Bicycle weight and commuting time: randomised trial

We appreciate the serious nature of the original "research" and the
subsequent comments. Throughout this past year we have also been
conducting research on this very topic with our preliminary results
indicating that "significant" extra weight does not "significantly" slow
average speed over a longer, largely level, ride.

Due to funding limitations the experimental subject is restricted to
a well used (older) but keen rider who has been established to be neither
"king of the mountains" nor a "sprinter" and an aluminum Cannondale
Touring bicycle with 700 x 40C tyres. The subject can be observed
exhibiting a considerable level of perspiration and elevated heart rate
during the trials indicating a consistent and higher level of effort.

Six trials have been conducted using a standardised 84 km round trip
of from Kings Cross NSW Australia to Kurnell / Cape Solander. This route
contains no appreciable hills other than Captain Cook Bridge but is open
and exposed to variable and often strong winds. Three trials have been
conducted with minimal load (2L of water & a packet of jelly beans) a
total of 15kg and three trials with 4 panniers containing water filled 2L
milk bottles to simulate loaded touring conditions, a total of 35kg in
this configuration.

Times can be variable due to wind direction / strength but observed
average speed (calibrated cycle computer) have been 21.5 - 22.5 km/h
without the load and 20.0 - 21.0 km/h with the load.

Results have not yet be published in a peer reviewed journal (is BMJ
interested?) as referees have requested the other variables be better
controlled for using enclosed trials to remove wind effect and a double
blind experimental protocol whereby neither the subject nor the bike will
know if we are loaded or not, this is proving tricky to design and execute
within current funding. We will report next year as readers will be
interested in this fascinating research.