With every product launch, we’re told this new thing – from helmets to shoes, wheels to handlebars – will make you a faster cyclist.
But in my four decades of riding and testing bikes, kit and components, very few have increased my speed significantly.
Bike brands cite data and testing that ‘proves’ their products will make you faster. But in reality, for the average rider who doesn’t pin on a race number, what do these differences mean?
If we take the recent news in endurance bikes, Canyon says its own wind-tunnel data suggests the new Endurace CFR is over 10 watts more efficient than the previous bike.
But that’s with the bike being ridden at 45kph / 27mph. How many of us can hold that sort of speed for any significant amount of time?
I accept that aerodynamics help a rider like me, even if the benefit is much smaller than to an elite pro rider – and if you want an aero bike, go for it, enjoy it, love it.
But the following tips from my time riding bikes are what have really made me faster, more efficient and more capable. And they could work for you, too.
Ride more and ride variety
The simplest advice I have is more miles on the bike equals more speed.
On the one hand, this is about fitness. But, on the other, it's about riding more than just road. Mixing in gravel, mountain biking, commuting, even the occasional skate-park jaunt, will improve your bike skills. If you're more confident riding, you’ll ride faster.
Get better tyres
The single best way to improve any off-the-peg complete bike, especially without spending too much, is the tyres.
Product managers are keener to spend their budget on components, so you’ll often find something such as a carbon seatpost taking priority over good tyres. This is the number one component upgrade I’d make if I was buying a new bike.
The best road bike tyres are not only faster thanks to lower rolling resistance, but they’ll also have better grip and be more comfortable. This will have a big effect on your speed.
Invest in good clothing
Investing some extra money in better clothing will keep you more comfortable for longer, which will likely help maintain a higher average speed.
I always used to be part of the 'buy basic shorts' lobby, recommending that you choose the base model from a quality brand.
I’ve come to realise this is a false economy, though. Cheaper basic pads wear sooner, and don’t provide the same level of protection as shorts with a better-quality pad.
I wouldn’t go for the premium models. Often the key features (the pad and comfort) are the same as in the mid-range cycling shorts, but the top-shelf models tend to bring in ‘aero’ textures and similar frills. The benefits of these are likely marginal.
A well-fitting jersey that’s irritation-free is another plus. High-quality fabric, and well-placed seams and zippers will minimise any discomfort.
Buy a bike computer
The best bike computers are a brilliant way to learn what you’re capable of, and they’ll give you a live gauge on your performance as you ride.
At their most basic, bike computers will tell you your speed, so you’ll be able to monitor your efforts and understand how much you can push yourself.
A bike computer combined with a heart rate monitor – or if you’re serious, a power meter – is also a gateway to proper structured training, and real improvements in your performance.
Fuel and drink properly
Imperfect fuelling is something I’m still very much guilty of. The rule of thumb is that you should eat between 30 and 60g of carbs for every hour of riding, along with 500ml of fluids.
The number of rides I go on where I’ll get back home after three or four hours with one of my bottles still full, and the gels or bars I took with me still in my jersey pocket, is criminal.
Running on empty is never a way to go quicker, and something I’m still trying to get better at.
But getting into the habit of eating and drinking while out cycling, and learning how to do that while you’re moving, will stave off the dreaded bonk – which inevitably slows you down.
Get a bike fit
A bike fit is perhaps the most important thing you can do to unlock more speed, and it doesn’t involve buying anything other than someone’s expertise.
Setting the right saddle height is straightforward, but the intricacies and insights from a proper bike fit will work wonders for your riding.
A bike fit isn’t necessarily about immediate speed improvements. It's more about being able to maintain speed for longer.
Back when I started working on road bike tech, comfort was a dirty word. Pro cycling was full of the cod-mysticism of ‘suffering’.
A tough mountain pass or your first century ride might involve some torment – that can lead to a huge sense of achievement.
But the suffering should be because of the distance or topography, not because your back aches, your bum’s numb or you’ve got tingling in your fingers.
A bike fit can help you reach your true potential, and revisiting a proper fit every few years should be the norm because our bodies change as we get older.
A poor riding position can limit your performance, and lead to injury and time off the bike – and that’s the worst thing for your overall speed.
