Ways to Make Your Road Bike Faster
I often thought it laughable when considering cleaning your bike would make it faster. The only thing that would come to mind would be a placebo affect at best. But I was being narrow minded.
When I began to implement the following recommendations I noticed how much better my bike performed and responded.
5-Tips That Keep You Moving Smoothly
Ideally the speed and efficiency lay at the foundation of the rider. What this means is that if you are fit, the stronger and light you are. If this is not you just yet don’t fear, just keep riding and you will get there.
Here are things you can do to get your bike fit and efficient so you can get the most out of your efforts.
Drive-train
Caked on gunk on your chain, chain rings and cog should be removed so that smooth operation can be restored and thus providing exact function. Friction is the enemy to any cyclists and this is but one of several to pay attention to.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining tire pressure should go without saying but see many cyclists out there riding with under-inflated rear tires. Before heading out for a ride one simple but critical detail to perform is inflate your tires. Tire pressure is lost at a slow rate but enough that you should check and adjust before leaving.
Gear Adjustment
Properly adjusted gears make for smoother performance and faster shifting. There is nothing more irritating than to be in an aggressive accelerating moment and have gears hoping and missing.
Clean and Grease
Wheel bearings are important to rolling resistance. The grease that comes packed in your wheels are adequate enough but upgrading it to a super low friction grease can make a difference thou it is minor.
Lubricate
Once your chain and cog set are cleaned properly lubrication is the final step. A little research will help here as you can buy cheap or spend a far amount neither of which are going to benefit you properly. For example, some chain lubes can increase friction while more expensive ones won’t necessarily increase efficiency. Looking a reputable product will be key with anything you purchase.
Closing Thoughts
One may ask themselves just how relevant and profitable these can be to speeding up their riding experience in practice. This is a good question. The truth is on an individual basis they are marginal at best. But collectively they are noticeable indeed. Like building a house, you start with the foundation first and work your way up to the roof.
In the final analysis, if nothing else these are things you should be doing for regular maintenance anyway so your efforts are not wasted in the least. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be the envy of bikes out on the path of having a handsome well oiled machine.