Need some guidance from pros/old timer here. Bought myself a decathlon road bike triban rc520. Decent hardware 105 groupset.

Has been clocking about 300 km so far at GCE. When climbing i see other riders can ride way faster and make me a little butthurt. But thinking maybe they have been riding longer than i am.

But when descending without pedaling they also go way faster. I had to pedal just to keep up. Is there something i miss?

must upgrade wheelset.

Just keep riding more. But that's not what u want to hear right?

You need to buy a new bike with 55mm wheels

ur butt hurting. maybe change saddle and get a rapha/assos bib

This post has been edited by miaopurr: Mar 13 2020, 11:22 AM

what is your comfort level riding the bike.
you may try do bike fitting

I'll get an e-bike instead.

Will riding more make me faster on downhill without PEDALING?

Maybe Many variables... tyres, wheelsets, bike more aero, rider heavier, rider body more aero, higher wheel pressure...

This post has been edited by aquilaTE: Mar 13 2020, 02:33 PM

Ok srs. What tyre? Ur body weight? Tyre pressure?

uphill momentum to downhill is also a possibility or drag or even weight(heavier)

Tyres is stock. I think 28mm. I weigh about 70kg.
I don’t know the pressure as i dont have pump with a gauge. So i pump based on feel only (pinching tyre by hand)

My bike saddle is about the same level as the handle. My friends bike bike geometry is the saddle is taller than handle. Does this play a role? Aero bike will take less effort to ride?

Why not, in cycling the biggest resistance is wind resistance. Newbies may not have the necessary core & back strength to ride low to be more aerodynamic. Seasoned riders can lock in an aggressive position for long periods on flat and on descends.

My guess for you is weight and probably pressure.

but dont go slamming your stem and handlebars. this is an endurance sport, getting comfortable for long hours is key. you need good core/back strength to ride a more aggressive position and its not for everyone

This post has been edited by geno: Mar 13 2020, 02:36 PM

if your weight like cat confirm fast

2nd biggest resistance is rolling resistance and this is your choice of tires and tire pressure. Get a proper floor pump with a pressure gauge. Not sure whats the recommended pressure for 28mm but i guess around 85psi should be sweet. for smoother roads you may go up to 90+ psi. Tire choice like continental gp 5000 are 1 of the good ones

70kg gooding for downhill haha
28mm is wide. later change to a good narrower tyre.
get a good pump with gauge

i think cat overlooked that

If fat like cat confirm fast

overlooked what?