Once you start cycling and get comfortable, speed can become addictive. Even seasoned riders who have been biking for years can be constantly searching for ways to improve their overall average speeds and the top speeds they achieve. There are plenty of ways to shave off some time by modifying your road bike. There are modifications and parts that can be bought to add power or to make it lighter, as well as free (or low cost) everyday techniques that anyone can use. These modifications can be broken down into a few categories based on the metric that they target.

Weight

• Remove all unnecessary accessories such as fenders, baskets, water bottles, cargo racks, etc. Though it might not seem like much weight at first, even removing a pound or two can make a difference in the long run.

• Losing bodyweight can have a similar effect on reducing the weight of your bike. The lighter you are the less mass you need to shift and the faster you can sprint. Invest in lighter pedals and similar parts for reduced air resistance.

• If you have the money for a serious upgrade, consider replacing your frame with a lighter one. Steel frames can be upgraded to aluminum alloy and aluminum can be upgraded to a super lightweight carbon fiber frameset. These are not necessarily cheap but if speed is something you really want then it is worth considering.

Aerodynamics

The next most obvious way to increase your top speed is by improving the aerodynamics of your ride. This can be done in several ways.

• Riding lower is always better. You will notice that professional riders lean far forward with their heads down, arms out front, and elbows tucked in tight to reduce the size of their front and overall cut down on drag. Though you might not want to assume a full racing stance you can start by lowering your handlebars to naturally bring down your seating height.

• If you do want to go for the full on racing position, a set of clip-on handlebars can get you there in a flash. These include padding to rest your elbows and forearms while giving a forward grip to grab on to for stability and leverage.

• Wheels that have been designed for improved aerodynamics can be installed in place of the stock wheels that your bike came with. Aerodynamic wheels tend to be lightweight, have fewer spokes, and narrow rims. By reducing the number of spokes and decreasing the size of the rims there is less drag on the wheels.

Efficiency

The third major way to improve your bike’s top speed is to increase its efficiency. This means both the efficiency with which the machine runs and also your own body’s mechanical efficiency.

• It is extremely important to always keep your bike clean. The frame and wheels should be wiped down in order to reduce drag, but the drivetrain also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis if you expect to max out the bike’s full speed potential. Cleaning the drivetrain can be done well and thoroughly with a good quality degreaser and a chain cleaning device. Though at first it may seem silly to buy a tool specifically to just clean bike chains, a chain cleaner can really get into every groove, nook, and cranny to ensure all the gunk and road debris that may have got trapped is removed. You may be surprised at how much of a difference doing this regularly can make.

• After cleaning the drivetrain, be sure to properly lubricate everything. More lube is not necessarily better. You want full coverage but not an excess as this will just slow things down and attract unwanted dirt, ultimately slowing you down. Do not settle for generic lubricants either. Muc-off makes some of the best bike chain lube out there. Their basic wet ceramic lube is great for most applications, but if you really want to see a difference and do not mind paying for it, splurge on their limited edition Hydro Dynamic chain lube.

• An easy and free adjustment anyone can do is to make sure their seat is the right height. This might seem like a no-brainer but if your seat is at the wrong height then you may not be utilizing the full power of your legs when pedaling. You should be making a full extension at the farthest pedal position but still have a firm connection between your foot and the pedal. If it feels like you are reaching or on the brink of it, then your seat needs to come down. If your knee is too bent then you should move it up.

• Keep tires inflated to the correct pressure to reduce roll resistance. Having them be either too hard or too soft is detrimental. The ideal pressure can depend on a lot of factors, including your personal weight and riding style, so it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Start with the manufacturer suggested pressure and make adjustments based on your performance.

Something else you can consider doing is changing up your gear ratio. This ratio is the mathematical relationship between the pedal crank and your rear cog. The higher this ratio is, the higher your top speed can be but it is also harder to accelerate. The opposite is also true. To increase your ratio you can either get a larger crank or a smaller rear cog (only recommended for fixie or single gear bikes). For example, if your bike came with a 44 tooth crank, you can switch it out for a 48 tooth one and increase your potential top speed by several percentage points. If you are starting to experiment with increasing speed this way, do not make too big of a change to start with since you may not be comfortable with the accompanying changes in your ability to accelerate.

There are many things one can do to increase a bike’s speed. Whether you are a racer or just need to get to work faster, see what some of these tips can do for you.

Casual biking has been growing tremendously recently, and one of the best side effects of this growth is that there are a lot of choices available when picking out your new ride. In many ways, biking is as much about style as transportation, so many find it to be important that they have a bike that represents them and is a joy to ride and display. In this article, we have put together something special for those who know exactly what they want: a pink beach cruiser. These pink beach cruiser bikes are both gorgeous and comfortable to ride up and down the drag whenever the mood strikes. Beach season is coming up, so it is time to get yourself a new bike and get it ready to show off. These are our favorite men’s and women's beach cruiser bikes for this year.

Schwinn Ladies Perla 7-Speed Cruiser Bicycle 26" Wheels

A classic Schwinn always makes a statement and this Ladies Perla is no exception. It has a curvy and flirtatious look that is finished off with an all-over light pink color scheme. The step-through frame is both attractive and practical for mounting and dismounting with ease. The 7-speed twist shifters use a Schwinn rear derailleur to ensure smooth shifting. It also includes alloy linear pull brakes for reliable and secure stopping. The saddle is padded and mounted on springs to add comfort to the ride, and full wrap fenders prevent splash back from wet surfaces, both keeping you dry and adding style. This particular bike comes in a coral option as well for those who like their pink a bit bolder.

Kent Susan G Komen 7-Speed Beach Cruiser Bike

Though one might ride a pink bike because it is attractive, it is nice to be able to use it to promote a good cause as well. Kent has made this 7-speed beach cruiser specifically to promote breast cancer awareness. They donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen foundation to fight breast cancer. This bike by Kent features a Tig welded frame and fork made from steel that can withstand plenty of daily usage. There are both front and rear hand brakes so you can use whichever you are more comfortable with. It can be put together in less than an hour and rides well for many miles with all the stock parts. The wraparound chain guard and full fenders make great functional accents, but what is really impressive is the detailing and design all over the frame. This is quite the beautiful bike for a very reasonable price.

26'' Huffy Deluxe Single-Speed Women's Cruiser Bike

Those who prefer a single speed bike can enjoy the all-pink color scheme as well. Huffy’s deluxe single speed cruiser not only features a bright coral pink frame but also pink tires, pedals, and even a matching pink basket that can be mounted in front. The swept-back handlebars with two-toned grips paired with the padded pink seat provide a great deal of comfort. Aside from the basket, there are several other useful accessories included with this model, such as a pink cup holder and a reflector for safety on the rear fender. Huffy is well-known to make great products that ride well and last a long time, so you do not need to worry about sacrificing quality for aesthetics with this cruiser. With the front basket and rear rack, it is also very functional for commuting to work, school, or even on a shopping trip. If standing out is what you want to do, this is the bike for you.

Sixthreezero Women's 26-Inch Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Perhaps you are looking for a bike that shows off your pink personality but is not so in-your-face about it. If that is the case then consider this beach cruiser by sixthreezero. The frame and chainguard are a nice coral, but there are other colors throughout to keep the coloring from being over the top. The rims are a nice light blue and the seat and handlebar grips are a classic dark brown. To tie it all together the fenders are decorated in a paisley pattern that incorporates all the colors. As for functionality, the paisley coral option comes in a 1-speed and 3-speed configuration, making it best suited for casual use or light commuting. There are no hand brakes, instead coaster braking is what you will use on this machine by simply backpedaling when you want to slow down. The 3-speed option is built with the reliable Shimano internal hub and a Nexus shifter, both solid products. This is definitely a bike that will last you many summers and never go out of fashion.

Firmstrong Bella Women's Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Firmstrong bikes are getting quite the solid reputation for being well made and durable. This Bella bike comes in an attractive pink that covers the frame, fenders, rims, and chainguard for a seamless pink color scheme. The black accents of the tires, pedals, seat, and grips do well to highlight your color choice in a classic way. This particular color combination comes in 24” 1-speed, 26” 1-speed, and 26” 3-speed configurations, which are all perfect for beach cruising. The oversized seat propped on double coil springs and wide tires absorb all manner of bumps and shocks in the road to make for a smooth and comfortable ride. As with the Sixthreezero bike, the Firmstrong Bella uses rear coaster brakes in its single and 3-speed models. The thick top cruiser frame is a bit heavier than a classic cruiser frame, which makes it better able to stand up to heavier loads and usage.

It is never to early to start getting ready for beach season. Hopefully, we have given you some good ideas and guidance as you try to decide what ride you are going to be cruising around on this year. One thing is for sure, though, you will definitely look good while doing it!

Like with mountain bikes, the fixie community has grown tremendously over the past few years. Before it took off those of us who wanted a good set of front and rear wheels would usually have to build them ourselves if we wanted to avoid paying a large amount of money. While there is a sense of pride that comes with doing the research to find the best hubs, spokes, and rims and them building your own custom set-up, the growth of fixie biking means that there are now a lot of great and affordable fixed gear wheelsets to be found online. Fixies are already fairly simple machines but taking this extra step out of the assembly process means it is that much easier and quicker to get going on your new bike.

The composition of fixie wheels tends to be fairly standard. They are usually 700C in size and made up of the fixed rear hub, lock ring, cogs, and spokes. Most wheelsets feature flip-flop hubs which have a fixed gear on one side and a freewheel gear on the other, to allow for coasting. The primary difference in wheelsets tends to be material and design, both for aesthetics and functionality.

Retrospec Bicycles Mantra Fixed-Gear/Single-Speed Wheelset with 700x25C Kenda Kwest Tires

For the beginner fixed gear biker, this wheelset is a decent introductory option, both in price and quality. Unlike many sets, this one includes tires, which are made by Kenda Kwest and well suited to urban street environments. They install quickly and include a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or free depending on preference. These also come in a multitude of colors to match whatever frame and aesthetic you may be going for.

Vuelta ZeroLite Track Comp 700C Wheel Set

Vuelta is a respected brand in wheels and the ZeroLite Track Comp 700C wheelset is no exception to their high-quality standards. At weights of 1007 g for the front wheel and 1144 g for the back, this is alight set that will barely add any noticeable difference to your frame. This set will help reduce effort expenditure and increase speed when paired with the right tires. The rims are 30 mm with a medium depth v and aluminum alloy pinned clincher rims with CNC sides. The hub is flip-flop with a one-speed freewheel that can be easily adjusted. This handmade set holds up very well and is a great option for the average fixie rider.

Pure Fix 650C 45 mm Micro Wheelset

Pure Cycles make a lot of fixie bikes and components. Most fixies use 700C wheels but if your frame is smaller due to personal size or retrofitting then you may need smaller wheels, such as this 650C set. When going outside of standard sizing it is important to stick with a trusted brand such as Pure Cycles to ensure the same great performance. The almost-standard flip-flop hub is also found in this wheelset, with a pre-attached 16T fixed and 16T freewheel cogs. The rims are super deep and made of double-walled aluminum, with a single accent spoke color to add some style. This particular set comes in three colors (black, orange, and white), which will work with most bike color schemes. If using on a bike frame that is not specifically made for 650C you may have some trouble running brakes, so be sure to check the compatibility first.

Solomone Cavalli SC Fixed Gear 700c Tri Spoke 5-Spoke Rim Fixie Bicycle Wheel Set

If style is your first priority and weight is not a concern, consider the five or 3-spoke wheelsets from Solomone Cavalli. These are sure to get you noticed wherever you go due to the minimal spoke design. Since a few spokes are replacing 20+ these wheels are a bit heavier than the standard alternatives but once you get them rolling the momentum cannot be beaten. These are 700C and made of a magnesium alloy. The flip-flop hub only comes with a fixed gear, but a freewheel cog can be purchased separately and added onto the threaded other side of the hub. The front and back wheels are sold both separately and as a set, and the three-spoke design also comes in white. Reviewers who have purchased this set consistently compliment the smooth ride and durability.

State Bicycle Co Lo Pro Classic Fixed Gear + Freewheel Wheelset

Sometimes, flashiness is not desired. Performance does not always have to be packaged with an attention-grabbing exterior, and if that sounds appealing to you, then check out State Bicycle’s low profile wheelset. The lightweight aluminum alloy wheels are both classic and understated, allowing your choice of frame to really pop. As with most fixie wheelsets this comes with a flip-flop hub with both the fixed and freewheel cogs included. Though this is a more pricey option, State Bicycle Co. is a well trusted brand that is known to make products that last for many miles over varied terrain. This is actually one of the most sought-after products made by State Bicycle Co., so anyone who purchases and uses this set can rest assured that it has been well tested all over.

The wheels you choose to use on your fixed gear bike can make a big difference in how they work and ride. It is important to get a wheelset that not only fits your aesthetics but also the functionality you are going for. Most wheelsets are sold without tires, but these can be easily purchased and installed once you know what wheels you need and what the application will be. There are even colored tire options if that is something you are interested in. No matter which design you choose, be sure to purchase your wheelset from a trusted manufacturer. If you have any trouble with installation or even picking a set your local bike shop can be a great help. You might also consider one of the many online forums or a local meet-up group for advice as well, but we think the sets we’ve highlighted here are a great place to start.

In the low-cost category, Critical Cycles cannot be beaten. Their Chatham models, in particular, are extremely well made and easy to maintain for any newbie rider. The Chatham comes in multiple color combinations and can be purchased as a 1-speed, 3-speed, or 7-speed machine. The hand-built steel frame is designed to help absorb shock for a comfortable ride, with the extra thick top tube providing even more shock absorption than the standard frame. The Sturmey Archer hub on the 3-speed bike and Shimano derailleur with RevoShift grip shifter on the 7-speed were thoughtfully chosen to build a reliable and smooth drivetrain. This is a great option for anyone looking to buy their first cruiser.

Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Firmstrong makes high-quality but affordable cruisers for everyone. The Urban Man beach cruiser is their best selling model and for good reason. Its classic design featuring wide whitewall tires is quite eye-catching. Anyone can put this bike together in no time at all, as it comes 80 percent assembled already and it is very durable with little tune-up maintenance required over its lifetime. The oversized seat with double coil springs is designed to make your ride as comfortable as possible. The single and 3-speed options rely on rear coaster brakes, but the 7-speed model comes with front and rear handbrakes installed, so be sure to pick whichever fits your riding style best. Firmstrong sells several accessories that are made specifically to fit their bikes, such as fenders and cargo racks, though there are some packages for this particular bike that include fenders and a bell if that is something you might be interested in.

Mongoose Men's Malus Fat Tire Bicycle

This bike is quite distinguished and will really make you stand out wherever you go. The supersized beach cruiser frame is fairly simple and the handlebars have a short and flat BMX style, but where the Malus really stands out is its tires. The oversized 4” mountain tires can roll over anything that gets in their way. Sand, snow, embankments, and dunes are all no match for this bicycle. It only comes with a 7-speed drivetrain, but anyone buying this bike certainly has more than some flat lane strolling in mind. There are disc brakes on both the front and rear so the rider can reliably stop and control their speed. The body only comes in silver with your choice of colored rims, but do not worry about being boring. If you are riding around on a fat tire Mongoose people will see you coming and remember you when you have left.

Women

26" Kent La Jolla Cruiser Women's Bike

Kent makes affordable and stylish entry-level cruisers, with the La Jolla being their most popular model. This bike features a curvy and attractive step-through frame and a subtle but feminine color scheme, proving that blue is not just for guys. The lightweight aluminum frame is easy for beginners to get moving and maneuver around town. The La Jolla is a single speed with coaster brakes, so it may not be for everyone, but anyone coming from a fixie or without any habits to unlearn will have no problems mastering the mechanics. The full package comes with multiple useful and attractive accessories, including a front-mounted basket and fenders to keep the rider protected from road splashback. As far as starter bikes go you cannot do any better than the Kent La Jolla cruiser.

Schwinn Women's Sanctuary 7-Speed Cruiser Bicycle

For decades Schwinn has made some of the best and most iconic bicycles. The Sanctuary 7-speed cruiser is no exception to the legacy that they have built. The steel cruiser and fork combined with padded and spring mounted saddle absorb shocks and bumps to ensure a comfortable ride no matter how long you may be on it. The Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters are top-quality and will require little long term maintenance while providing smooth shifting action for hundreds of miles of use. To top it all off, this model includes full fenders to protect the rider from rain and mud, as well as a rear cargo rack for toting around your bags and other items. Though simple at heart, the Sanctuary by Schwinn has so much going for it that it is difficult to turn down.

Sixthreezero Around the Block Women's 26-Inch Cruiser Bike

The Around the Block model by sixthreezero is one of the highest-rated bikes on Amazon. With 400 customer reviews and a near perfect 5-star rating, there is no doubt that this bike has been well tested and loved by many. This model comes in four different drive train options, the common 1-speed, 3-speed, and 7-speed configurations, but also a 21-speed model which is perfect for hilly terrain and long distances. All models feature a durable steel frame that can last as long as you do, as well as an extremely comfy seat and positioning that will let you ride for hours. Sixthreezero’s bikes can be put together easily and quickly so you can get off on a casual jaunt shortly after it arrives at your door.

No matter what your need, style, or budget is there is a beach cruiser out there for everyone. These classic looking bikes are easy and fun to ride as well as simple to maintain. They are perfect for riding around town for both transportation and leisure.You will make a statement with them no matter where you go, so get used to people checking you out!