Your bike can be faster if you make a series of specific modifications. And we are not talking about change of components or mounting lighter or high -end pieces, but of applying small details that make a difference and that provide marginal gains that influence the performance and speed of your bicycle.
We have prepared a list of simple tricks that you can apply for those who do not need to invest money. Surely you are already applying some of them without realizing that they are part of the list of basic recommendations so that you earn some extra watts extra to your bicycle.
1. Clean the bicycle
It may seem like a first simple or well -known trick, but many cyclists are not yet aware of
The importance of shooting with an ever clean bicycle. A thorough cleaning every week or
After each output and the subsequent lubricated of its gears and moving parts will guarantee a proper functioning of all components, greater fluidity in the pedaling, better braking and a softer movement with less friction of the axes, bushings, etc.
2. Gate the chain
After cleaning the bicycle, perhaps the component you should never forget
grease is the chain. An greased chain with a quality oil and wax has a more fluid and comfortable pedaling cadence. Something that translates into an improvement in rhythm, average speed and energy saving.
A study by Friction Facts aims to roll with a dirty chain can get to lose the cyclist up to 12 watts of power compared to a clean and well lubricated.
3. Lubricate the mobile components (pedals, rotation points, suspensions ...)
Although its importance is not as crucial as the chain, grease the gears or springs of the automatic pedals, as well as rotation points of the tilting of a double of MTB, or the own
suspensions, they will make softness and better absorption of the irregularities of the land. A correct greased provides improvements for the behavior of these mobile pieces that avoid loss of friction speed.
4. Adjust the changes
One of the mechanical incidents that make us lose our pedaling cadence are the so -called pulls or marches that occur when the transmission is not correctly adjusted. It is a simple adjustment that just requires losing a few minutes. If you don't know how to do it, any bicycle mechanic can do it quickly and in detail. Changing gears quickly and fluid without jumps, hooks or similar will allow quick accelerations, adaptations to rhythm changes and, ultimately, speed gains.
5. Increase tire pressure
The covers are the only bicycle component in contact with the ground and the one that slows the bicycle, in addition to the brakes themselves. If you want to win a few km/h more, go up slightly
The pressure of your covers. You will lose traction and grip, but you will gain fluidity pedaling.
6. Lower the height of the handlebar
Lowering the position of the power, leaving the management spacers up, reduces the height of the handlebar and helps to adopt a more aerodynamic posture on the bicycle. The same if you have reversible power and install this with a negative angle. When rolling or blading, an extra watt gain will be noticed and your speed average will increase.
7. Keep the straight armchair and at the ideal height
Related to the previous one, this more coupled position does not have to be at odds with the height of the armchair. You must have the precise measure to be able to pedal with the appropriate knee and back flexion, without forcing the posture. It must also be straight, both in inclination and in position, and perpendicular to the handlebar. It is important that you learn
How to adjust the correct height of your bicycle armchair.
8. Increase pedal voltage
Turning the tensioning screw of your automatic pedals will allow you to better fix the foot to the pedal without lateral movement and print more energy to the pedals without watt loss. This is especially important to upload repeches or ports.
9. Avoid chain crossings
This goes beyond the bike adjustments itself and more with how to use your bike changes. If you use a double dish, make sure that when the small dish is set by the largest pine nuts, and the big one with the small pine nuts. Chain crosses are counterproductive for agile pedaling, generates resistance to pedaling itself and extra wear in transmission.
10. Eliminate superfluous accessories
When making a certain route or bicycle training, we have to make sure to take the essential accessories for each type of route and do without those who will not be useful: drum and carrier, spare parts, fenders, fenders, lights, etc.
For example, if you are going to make a short and relaxed exit, carry two water drums in the picture with their respective portabidones may not be necessary. You will carry more account from the account and add extra weight of the drums and supports themselves.
Also for accessories installed in the handlebar: mobile supports, headlights, etc. If you are going to make a day route with good visibility and without traffic you can do without the lights and their support. As to
The spare parts, if there are few or occupy a small space you can take them in the pockets of the jersey or paste them with a little adhesive tape to the painting or the portabidon. In this way it will not be necessary to install a transport bag, heavier and less aerodynamics.
