Speed difference?

None. Depends on the size of the engine 😉

Yep, you can't really buy speed, gotta make it yourself. I guess you can buy an ultralight bike and make it up the hill a little quicker, or an aero TT bike and roll a little faster on the flats, but in both cases it's probably not worth the money if you're even considering an "entry level" bike vs. something that a pro might ride.

tdl123321 said:

So what is the speed difference between your average entry level road bike and the higher end versions?

Not much, at best.

The main differences would be:
- Weight savings - allow you to use less energy for the same distance, accelerate faster given the same force, and climb using less energy (or climb slightly faster given the same snergy output). For most non-competitive riders (and some competitive ones), this is a not a major issue.

- Efficiency of energy transfer - stiffer parts, stiffer frame, better energy transfer. Not a major issue for most riders.

- Comfort - Carbon probably increases the level of comfort from road vibrations etc., but not that much over a steel or Al bike. More important in this regard is the pressures that you've got in your tyres.

- Positioning and handling - some frames allow for a more aerodynamic position, and some frame designs are tuned for more responsive handling. Again, mostly a non-issue for most riders. These don't have so much to do with cost, but more with frame design. You can design a cheap frame that handles well and puts you in an aero position, and and expensive frame that is slightly more relaxed and less aero. Then, of course, you've got aero tubes and aero wheels - they help, but they're not as important as rider positioning.

- Durability - More expensive parts tend to be more durable. Nto always the case, as some parts are expensive because they're super-duper light at the expense of durability (eg. some race tyres are only designed to last 4-500km).

HTH,

nerdag

Better to spend the money on good shoes and a membership to Jenny Criag (or the like). Seriously the best place to save 5kg is around your stomach.

mikesbytes said:

Better to spend the money on good shoes and a membership to Jenny Criag (or the like). Seriously the best place to save 5kg is around your stomach.

Yeah, I was speaking to one guy the other day, he says "get a nice pair of wheels, they're worth the money, you'll notice the difference" and he's talking about $1500 for a pair:eek:
Then I cleaned the mud and crud from my jockey wheels on the derailleur, cleaned the chain...ensured the tyres were inflated to 110psi...
well I noticed the difference and it didn't cost me $1500😄 😄
Ya can pay big $$ for a great machine but you still have to drive the thing...

Aussie Steve said:

Yeah, I was speaking to one guy the other day, he says "get a nice pair of wheels, they're worth the money, you'll notice the difference" and he's talking about $1500 for a pair:eek:
Then I cleaned the mud and crud from my jockey wheels on the derailleur, cleaned the chain...ensured the tyres were inflated to 110psi...
well I noticed the difference and it didn't cost me $1500😄 😄
Ya can pay big $$ for a great machine but you still have to drive the thing...

These are the answers I was hoping to get! I've got an entry level bike, just start riding this year and I am having a little trouble keeping up with the local bike rides. Sounds like I just need a little more time and training, but that it will be possible. Thanks for the info!

Train harder and you'll be keeping up better. Nothing wrong with an entry level bike that's why they call it entry level. If you stick with it and decide to upgrade in the future, you may want to look at a complete new bike mid level. Other options could be better, more aro wheels on the entry level unit. That way you can take them with you when you upgrade to a new model later. No magic bullet, mate, in terms of technology helping you. I'm a fairly decent racer, but still sometimes get spanked by an old guy with an 8 speed RSX tacked onto a steel frame with a quill stem! It IS all about the motor.