Yesterday I more or less got blown by another rider on a descent. Someone just came past me all of a sudden so I figured I'd try and hold his wheel. As we both coasred freely downhill, the gap increased more and more. None of us was pedaling at the time.
This guy was a good deal lighter than me so it's odd a lighter guy should descend faster. Ironically, had we been going uphill rather than down, I think I'd have more than likely been in front.
To be honest, I try to avoid racing fast downhill for fear of a catastrophic crash that could put me out of training for weeks. I don't lose any sweat over being passed by downhill. But I wondered why this guy seemed to descend so much faster. Maybe my body structure isn't so wind-friendly or aerodynamic?
Cycling Training · Public discussion
Descents
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- Cycling Training
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- 11 July 2005
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- 11 July 2005
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- Carrera
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Maybe his bike was just more aero or he had more aero wheels.
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I don't know it's odd. I paid 500 pounds for the bike I was on at the time and it suits me fine. However, I do know there are folks whose bikes cost 5000 pounds, even though I'm no t sure how much differecne that would make.
What I do know is I fear fast descents in case I come off.Cyclist14 said:
Maybe his bike was just more aero or he had more aero wheels.
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How hard was he peddling before you saw him? Was he drafting you before he passed? And your a pretty big guy, right (for a cyclist)? Did you punch a big hole in the wind for this guy to dart past you at the last second? I bet it was a combination of things.
How fast were you going?
Decending is fun. 😄
L
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I can't help you with this, but one thing I've noticed when I'm out riding with a group of people.....I am always faster than everyone on the descents, and I mean those descents where we coast. On the uphill parts, I'm slower than many.
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I notice that when I'm in the aero position I catch up with other riders much quicker. Quite a few variables affect it.
As stupid as it may sound, but I think I am better on descents than most people.
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Body shape, size and position make more difference than aero wheels or frames. While it would seem that heavier riders should be able to coast downhill faster many small riders are extremely aerodynamic and can make up for the weight difference. Fearlessness also makes a dramatic difference - just watch Savoldelli. I might be able to go that fast but I will never know because I am not willing to try.
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i'm 5'9" and 185ish. i descent MUCH faster than most. i do have a decent bike but it's amazing how much faster i go.
uphill...not so much. 😠
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