New answers tagged technique
1
In contrast to the accepted answer:
of course, stand up
pedal calmly, do not pull the handlebars in (because that causes inscreased knee stress)
sway. Move your body up and foreward, then step and stand on the pedal; repeat
The point is to never have to "pull on the bars and push hard". That's tiring and unhealthy.
1
One answer specific to UCI events such as the hour record is that different allowable biological parameters between genders put women to be at a disadvantage. Specifically, women must have a hematocrit less than or equal to 47 (actually 48 since there is a 1% allowable margin), while men must be less than or equal to 50 (+1% margin). Since both men and women ...
14
Yes, Males have a significant advantage over females, on average, for the kinds of activities society turns into sports. Males are typically larger, taller, have greater lung capacity, larger hearts, and larger oxygen carrying capacity. Male and female bodies have different ratios of muscle and fat even for two average adults of the same weight, with males ...
1
You pointed it out yourself: “Men are born with a biological physical advantage.” It’s mostly due to a naturally higher level of testosterone.
If you compare men and women in various sport world records you’ll find roughly a 10–20% advantage for men. Usually a bit less in endurance sports and older age groups.
Of course individuals differ (it’s a bit like a ...
5
For a given level of fitness, wattage is proportionate to weight: that is, a 50-kg rider who can generate 4 W/kg could be considered to be at the same level of fitness as a 75-kg rider who can also generate 4 W/kg.
When riding on level terrain, though, your power/weight ratio doesn't determine your speed, it's your raw power output. So the 75-kg rider (...
1
Time's moved on a lot since this question was originally asked. Now, e-bikes are more affordable (okay still expensive, but better)
A modern ebike with a low assist level can be used to start with, perhaps ramping up the assist level as the ride progresses.
Fast rider can use this as motivation, or perhaps even draught behind the ebike (purely for practice ...
3
There are some good answers here, but I don't see my favourite, which is for the stronger rider to set a demonic pace at the front, lashing the other with a constant stream of imprecations and exhortations, turning round with a furious demeanour to bellow "Stay on my wheel!" whenever the partner seems in danger of detaching, or even dropping back ...
0
First and foremost, the weaker rider sets the pace. If practical (median speed not exceeding 25km/h), they ride in front.
Secondly, the stronger rider carries most or all of the luggage.
All the other answers about talking, advising on shifting, getting the nicer bike, signalling turns, are spot on.
Top 50 recent answers are included
