80/20 Experiment

[Jay]

I thought this may be of interest and wanted to hear if others have noticed the same (or care, cause results were = not a big deal).

I have a Garmin, mainly for the Varia radar light when road riding, but I compared some rides on two different bikes and was not really surprised at the results (though how I felt was much different).

I have a 90 minute ride that is 80% paved, 20% gravel, with one big climb (less than 1km but has a 20% grade in there).  

• Two weeks ago I was on the Roadini, 43mm tires w/tubes, low 30's psi,, drop bars.  My avg speed was just over 20k/hr.  It was a little rough on the body.
  
• This morning, Salsa Fargo with 2.2" tires, tubeless, low 20's psi, VO Granola swept back bars.  My avg speed was just over 18k/hr.  It was very comfortable on all surfaces except a stretch of gravel with pot holes/gulley's.

On a different 90 minute route, that is 80% gravel and 20% paved, I compared the rides.  This is more like a non-technical mtb trail, with paved paths and sidewalks connecting the many sections of gravel trails, and a little bit of 'other' unpaved surfaces.  I won't compare speeds but more the experience/feeling.

• On the Roadini it was scary at times (tight, downhill turns, off-camber at times).  Chunky gravel bits with any turns were white knuckle.  It was fun overall, like a good accomplishment to be upright.  The drop bars did not help me one bit, as the 20% paved was more about recovery than pedalling hard.
• On the Fargo I ride the technical bits fast and confident.  Still have to pay attention, but it's fun and easy, lots of flow and really good vibes during and after the ride.  I move the bike under me better on sweeping bends with loose gravel, getting the side knobs to dig in.  I think I'm faster uphill, downhill for sure, and probably just a notch slower on the paved sections.

[larson....@gmail.com]

I am a proponent of big tires, and my only complaint on my older Appaloosa is tire clearance. I would love to put a 2.2”+ tire on it, but 700x50 is about the largest tire if I want good mud clearance. But I also have a Fargo that I love and use on rougher roads/trails.

Randy in WI