What's the difference??

[tango_kid]

Hello ,
I know that a cheap bike is not going to be as good as a bike worth a couple of thousand pounds, but i can't seem to work out why...
I know that should i try them i would probably find this out for myself but that isn't very likely so, i was wondering why, with road bikes, one worth £300 is THAT much slower than a bike worth £2000-£3000
Cheers
Mike

 

[lukesdad]

Basically its down to quality of the components.

 

[2Loose]

Not so much about slower, more about easier...easier to lug about, easier to climb with, easier to go faster, less need to adjust gears etc. as often...need to replace bits less...

 

[Garz]

Its similar to saying why do people get fancy/fast cars for going A to B? The roads have speed limits also..

The small nissan micra can do the same as the porshe 911 but it lacks the style, power and feel. If people can afford the better bike or feel the need for it, then its worth it!

 

[tango_kid]

So there are small differences??

 

[accountantpete]

The key ingredients are

a) stiffness - so as transmit as much forward motion as possible.

Less stiff frames and wheels absorb part of the energy input via the pedals by flexing.A decent frame will be constructed of more exotic materials and designed in such a way as to avoid this. This is why it pays to look at top-end frames as the designers frequently have a better idea of what they are doing.

Lightness - a lighter bike will be faster than a comparatively heavier bike especially up hills. Again we are back to the use of materials like carbon which combines lightness with strength but is expensive at present.

A £1,500 new bike will be a great deal better than a £300 bike but after that the law of diminishing returns kicks in and you start paying more for only marginal improvements.

 

[tango_kid]

Cheers

 

[Ceedee]

Hello ,
I know that a cheap bike is not going to be as good as a bike worth a couple of thousand pounds, but i can't seem to work out why...
I know that should i try them i would probably find this out for myself but that isn't very likely so, i was wondering why, with road bikes, one worth £300 is THAT much slower than a bike worth £2000-£3000
Cheers
Mike

Hi, I know what you mean. I have ridden a Scott Speedster for about 3 years and have upgraded every component with the same frame. I have been very happy with the ride and speed until i have bought my new Trek Madone 5.2 and I can't believe the difference. The bike is only about 2 pounds lighter than the Scott but the acceleration and comfort is great, I have a also ridden previous rides that I did on the Scott and found my speed increase around 1.5 mph on the same route. One last thing, my wallet is a lot lighter so that saves weight as well.

Cheers, Chris.

 

[Garz]

So there are small differences??

Yes there are small differences, but as in every sport this is where the seconds are shaved and the £££'s are made. You don't see contador riding a steel/aluminium carrera..

ceedee and pete have summed it up well.

 

[tango_kid]

Yep, thanx for all that very insightful

 

[wafflycat]

Have a look here

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=40167