3 Simple Tips to Bike Faster:
Tire Pressure
Clean Chain
Seat Height
Free Speed.
Wheeeeee!!
We all enjoy the thrill of speed. Speed makes biking fun (and easier.) Whether you're cruising along the beach or racing up mountain tops. Bicycling is one of the finest ways to enjoy nature's beauty. So exhilarating, you forget it's even exercise. Well, until you climb a hill…
Before your next bike ride, first take out your pump and fill up your tires. Pumping the tires will make your bike ride faster by making the pedaling much easier. In physics terms, the more your tire contacts the ground, the more friction opposes it. I know, nerd-talk. In simpler terms, flatter-tires ride slower. The correct tire pressure depends on the tire. Correct pressure is usually sneakily marked on the side of the tire. It's a number followed by PSI (ex. 100 PSI.) Pump your tire up to at least that number.
The next quick, although admittedly sometimes gross tip, is to clean your bike's chain. The chain is supposed to look like metal, clean metal. If it looks like a black, dirty mess, it's slowing you down. A dirt covered chain provides more friction. Again, making it harder to pedal and thus slowing you down. If you have a bike chain degreaser, use that. Or you can wipe the dirt down with water and soap. The cleaner the better, but even less blackish is a drastic improvement. Make sure to re-lube the bike chain once it's clean. The lubrication makes the pedaling easier and faster.
Experiencing pain in your knees? Your seat is probably too low. Your knee should be at a slight bend at the bottom of your pedal stroke. You can usually move the seat up, down, forward and back. If you're serious, get a professional bike fit. If you just want to ride faster today, make sure it's comfortable and pain free.
And remember the faster you get on your bike, the faster you can use these tips. See you on the road 🙂
