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Fastest Bike: Guide to Increasing the Top Speed on Your Bike
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.
Best Cruiser Bikes: The Ultimate Guide for 2018
Beach cruiser bikes are quite a popular mode of casual transportation. Built for both comfort and durability, these bikes are simple to maintain and a joy to ride. If you are interested in buying one for yourself or a loved one, read on because here are the best three cruisers for men and women for 2018.
Men
Critical Cycles Chatham Men's Beach Cruiser
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!
Giant Road Bikes Reviews and Buying Advice
Giant Bicycles is one of the top names in the world of road bicycles. The company offers many good choices but you should compare each one carefully so you’ll have a clear idea of whether a road bike or a mountain bike might be more suitable and attractive for your needs.
Giant makes its bikes with aluminum frames or carbon frames in a number of different series. These are made for different riding needs. One line works for all kinds of roads while another focuses on larger rims. Another mountain bike series is made with women in mind. Each line has its own great features that add a unique look that makes your bike more attractive and useful.
TCR Advanced Bikes
Giant makes a number of lightweight road bikes in its TCR Advanced line. These are designed with lower handlebars and tall seats to create a better racing position. The models are stiff and capable of handling loads of shocks. These bikes focus on racing use.
The SLR 0 wheels in this line are designed with lighter weights. This creates a more comfortable body and adds a bit of extra support for riding.
The fork bodies are also slim enough to handle plenty of steering functions without being too tight or otherwise hard to use. This adds to the quality of the bike without making it too hard to use.
Propel Bikes
You can also find many bikes in the Propel line. These use thicker wheels with bigger rims that support more aerodynamic functions. This means that the bikes can keep you moving at a consistent rate and don’t require too much pressure, what with the wind on the bikes not being as much of a hindrance as you might think.
The rims are large enough to cut down on the drag you experience. The spokes are also flat in their organization. Carbon fiber is especially featured among Propel bikes. This material is popular for being lighter in weight than aluminum and steel and still capable of handling weights.
It will not break apart easily. It is true that the Propel series costs a little more—what with carbon fiber being relatively expensive—but the benefits are certainly worthwhile.
Defy Bikes
The Giant Defy series is made for endurance biking needs. These road bikes use disc brakes to create an added amount of control. The head tubes are taller in height and give you a more comfortable ride all the way through. This adds a comfortable feeling that is easy to enjoy and doesn’t add much of an issue to its design.
Speaking of disc brakes, the Giant Defy series uses a hydraulic system for them. This creates a better total setup and adds a sense of comfort all the way around.
Contend Bikes
The aluminum-built Contend bike series uses short chainstays. The head tubes are also tapered to make steering a little easier to handle. Rim brakes are included on most Contend bikes although the Contend SL Disc uses disc brakes as the name suggests.
Contend bikes are made for endurance riders. The key difference between the Contend and Defy series is that the Contend bikes use aluminum bodies and are less expensive than the Defy bikes made with carbon fiber compounds.
AnyRoad
Those who are going to head out on a variety of roads will benefit from bikes in the appropriately named AnyRoad series. These bikes are made for use on rough off-road spaces and asphalt alike. This does especially well with an upright seating position. Cables are also used on some AnyRoad bikes for braking.
These work with added levers to add a bit of extra braking control. This is a feature unique to the AnyRoad series that is not too hard to apply.
Liv Envie and Avail Series
The Liv Envie and Avail series of bikes are designed with women in mind. These are designed with aluminum bodies for the most part and offer comfortable contoured seats designed to fit in with a woman’s body shape.
These bikes are made with carbon fiber bodies to keep them light in weight so it won’t be tough for women to use them and move forward on them.
Buying Advice
With so many types of Giant road bikes to choose from, you might have a tough time figuring out which is right for you. There are a few pointers to follow when choosing a great bike option that you know works well enough for your riding demands:
- Think about how long you will be on your bicycle for during a typical riding session. The Defy series is better if you have a much longer route to go on.
- Take a look at how many hills or valleys you will go through versus the flat surfaces you might be around. Check and see that whatever you are using is comfortable and not too hard to handle.
- Consider how smooth the ride will be if you’re going to be on a rough surface. A lighter body that can handle more pressure like on the TCR Advanced series might be best for your needs if you want something that doesn’t create loads of shocks are you are riding.
- Look for the Propel series if you want something that offers less drag. The carbon fiber design keeps the weight down so the drag will not be significant.
- Regardless of the series you are interested in, make sure your bike of desire isn’t too bulky or heavy. You need something that you know is safe and simple for you to handle without being too rough or hard to propel.
- Don’t be too concerned about the variations in the prices of these bikes. The bikes are typically found in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Therefore, you are not necessarily going to find any significant outliers on either side of the pricing spectrum.
Good luck in your search for a great Giant road bike. With so many options, you are certainly bound to find one that fits your riding style and your comfort requirements.
How to Choose the Best Road Bike Rims and Tires
As you travel down the road on your mountain bike, your tubular tires, rims, and tread will keep you moving. These bicycle wheels are designed to work quickly and move without being too rough on your body as you ride. They should handle bumps and shocks well and still stay responsive on any road you’re on—or even off-road wheels you are using.
Still, you should watch for how the hybrid bike or mountain bike tires work as every option for your use is unique. You must know what to do when choosing the right rims and tires for a road bike. You need to look at tire width, tire size, puncture resistance, tread, and much more.
The tires and rim types are designed to provide a grip on the road. The rims will help support the tires and keep you moving. When paired together, they get you further down the road. To make it all work, however, you have to choose an option that fits well for your needs and isn’t too hard to use.
Check the Casing
You must look at the casing on your road bike tires and rims. The casing refers to how flexible the tire is and how it can keep from stretching too much. The casing helps to maintain the shape of a tire.
Check on the threads per inch (or TPI) of the casing. When the TPI is higher, the casing is thinner. This offers a lighter weight but also a lower rolling resistance. Still, they are fragile and can be quickly damaged on rough roads.
Think about the types of roads your road bike will go on. You will need an option with a lower TPI if you plan on going on rougher surfaces that aren’t always even. A higher TPI is best for the flattest and most ordinary surfaces.
The density of the casing could add a slight bit of drag to your ride. This is due to ones that are denser often taking more power for you to propel forward. The added weight can be a hassle although it will result in a stronger setup.
Review the Threads
The threads on your tires help to handle moisture, small pebbles, and other things that your bike might get onto while riding. Check on how the threads and designed and make sure they’re strong. Rubber and butyl are great for most tires but nylon or Kevlar materials might be best if you’re riding on roads that might be tougher or riskier to handle.
Some road bike tires don’t come with any threads. Such tires are best for flat surfaces that don’t have lots of small pebbles and other minimal materials you could run into. While these are simple and easy to maintain, you should be cautious when using them. You don’t want to use one of these in wet conditions where the weather is not cooperating.
Should You Go Tubeless?
Your road bike tire can come in a tube-based or tubeless design. A typical rubber tube will keep the air in perfectly. You can find some tires that use butyl tubes that don’t lose air as fast as rubber does.
Still, a tubeless tire might be intriguing if you want something that is a little easier to maintain. This does not require air but it does work with a special rim design that features a series of small connectors. These will latch to the body of your tire to keep its parts in place. This is attractive but the threads and rims can be at risk of wearing out quickly, especially with there being less space between the outside parts of the tires and the rims.
Check the Size of the Rim
The rim should never be ignored when finding great parts for your road bike. You must choose a rim that has a great section that handles air and doesn’t cause a great deal of drag.
For road purposes, a deep section rim is best. This offers a thicker design that keeps the spokes from being too long. Such rims will keep the wind from being too strong within your bike.
A narrow rim option can also be used for your setup. This uses a very slim design around the ends and often works best for tubeless tires. It creates a lightweight setup but it must be used cautiously based on how deep it can get. Be aware of what you can use when making it work in any situation.
Look At the Spokes
Don’t forget to see how the spokes on the rims are designed. The spokes can be made with flat materials. These are designed to keep from sticking out too much from outside the wheel. Flat spokes cut through the wind quite well and keep the drag in check.
Round spokes might be better if you are adding lots of weight onto the bike. They are also great if you have plenty of uphill or downhill climbs on your road bike. Flatter spokes are best for flat surfaces.
Does the Rim Have To Be Wide?
You might think that a wider rim will do more to harm your ride. The truth is that a wider rim isn’t going to add more drag onto the ride than you think.
If anything, a wider rim gives you a little more freedom and time for correcting your movements while on the road. You will have the power to keep the bike steady on the road and less likely to slip.
This doesn’t mean that you should avoid using a thinner rim. This can be perfect for many riding needs although you’d have to be cautious while on the road. A thin rim could be slippery if you’re on a wet surface or any uneven spot.
Check carefully when finding a great tire and rim set for your road bike. Such a bike can get you around on the smoothest of roads with ease but you should still watch carefully for how whatever you use has. Look carefully at how a tire is made and how the rims work so you’ll have a choice that grips onto the road and handles aerodynamics with ease.