This is my cargo bike, a 94 GT Karakoram fitted with a crust Clydesdale fork. I used to have a tall gooseneck stem on it and I recently swapped it for a straighter one with very little rise, thinking that the change in posture would help me to get better speed, but it didn’t. So here is my dilemma.
In comparison to all my other bikes (all vintage steel, some road, some rigid mtb) I work harder on this bike and still I am so slow. Is it a weight issue? Does the smaller wheel in front make me slower? Is it my drivetrain (original 3×7)? I am at a spot where I need to replace at least my rear tire, could that help produce meaningful gains? Both of my wheels spin freely, there are no brake rub issues. What could it be?
by Lil-Kobe-bike
10 Comments
I’ve got some ideas
Knobbies kill speed imo. Toss some kenda kwest on there and I bet you notice a difference.
It is probably the least aero set up you can have. Not an issue with a cargo bike like this but something to consider. How was it before the clysedale fork?
Not sure how rolling resistance is with smaller wheels, someone else with more knowledge might know more but look into tyres with good rolling resistance
I thought this was a shitpost
So what’s the lap time for the grocery run?!
That thing is dope!!
Part of it is the tires. Holy Rollers are slow af.
Lmao I’m sorry but how fast do you want to go on contraption like this? It’s clearly not built for speed
1×12 wide ratio is the answer.
All those pictures at the Nelson are slowing you down
Maybe another crankset with more teeth also could bring in some momentum.I mean, if you do 1.5 times the speed with one rotation then now, that should get you to your destination faster!?