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Want to ride faster than your buddies? Looking to zoom through your daily commute as fast as possible?
Cycling faster isn’t just about pedalling harder…
With a few simple tweaks to your technique and gear, you’ll be flying past traffic in no time.
1. Riding The Right Bike
Choosing the right bike is crucial for maximizing your speed and efficiency.
A road bike with a lightweight frame and narrow tyres will help you glide along faster. You’d be surprised by how much!
If you’re commuting, consider a hybrid bike – which will balance speed with comfort and practicality. Hybrids tend to have flat bars and some find these are easier to control.
It’s possible to get flat bar road bikes. These are good for commuting, as they have a lot of the speed from normal road bikes, but you also get all the manoeuvrability benefits from the flat bar as well.
Ensure your bike fits you properly to optimize your power output.
A well-fitted bike allows for better posture and more efficient pedalling, which translates to increased speed. Visit a local bike shop for a professional fitting if you’re unsure about the ideal setup.
A poorly fitted bike means you’re more likely to suffer from back, knee or foot pain! 🤕
2. Choose the Right Tyres
Lighter, high-quality tyres, reduce both weight and rolling resistance, thereby boosting speed.
Consider puncture-resistant variants for increased durability without compromising on weight.
3. Reducing Bike Weight
Lightening your bike’s load can significantly bolster your speed.
Here are few effective strategies to consider.
Switch to Lighter Components
First, consider swapping out heavier parts for lighter ones. For instance, carbon fibre components are lighter than their aluminium or steel counterparts.
By opting for lighter pedals, handlebars, or even a sleeker saddle, you can shave off important weight.
Lighter components will of course drive costs up 💵
There’s a balance between how much to spend on parts and the benefits you can get from that.
Carry Only Essentials
Keep your bike free of unnecessary weight, be it accessories or personal items.
Carry only what’s essential, whether you are commuting to work or out on a leisure adventure. A minimalist approach is key.
4. Plan Your Route Properly
A well-planned route can significantly boost your cycling speed.
Opt for bike lanes and paths with less congestion to avoid traffic-related delays. Familiarise yourself with the terrain, as routes with fewer hills allow you to maintain a consistent speed.
Use mapping apps designed for cyclists to identify the quickest and safest routes. These tools help you navigate efficiently, considering factors like traffic patterns and road conditions.
Consider alternative routes that may be slightly longer but offer smoother rides. Sometimes, a longer route with better road surfaces and fewer obstacles can be faster than a shorter, more challenging one.
Experiment with different paths to find the most efficient route for your daily commute.
5. Improving Your Cycling Technique
Maintain a Consistent Pace
Aiming for a high speed in short bursts isn’t the best tactic as it quickly leads to fatigue.
Instead, focus on keeping a steady pace, especially while riding long distances.
Remember, the tortoise beat the hare!
Master Gear Shifting
Learn to use your gears effectively.
Switch to lower gears when you’re climbing and higher gears for flat or downhill sections. Accurate gear shifting not only helps you maintain speed but also saves energy.
You don’t want to be “grinding” but you also don’t want to be over-spinning.
Video: Cycling Cadence – Spinning vs Grinding
Adopt an Aerodynamic Position
Minimise wind resistance to boost your speed with minimal effort.
How’s that done? Lean forward and keep your elbows in. This positioning makes you streamlined, improving your aerodynamics and, so, your speed.
More on the wind later!
6. Drafting Other Riders (SAFELY)
Drafting behind other cyclists can significantly boost your speed with less effort. Position yourself behind another rider to reduce wind resistance by up to 40%.
Always maintain a safe distance and stay alert to avoid collisions.
If you’re riding with a group, communication is key. Use hand signals and verbal cues to indicate changes in speed or direction. Practice drafting with trusted friends before attempting it in larger groups.
Be prepared to take your turn at the front of the group. Rotate positions regularly to share the workload and maintain a fair group ever-changing. When it’s your turn to lead, maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden movements.
Remember that drafting requires heightened awareness and quick reflexes. Only attempt this technique when you’re confident in your bike handling skills. Always prioritise safety over speed gains when cycling in traffic or unfamiliar areas.
💭In my opinion – if you’re riding to work, you’ll likely be riding with strangers. So be extra cautious if group riding in this scenario. You don’t know when someone might slam the brakes on you without warning…and it’ll end in tears!
7. Timing Your Commute
Leaving early can make a important difference in your cycling speed.
By avoiding rush hour traffic, you’ll ride at a more comfortable pace without the stress of handling through congested streets.
This eventually leads to faster rides over time as you become more efficient on your daily, familiar, journey.
8. Dress for Success
No Roxette jokes, please! 😂
Oh, and don’t dress like this guy:
Well, you can if you want, but here’s what I recommend:
Leverage Moisture Wicking Fabrics
Consider the practical implications. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that take the sweat away from your body.
These clothes help regulate body temperatures, contributing to comfort during your ride.
Comfort means you’re more likely to enjoy the ride and the higher likelihood you’ll pedal faster.
Master the Art of Layering
Equally important is your strategy for changing weather. ⛈️💨🌞
By mastering the art of layering, you’ll become niftier in adapting to unexpected weather shifts. This way, you won’t let the climatic conditions slow you down.
Layering helps you keep to a comfortable temperature by removing layers as you warm up. And then putting them back on if you get colder.
Carry A Change of Clothes
If you’re riding to work, bringing a spare set of clothes will be your saviour. You’ll not be stressing about having sweaty, smelly clothes when you arrive at your destination and you can focus on the riding.
You can carry spare clothes in a backpack or panniers.
9. Tyre Pressure and Maintenance
Proper tyre pressure is crucial for cycling faster and more efficiently.
Check your tyre pressure regularly (around once a week) to ensure optimal performance. Correctly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, improving your speed and making your journey smoother.
Ensure your brakes are functioning well and your chain is properly lubricated for smooth gear shifts.
Believe it or not, a rusty or non-lubricated chain means you have to pedal a little bit harder to ride the same speed as if you had a lubricated chain.
Lubricated chains usually feel smoother to ride with too.
Carry basic repair tools with you to address any snags on the go.
10. Build Endurance
Increasing your endurance plays a critical role in how to bike faster. Let’s explore steps towards improving your physical stamina for a more efficient ride.
- Gradual Intensity Increase: Don’t push your limits too quickly. Instead, gradually increase the distance and intensity of your rides. You’ll build stamina over time, letting you ride faster and longer. Consistency is key!
- Embrace Interval Training: This isn’t your average workout. Interval training involves alternating between high-intensity bursts and recovery periods. You’ll find your cardiovascular fitness and speed improving consistently with this approach.
Remember, endurance isn’t built overnight. It’s a gradual process but always remember that every ride brings you one step closer to achieving your goal – biking faster.
11. Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for cycling faster and improving your overall performance. Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide the energy you need for longer rides.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your commute to ensure your body functions optimally, helping you maintain speed and endurance.
Eat a nutritious breakfast before your morning commute or weekend ride to kickstart your metabolism and provide energy for your commute. Pack energy-dense snacks like bananas, energy bars, or trail mix for longer rides to keep your energy levels up.
Consider using electrolyte drinks during intense or lengthy rides to replenish minerals lost through sweat.
After your ride, refuel with a balanced meal containing protein and carbohydrates to aid recovery and prepare your body for the next day’s commute.
12. Technology
Harness the power of cycling apps and GPS-enabled devices to track your speed, distance, and performance.
Some of these tools provide real-time data on your rides, allowing you to analyse your progress and set goals for improvement. You’ll gain valuable insights into your cycling habits, helping you identify areas where you can boost your speed and efficiency.
Take advantage of route planning features offered by many cycling apps to find the fastest paths to your destination. These apps can help you discover bike-friendly routes, avoid traffic hotspots, and factor in elevation changes to optimise your journey.
Useful apps:
13. Setting Goals
Setting exact, measurable goals is crucial to biking faster. You’ll stay focused and motivated by establishing clear objectives for your cycling performance. Start by setting realistic targets for reducing your commute time or increasing your average cycling speed.
Track your progress regularly using cycling apps or even a simple stopwatch. Reassess your goals periodically and adjust your training regimen accordingly. Set both short-term and long-term goals to maintain motivation and see steady improvement in your cycling speed. Don’t rush it though!
Sometimes I like to use the Strava app to compare times on certain segments. You can compare against yourself or others in Strava!
Consider challenging yourself with time trials on your regular route. This approach helps you measure progress and pushes you to pedal faster. Remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, as you work towards becoming a speedier cyclist.
14. Using Clipless Pedals And Shoes
Clipless pedals are a game-changer for cycling faster.
They connect your feet directly to the pedals, allowing you to apply power throughout the entire pedal stroke. You’ll experience improved efficiency and increased speed as you learn to pull up on the pedals as well as push down.
Clipless pedals are the worst name ever for what they actually are. Clipless pedals are the ones that you “clip” into.
Invest in cycling shoes designed for clipless pedals to maximise power transfer. These shoes have stiff soles that prevent energy loss and improve your pedalling efficiency. Adjust your cleats properly to ensure optimal foot position and prevent discomfort during long rides. You might need a bike-fitting specialist to help you with this!
This combo will help for a smoother, more consistent pedal stroke, helping you maintain momentum and ride faster with less effort.
Clipless pedals will also ease off pressure on your knees as you won’t be exerting pressure on the down-pedal all the time.
15. Make The Wind Your Friend
Here’s something that might come by as a surprise; the wind can actually be your friend!
You can use weather apps to check wind direction before your commute. Plan your route accordingly, choosing tailwinds for open stretches and headwinds for protected areas.
Here’s why…
Ride Against the Wind in Sheltered Routes
Ride against the wind using routes that are sheltered, such as those with trees or buildings blocking the breeze.
If you find shadowy routes with plenty of obstacles like buildings, hedges, or trees, it could help break the wind force.
In this way, sheltered tracks could make your ride against the wind less exhausting and so, faster.
Thrive With the Wind on Exposed Routes
Now consider an exposed bike lane with no shelter.
When possible, ride with the wind on exposed routes to get a push and increase your speed.
This strategy could help you maximise your performance on exposed routes that lack natural or artificial wind breaks.
16. Embracing a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can significantly boost your cycling performance and help you bike faster.
Focus on your progress rather than setbacks to maintain motivation and enjoyment during your rides.
Consistency is key, and it’ll help you get stronger – which also obviously boosts your riding speed.
To cultivate a positive mindset, set realistic goals for your daily commute and celebrate small victories along the way.
