The most obvious obstacle to going faster is aerodynamic drag, which is the force of air rushing past you. As your speed increases, this drag increases, too. In fact, to ride at 15 mph without wind, you must use 20% more power than usual.
So, how can you go faster? Here are some tips to increase your frontal profile and cycling strength. Also, learn about proper gearing and hydration on the bike . Then, try out the recommended gearing for your riding style.
Increase your Strength
In order to increase your strength to bike faster, you need to build functional muscle mass. Strength training in the off-season is essential, as it trains muscles to produce power at low speeds. Then, during your race season, you should increase your strength by increasing your cycling intensity.
In addition, you should focus on building muscle in the right areas, as more strength equals more power on the bike. The good news is that strength gains will offset some of the additional weight you add to your frame.
Improve your Hydration
If you are looking for a way to bike faster, improving your hydration can be the key to improving your performance. The recommended daily fluid intake while exercising is eight hundred milliliters of water, but cycling bottles are usually only 500-700 milliliters. You would have to stop and refill bottles every two hours.
Therefore, it is impossible to cycle for eight hours without hydration. To improve your hydration, focus on water before and after your rides. You can also try drinking diluted fruit juices, but it is advisable to stick with water as your primary beverage.
Improve your Gearing
Improving your gearing to bike faster means selecting the right gear for the terrain you're riding. Riding in a large gear will produce more power than cycling in a small one, but not every rider generates the same amount of power.
You might be a strong rider but not as strong as another rider, so you should select a gear that will allow you to produce the most power for your efforts. The right gear will also make the chain last longer and navigating hills easier.
Improve your Aerodynamic Performance
Cycling enthusiasts may want to learn how to improve their aerodynamic performance to bike faster. Aerodynamics is the science of reducing air resistance as much as possible, which is determined by two variables - the frontal area of the bike and the density of the air around it.
While you can't change either of these factors, there are some simple things you can do to improve your bike's aerodynamic performance. For instance, you can reduce the frontal area of your bike by using specialist aero equipment, but this is not the only way, or the most effective. Even making small changes to your bike's aerodynamics can help you get faster on the bike.
