How do I make my bike faster?
Discussion
Now, I know this sounds stupid, but hear me out: I have a second hand front suspension-ed mountain bike that is a bit used in places. My wife also has a different model second hand front suspension-ed mountain bike, but having a go on hers is a lot easier to pedal and go faster/further than on mine. So what's wrong with mine? I've cleaned and greased the chain, is it bearings that need changing or something?
Completely clueless when it comes to bikes, thanks.
Completely clueless when it comes to bikes, thanks.
Tyres and tyre pressures. Off road nobbly tyres won't roll so well. Thinner tyres are generally easier as they have less resistance. However, there are moves towards a general acceptance of slightly wider tyres on road bikes, so the engineering of these will undoubtedly get better. The pressure in the tyre needs to be within the tolerated range too.
Wheels are important to consider too. A heavy wheel is harder to keep spinning than a light one.
Brake rubbing. Are the brakes clear of the wheels and are the wheels true? Wobbly wheels could catch on the brakes.
Weight of the bike and components. This makes a difference. Is the frame a lighter build? Are the components of a higher spec?
Bearings. These can be shot and if water has got into the bearings they could be missing grease and be rusty. They need to be clean, nicely greased and the bearing cone surfaces should be smooth and not pitted.
Chain and gears etc. You have said you have cleaned and lubed the chain, but is the chain ok? If the chain is worn or you have an issue with the chainrings, derailleurs or jockey wheels etc, these can have an impact on performance.
Gearing. What sort of gearing does the bike have? You could be grinding on one bike yet spinning freely on another.
Noise. I know it sounds daft, but any unexpected noise emanating from the bike means a loss of performance. If you have rattly, squeaky components, the power you put through the pedals isn't as efficient as it could be.
Saddle position. Are you too low down or too high on the other bike when sat in the saddle. Both can hinder performance.
Hills and headwind. Both hinder performance, especially if you are a bit lardy like me.
Wheels are important to consider too. A heavy wheel is harder to keep spinning than a light one.
Brake rubbing. Are the brakes clear of the wheels and are the wheels true? Wobbly wheels could catch on the brakes.
Weight of the bike and components. This makes a difference. Is the frame a lighter build? Are the components of a higher spec?
Bearings. These can be shot and if water has got into the bearings they could be missing grease and be rusty. They need to be clean, nicely greased and the bearing cone surfaces should be smooth and not pitted.
Chain and gears etc. You have said you have cleaned and lubed the chain, but is the chain ok? If the chain is worn or you have an issue with the chainrings, derailleurs or jockey wheels etc, these can have an impact on performance.
Gearing. What sort of gearing does the bike have? You could be grinding on one bike yet spinning freely on another.
Noise. I know it sounds daft, but any unexpected noise emanating from the bike means a loss of performance. If you have rattly, squeaky components, the power you put through the pedals isn't as efficient as it could be.
Saddle position. Are you too low down or too high on the other bike when sat in the saddle. Both can hinder performance.
Hills and headwind. Both hinder performance, especially if you are a bit lardy like me.
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