Lightweight, aero or just better

700c wrote:

ChrisB200SX wrote:

I’d say your not fast enough to be worried about buying a faster bike. 

Disagree, by that logic presumably only pros should ride £2k+ bikes

 

If ‘best’ is fastest on the flat then sure, go aero. But you may find light and stiff the best combination for riding enjoyment by which I mean smashing it uphill, stomping on the pedals, dropping your mates and generally riding spiritedly..

Much like the poster above i prefer riding my tcr adv sl with a lighter wheelset, if conditions allow, over my ti bike even with the deep rims. But of course I’m probably not fast enough to warrant owning either bike anyway!

You’re logic, not mine. He’s already got a £2k+ bike that is good enough 😉

Buying a new bike is unlikely to make much difference to the OP’s speed. At 17mph average, I’m faster on my Brompton.

Another bike is always nice though, and if that allows are far superior aero position, that will make the difference, not the bike itself.

I see no reason why you couldn’t go far quicker on that Jamis though.

Aero position will make the

Aero position will make the biggest savings, however, your question was about weight vs aero. The answer is, unless your riding consists almost entirely of steep hill climbs, if you want better times, a slightly heavier (up to 3kg heavier) more aero bike (that is one that enables you to get into a more aero position, and is more aero itself), will win in the time and effort stakes everytime. Having said that, the fastest bike will inevitably be the one that enables you to get into the most comfortable, most aero position. Looking at your Jamis, it seems likely that an aero set of wheels and a good bike set up to find you a comfy aero position will give you the best bang for your buck. In order of importance: 

• comfortable aero position for rider
• aero wheels
• Aero accessories for bike (Frame is < 3 % of drag of bike)
• aero frame
• Light frame

If you are interested in TT, then aero benefits are actually more important the slower you go (down to about 12 mph) as you are spending longer out there. A claimed 30 sec saving in a 25 mile TT is basically regardless of your speed, as at 20 mph the actual drag saving may be lower, but it is applied for a longer time (25% longer) and this tends to roughly even out to be the same thing.

I’d say your not fast enough

I’d say your not fast enough to be worried about buying a faster bike. Bike looks fine to me. Maybe just get more aero clothing and wheels? More aero is always better, unless you are in the Alps.

Aero is ‘considered’ more

Aero is ‘considered’ more important that weight.. however it’s relative. A new bike will not replace better fitness. Also the ‘frame’ it’self isn’t where you’ll cheat the most wind, (beyond yourbody clothes and helmet) wheels are probably the biggest aero advantage you can gain as far as spending money is concerned.

However in answer to your query, it depends on where you are and what kind of rider you are..  the short answer is for lumpy rides = light weight. For flat rides = outright aero.  

Although you can pootle about on any bike and enjoy riding, my local club training runs are flat-out for an 60-90mins.. I feel far better on my lightweight TCR and rim brakes over my more comfortable Mason with discs. There’s about 2kg difference and it’s very noticeable. The Mason is however a fabulous machine for social rides or mile munching. Horses for courses, same as the lightweight vs aero descicion you’re making, you sort of can’t have it all for £2k. Althought £2k is a lot of cash, it’s not in bike terms.  For your money I’d personally get a really good frameset (£2k gets you a great frameset – especially if you look at last years frames) and pay your local LBS £75 to swap the bits over from your Jamis. … in fact this… .. https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/SuperSix-Evo-Hi-MOD-Disc-Frameset/F65J&nbsp; ….you’re very welcome.