How to bike faster? Biking is a great way to get around, but sometimes you want to go a little bit faster.
It can be frustrating when you’re biking and someone goes flying past you. You start to wonder how they do it and if there’s something you’re doing wrong.
There is actually a lot that goes into biking faster, and it takes practice and the right gear. In this guide by Josh Quigley, we’ll teach you how to bike faster so that you can easily keep up with everyone on your next ride.
A good average biking speed
While there is no set standard for a “good” average speed, it ultimately depends on the individual and their specific biking goals. That said, an average speed between 10-15 miles per hour is generally considered to be a good pace for leisurely recreational biking.
If you are looking to increase your speed, there are several ways to do so.
How to bike faster?
Tips to improve your biking speed
Keeping your elbows bent
Keeping your elbows bent and close to your body will make you more aerodynamic and allow you to pedal faster.
Pedal more efficiently
Maintaining a consistent cadence, pushing down and pulling up on the pedals with each rotation, will help you pedal faster and more efficiently.
Brake less
Constantly braking and accelerating uses up energy, causing you to slow down. Plan ahead and anticipate stops to minimize the need for braking.
Maintain an efficient cadence
Maintaining a consistent, efficient cadence can improve your speed and prevent fatigue. Use a cadence sensor or count your pedal rotations for one minute to determine your current cadence, and work on improving it over time.
Get more aero
Adjusting your body position on the bike, such as lowering your handlebars or using aerobars, can improve your aerodynamics and speed. Practice in a safe area and consult with a professional before making adjustments to ensure proper form and technique.
Riding on the drops
Moving your hands from the top of the handlebars to the bottom, or “riding on the drops,” can improve your aerodynamics and speed.
Track standing practice
Practice balancing on your bike at a standstill to improve your overall control and balance, resulting in a smoother and faster ride.
Ride off-road
Incorporating off-road or gravel rides into your training can improve overall strength and technique. This can also help prevent burnout from repetitive road rides and lead to improved speed on all terrain.
Incorporate intervals
Alternating between periods of intense effort and recovery can improve your overall speed and endurance.
Maintain your tyres enoughly inflated
Making sure your tires are adequately inflated will reduce resistance and improve your speed.
Upgrade your tyres
Upgrading to high-performance tyres can improve speed, traction, and overall ride quality. Consult with a professional or do research to determine the best type of tyre for your riding style and terrain.
Invest in a lighter bike
A lighter bike requires less effort to pedal, allowing for a faster ride. Consider upgrading or investing in a lighter road or mountain bike.
Take care of your bike
Regularly maintaining your bike, including cleaning and tuning, can improve overall efficiency and speed. Consult with a professional or refer to online resources for proper maintenance techniques.
Use your bike’s gears more efficiently
Experiment with different gear combinations to find the most efficient and effective setup for your ride. Consult with a professional or do research online for guidance on proper gearing techniques.
Aerodynamic bike and wheels
Investing in an aerodynamic bike and/or wheels can significantly improve your speed and overall performance. Consider renting or testing out aero equipment before purchasing to determine what works best for you.
Utilize climbs
Incorporating hills or inclines into your ride can improve leg strength and overall speed. Challenge yourself by attempting to maintain a consistent speed or beat personal records on certain climbs.
Get your feeding down
Fueling your body properly before, during, and after rides can improve endurance and overall performance. Eat a balanced diet and experiment with easily digestible snacks or electrolyte replacements to optimize energy levels for faster riding.
Lose some weight
Carrying extra weight requires more effort to pedal, leading to a slower ride. Incorporate a healthy diet and exercise plan to lose excess weight and improve your speed on the bike.
Build your muscle
Building muscle, particularly in the legs, can improve your pedaling power and speed. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine.
Practice and train regularly
Consistent practice and training will not only improve your technique, but also build endurance and overall strength, resulting in a faster ride. Set goals and track progress to continually challenge yourself and improve your speed on the bike.
Train indoors
Incorporating indoor cycling, such as spinning classes or riding on a stationary bike, into your routine can improve endurance and technique. Use data from outdoor rides to set goals and challenge yourself during indoor training sessions.
Train With a Plan
Creating a structured training plan, with specific goals and schedule, can improve your speed by effectively targeting areas for improvement and consistently challenging yourself. Consider consulting with a professional or utilizing online resources to develop a personalized plan.
Ride with a group
Drafting, or riding closely behind another rider, can significantly improve your speed. Join a local cycling group to take advantage of drafting and the motivation from riding with others.
Listen to music
Listening to music can increase your motivation and improve endurance, resulting in a faster ride. Choose uplifting, high-energy songs to keep you pedaling at a faster pace. However, make sure to prioritize safety by keeping the volume at a reasonable level and remaining aware of surrounding sounds and traffic.
Keep track of your progress
Use a cycling computer or app to track your distance, time, and speed. Set goals and consistently monitor your progress to continually challenge yourself and improve your speed on the bike.
The next tip is to invest in a cycling-specific outfit.
Invest in a cycling-specific outfit
Investing in a cycling-specific outfit, such as Lycra or aerodynamic clothing, can improve your speed by reducing wind resistance and improving overall aerodynamics. Make sure to prioritize comfort and choose well-fitting items for the best performance benefits.
Wear tighter fitting clothing
Wearing tighter fitting clothing can reduce wind resistance and improve your speed. Invest in cycling specific clothing for maximum aerodynamic benefit.
Utilize a power meter
Utilizing a power meter can provide valuable data and insight into your performance. However, it’s important to also prioritize technique and listen to your body to improve overall speed. Use the power meter as a tool for improvement, rather than solely relying on the numbers.
Taking advantage of a tailwind
Riding into a headwind on the way out, and taking advantage of a tailwind on the way back can give you an extra boost of speed. Time your rides accordingly.
Building Biking Habits
Developing a consistent cycling routine and making it a priority can also lead to improved speed and performance. Set aside dedicated time for rides and stick to your schedule, gradually increasing distance and difficulty for continued improvement.
Ultimately, improving speed on the bike requires a combination of technique, strategy, equipment, and endurance. By implementing these tips and continually challenging yourself, you can experience significant improvements in your biking speed. Happy pedaling!
Is your average biking speed important?
While improving your speed on the bike can be a great personal accomplishment, it’s important to remember that ultimately, what matters is enjoying the ride and being safe.
Rather than obsessing over numbers or constantly comparing yourself to others, focus on setting and achieving your own goals at your own pace. And above all, always prioritize safety while cycling. Happy riding!
F.A.Q How to bike faster?
How to make a dirt bike faster?
There are a variety of ways to improve the speed of a dirt bike, such as upgrading the exhaust system, improving suspension, and making adjustments to the carburetor. It is important to consult with a professional or do research before making any modifications to ensure safety and optimal performance benefits. Additionally, practicing and improving your technique can also lead to faster rides.
How to make your electric bike faster?
Similar to a dirt bike, there are various modifications that can improve the speed of an electric bike. This can include upgrading the motor or battery, as well as making adjustments to the tires and gearing.
How to make single speed bike faster?
Improving technique and maintaining your bike regularly can lead to faster rides on a single speed bike.
How to make your coleman mini bike faster?
Similar to other bikes, maintaining your coleman mini bike and practicing proper technique can improve speed. Additionally, making modifications such as upgrading the engine or exhaust system can also lead to a faster ride. It is important to consult with a professional or do research before making any modifications.
Conclusion
Biking faster is something that all cyclists are interested in. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive cyclist, the ability to pedal harder and go faster is always desirable. In this post, we’ve shared some tips on how to bike faster based on scientific research. We hope these tips help you achieve your cycling goals! If you have any questions about biking faster or want more advice, be sure to visit our website – bigbuddybike.com.
