You don’t need to spend money on new equipment to make your cycling faster. Instead, I’ll provide you with some small suggestions on this matter.
- Keep it Clean No doubt, a clean and tidy bike rides faster and more effortlessly. It’s not just about enjoying the ride on a clean bike; it’s also about preventing the accumulation of mud and stains on the chain and cables, especially during winter cycling. This helps you ride smoothly and saves unnecessary expenses on part replacements during long rides.
While cleaning a bike might seem cumbersome, it’s best to make it a part of your routine. Spend five minutes wiping down your bike after each ride and perform a thorough cleaning weekly. Don’t wait until your bike is extremely dirty; cleaning becomes more challenging and tiring.
- Lubricate the Chain A lubricated chain contributes to a smoother ride, but moderation is key. Now that your bike is clean and pristine, focus on making it ride more smoothly. Lubricating the chain enhances the efficiency of your drivetrain, preventing wasted effort while pedaling and keeping the chain less prone to dirt in damp weather. However, remember that more lubricant doesn’t necessarily mean better. Slowly apply lubricant to the chain while turning the crank, and wipe off excess afterward.
- Lower the Handlebars A lower handlebar aligns better with aerodynamic principles, but it doesn’t always mean shortening the stem. While we often believe that a body position optimized for aerodynamics makes cyclists faster, real-world experiments in different terrains support this claim. If you don’t want to invest in an aerodynamic bike, simply lower the handlebars and adopt a more aerodynamic riding posture.
If there are spacers between the stem and headset, it’s even simpler. Remove the fork, take out one or two spacers, reinstall the fork, and place the spacers back on top.
- Adjust Saddle Height Adjusting saddle height seems straightforward but surprisingly many cyclists, even experienced ones, have saddles that are either too high or too low. Incorrect saddle height not only makes riding uncomfortable but also increases the risk of injury and significantly reduces pedaling efficiency, preventing you from exerting full power during rides.
As a rule of thumb, the distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle should be your inseam length minus 10 cm. For example, if your inseam is 80 cm, your saddle height should be 70 cm. However, leave some clearance for your cycling shoes, especially if you use low-stack cleats like Speedplay, which may require lowering the saddle slightly.
- Adjust Pedal Tension Some argue that clipless pedals are one of the least scientific inventions in cycling culture. However, if you don’t adjust your pedal tension correctly, you may not achieve efficient pedaling. Different pedal systems have varied tension adjustment methods, so do some research and adjust them with a slight release to prevent injuries.
- Check Tire Pressure Among all the tips listed, checking correct tire pressure is not only the simplest but also the most effective way to enhance your cycling efficiency. Soft tires increase rolling resistance, requiring more power for the same average speed and increasing the risk of flat tires. Before each ride, inflate the tires to around 90 PSI. While this doesn’t guarantee faster speeds, it improves traction for easier maneuvering during turns and increases comfort, reducing fatigue during long rides.
- Ensure Proper Derailleur Alignment An improperly adjusted derailleur is harmful to any bike during rides. Correctly adjusting the derailleur enhances the efficiency of the drivetrain, giving you confidence and full power during climbs.
- Check Brake Adjustment While ensuring brake functionality might not seem directly related to faster cycling, being able to control your brakes smoothly during turns saves time, especially in challenging terrains, inclines, or descents. During winter rides, brakes are more prone to damage, so ensure they’re in proper working order. Check brake cables for scratches or signs of wear; a clean bike minimizes such issues.
These eight tips, when applied collectively, contribute to a faster and more enjoyable cycling experience!