save weight and improve stiffness/power transfer when you're pushing hard out of the saddle (with all the extra power from hill training )
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