12 Useful Tips to make your road bike go faster

Are you ready to rev up your performance and join the adrenaline-fueled world of bike racing? Do you dream of reaching breakneck speeds like a pro-cyclist? Well, it’s time to unleash your inner speedster and discover the secrets of accelerating your road bike to new heights. Say goodbye to the frustration of struggling to reach a mere 25mph and hello to drafting like a top-flight cyclist. Experience the thrill of racing at lightning-fast speeds and unleash your full potential on the road. Get ready to put the pedal to the metal and embrace the challenge of bike racing! Maximize your road bike performance with our 12 tips to make your road bike go faster! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner cyclist, you’ll want to keep up with your friends during group cycling and shine in bike races. Our tips will help you ride faster, so you never have to lag in your short trips, long journeys, or fun rides. Make the most out of your road bike experience and read our tips now! For new riders, we also recommend checking out reviews before buying a road bike. Get ready to take on any bike race with confidence! Riding road bikes faster is a fun and exciting challenge, and the right components can make all the difference. The lightweight construction, carbon wheels, and multiple-speed gears of road bikes allow them to take advantage of aerodynamics, which helps them maintain fast speeds during races. In addition to speed, road bikes are also known for their comfort, making them a popular choice for group cycling and daily commuting. In comparison, mountain and hybrid bikes tend to be heavier, making road bikes the optimal choice for competitive bike races. If you want to boost your road biking performance, it is advisable to focus on the crucial tricks and tips for road cycling. Additionally, you might want to estimate your time compared to the pro bike race leaders and use the comprehensive guide to enhance your speed. This guide is written for all types of bikes, including hybrid, mountain, and more. Your hard work on practicing is crucial to enhance speed, regardless of the type of bike. By following the guide, you will learn effective riding techniques to rival head-to-head with a pro cyclist. Furthermore, you may join a group cycling for additional practice and to experience the thrill of cycling with others. Should you want to optimize your road bike riding experience, it’s crucial to determine the average speed that aligns with your current proficiency. This will allow you to participate in bike races and group cycling with ease.

What is a good average speed on a road bike?

Speed is crucial for measuring your performance when riding road bikes in a group cycling event or bike race. It can be challenging to set a pace for self-improvement as the ideal average speed varies for entry-level to expert-level cyclists. Factors such as age, fitness, diet, weight, cardiovascular health, riding time, tour route, weather, and traffic all impact your performance in addition to pedaling faster. The Chart below is provided for you to make a self-assessment of your cycling abilities and to determine your speed level. Whether you’re a seasoned bike road racer or just starting with group cycling, this chart will help you determine where you stand in terms of speed and endurance. Are you ready to hit the road and join the exciting world of bike racing?

The average cycling speed of each level (mph – mile per hour)

Beginner level:   10-15  mph Intermediate level:   15-20  mph Regular training level:   20-25  mph Expert level:   25 mph and over The chart shows that if you can maintain a speed of 10 mph while riding a road bike, you are a beginner. An intermediate level is reached at a speed of 15 mph or above, which is an achievable goal for most cyclists through regular training. Continued training can lead to speeds of 18-20 mph and with enough discipline, reaching speeds beyond 25 mph signifies a professional level in bike racing and group cycling.

Average cycling speed for beginners

If you’re just starting out, take it slow. Focus on finding a comfortable posture on your road bike before worrying about speed. Aim for a speed of 7-9 mph and work on improving your cycling skills. With regular practice and fitness training, you can gradually increase your speed to a recommended average of 12-15 mph for beginner road bike riders. Whether you’re solo or part of a group cycling, the goal is to build confidence and comfort on the bike before participating in a bike race.

Average cycling speed by age

Cycling is a popular pastime for many, but as age progresses, the physical ability can decline. Stamina decreases and leg muscles weaken, leading to a slower heart rate and decreased overall performance. Despite this, it is not necessary to stop cycling altogether. With proper training and a focus on group cycling and bike road races, older cyclists can still enjoy the sport while maintaining a healthy body. Cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Despite age affecting a cyclist’s performance, middle-aged individuals can still participate in long-distance bike races. There is no specific speed limit based on age as young cyclists have the advantage of stronger stamina, while older cyclists can increase their performance with focused anaerobic, interval, and endurance training. Whether you are a seasoned road bike racer or just enjoy group cycling, anyone can participate in the excitement of bike racing.

Average bike speed in the city

Middle-aged cyclists are capable of participating in long-distance bike races, despite the impact of age. Age does not determine the average cycling speed, as young people may possess strong stamina but older cyclists can improve their performance through intense anaerobic, interval, and endurance training. Group cycling and road bikes are popular for bike races, where participants of all ages can challenge themselves and push their limits. Cycling conditions, such as road types and weather, greatly affect the average speed of a bike. Ideal average speeds for city cyclists range from 12-18 mph, but this can vary based on road conditions. To support group cycling, some cities offer designated bike lanes for safer commuting.

 Average bike speed on uphill and downhill

Sometimes, you may want to challenge yourself by pedaling on the uphill road.  However, it requires proper body strength and endurance to perform well on cycling uphill.  Below are some useful tips to help you tackle uphill cycling:

• Start uphill at a slow pace to conserve stamina
• Maintain a lower breathing rate and monitor cadence to find a rhythm
• Pedal at a steady pace, not too fast
• Take short breaks (20-30 seconds) to build up power
• Ride faster on downhill
• Descend smoothly, avoid braking recklessly
• Maintain a speed of 16-18 mph for better traction

Discover how to make your road bike faster with these valuable tips. Instead of just focusing on increasing your average cycling speed and distance, we will also explore the equipment factor – your bike. These tips will address two main questions: 1) how to improve your bike’s speed 2) how to enhance your cycling speed. You’ll learn about road bike riding techniques to boost your average speed and the crucial factors needed for improved bike performance.

12 tips to improve your cycling speed

1. Build up your body core

It is necessary to properly align your body with the bike to maximize speed and minimize wind resistance while riding. To do so, you need to lean your body forward to create a strong body core and maintain a flat back. Then, you have to bend your elbows to make sure that both of your hands are properly positioned on the grips. In case you experience back pain from this aggressive posture, try to do more on building your body core and abdominal muscles with weight training exercises. Ultimately, a strong core is necessary to maintain this position and achieve faster speeds.

2. Use high-quality bicycle wheels

For optimal performance, choose lightweight carbon bicycle wheels instead of bulky ones. These wheels offer superior aerodynamics and reduced drag, ensuring a smoother ride. Heavy wheels will impede your speed and lack practicality. Invest in the best quality bicycle wheels you can afford and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a warranty available at reasonable prices in shops across the country.

3. Be aware of tires

Road bike tires are designed in a narrow width for optimal rolling resistance. The narrow the tire, the faster the bike can travel. For instance, a road bike with 35mm tires will be slower than that with 25mm tires. Therefore, the road bike’s tire must be lightweight, narrow, and nimble for better handling. By the way, you should check tire pressure and side-wall construction before hitting the road for safety, and do carry a mini pump in case of emergency or repair needs.

4. Apply less break

Breaking while cycling reduces the average speed due to the increased effort required to pedal. You also need to take more time to regain speed after breaking. To conserve energy, power, and momentum, avoid excessive braking. The right time to break depends on your riding experience, but prioritize safety and break when in danger. Keep in mind, there’s always time to improve speed, so never compromise safety.

5. Increase the lactate threshold

The lactate threshold refers to the maximum average power output one can sustain for a continuous hour of cycling. Improving this threshold enhances speed and endurance, allowing cyclists to produce greater power output while keeping their heart rate constant. As a result, the cyclist will be able to perform better in long-distance races and cycle at a higher speed. To effectively raise the lactate threshold, it’s essential to follow interval systems. A popular approach involves starting with 2×20-minute laps followed by a 5-minute recovery break. As you progress, gradually increase the number of laps to 3×20 and 4×20. This method will ensure smoother and faster cycling performance.

6. Ride into the tailwind

The best way to increase speed when riding a road bike on flat and well-paved roads is to utilize tailwind. To do this, maintain an average speed with a low gear and pedal at around 90 RPM while pushing against a headwind. When changing direction and facing tailwind, you will experience a significant boost in speed. This technique is not recommended for uphill riding as it increases muscular endurance, unlike flat road surfaces where the bike can be run at high gear with the help of the wind.

7. Train Intelligently

Effective training for a long-distance bicycle race requires a focus on improving speed and specific performance skills. Neglecting to enhance abilities year after year is a sign of ineffective training. To improve, conduct a self-assessment of your body system and implement a smart training program. This will not only maintain but also improve your average cycling speed.

8. Be in the aero posture

Riding in the aero posture can significantly increase average speed. To achieve this, bend down until your back is flat, exposing less to the wind and improving aerodynamics. This posture is superior to simply riding with arms and hands on top.

9. Ride with a partner or groups

To improve cycling speed, it’s crucial to riding with partners. This not only adds to the fun but also boosts energy levels by reducing wind resistance. Partner riding can increase speed by over 40% and save energy. Additionally, riding with experienced partners provides opportunities for exchanging tips and tactics.

10. Lose weight and eat balanced food

To optimize your cycling performance, focus on losing weight as it directly affects your speed. Maintaining a healthy weight improves your power-to-weight ratio, making you faster and stronger. Every pound lost increases your average cycling speed, emphasizing the importance of weight in your cycling journey. To maintain a sound body, a balanced diet rich in protein, vegetables, and vitamins is crucial. Avoid consuming high amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol, and limit junk food, such as pizza and burgers, before cycling as they can weaken muscle strength and reduce average cycling speed. Proper nutrition is key to a successful workout and a healthy body.

11. Practice Yoga and other workouts

Yoga is a powerful form of exercise that enhances core strength, increases flexibility, and improves breathing. It also helps relax the muscles during cycling, leading to better performance. Don’t make the mistake of thinking cycling alone is enough to build muscle. Cross-training with activities such as running, swimming, hiking, weight lifting, and interval training will take your fitness to the next level. Incorporate yoga into your cross-training regimen for optimal results.

12. Look forward and rest leg will do

When descending technically, direct your gaze towards your desired destination and loosen your upper body while cycling. Your bike will naturally want to pick up speed, so maintain focus and trust in your bike to follow the optimal line. Minimize upper body movement to conserve energy, as excessive movement can drain energy and disrupt your balance. Keep a relaxed posture and let your legs guide you, channeling all your energy into pedal strokes.

Special feature: tips on how to improve cycling speed and endurance

Physical endurance is the foundation of all high-level fitness such as threshold power and aerobic capacity. Improving muscle endurance requires consistent and dedicated training over time. However, by implementing a focused and smarter endurance training regimen, you can achieve your fitness goals with less time spent on tedious exercises. Once you have developed your physical endurance, you will no longer have to spend excessive time on endurance-building exercises. To reach higher-intensity training, a strong foundation of both muscular endurance and aerobic activity is crucial. Without it, your improvement will be limited, like driving with the handbrake on. Incorporate endurance training into your rides, either as a separate short ride or interspersed within a long endurance ride. Also, practice your riding skills once a week to improve. Physical endurance is key to boosting body strength, which will naturally increase your average cycling speed. Join “Endurance Cycling” events in the USA for a fun and effective way to enhance your cycling abilities. Recently in the USA, different cycling endurance events are held to introduce the new generation with a joyful cycling event. Be a part of “Endurance cycling” to increase your average cycling speed naturally.

Bottom Line

Do you want to boost your cycling speed and endurance? Don’t waste your energy on incorrect cycling techniques and terrains. Identify your weaknesses and become a top-performing cyclist. While riding is enjoyable, it won’t automatically make you faster. Focus on fitness, nutrition, technique, and fun-based exercises. I have compiled all the crucial tips and tricks to make your road bike go faster. Apply these ideas and see the results for yourself. You will become a stronger, fitter, and more skilled cyclist, capable of reaching new heights in cycling speed and performance.