[kil0ran]

I recently swapped my Defy Advanced (carbon) for an aluminium Domane (because winter). The bike fit is almost identical on the Domane, and I’m rather foolishly still running summer wheels/rubber (Fulcrum DB4s with exposed bearings, GP4000s tyres) – same combo as I had on the Defy. There’s not a huge amount in it weight-wise and yet the Domane just feels so damn slow compared to the Defy. This is borne out by Strava times on my regular routes.

So what it is that makes a bike dull, slow, and lifeless? Or is it all in the mind and body of the fool pedalling it? Granted I’ve been off the bike for most of the month due to a virus but I wouldn’t expect to be over 2mph average slower on routes I’ve ridden for years. It just feels like the Domane needs more coals piling on constantly and doesn’t respond to increased effort in the way the Defy did.

Topic

[Steve K]

Me. I make a bike slow.
Me. I make a bike slow.

[David9694]

Your bathroom scale is also a

Your bathroom scale is also a pretty good indicator of likely performance, of course.

[kil0ran]

I recognise this about steel.

I recognise this about steel. I had a Fairlight Faran, specifically as a tourer/commuter, for a number of years, and that was like your Spa Audax, wafted along steadily but there was no point in stamping on it. My “fast” bike at the time was a Bowman Layhams (stainless steel) and that fair clipped along, really stiff with sharp handling. But the Defy was in a different league to these two, despite being heavier than the Layhams (rim brakes, lightweight wheels).

I think in the spring I’ll go back to a Defy or Revolt, one of the newer models which has proper mudguard mounts and clearance for 32s (in the case of the Defy)

[Miller]

Because Winter also means
Because Winter also means more clothes with more aero drag, cold muscles, cold dense air, heavier bike and less fitness. It does make a difference!

[David9694]

Curious to hear a CF/alu

Curious to hear a CF/alu owner saying this: 531 has its moods, mostly positive but there are times when it just doesn’t want to go.  My Spa Audax Ti only wants to do steady, Audax style riding. I’m faster on 25s (23s in younger days)  than I am on my winter 28s.

[Author]

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