Road bike tuning: What makes you fast - 7 tips for more speed on the road bike

Seating position

It affects your speed more than anything else! Head down, back flat, grip the handlebars as tightly as possible on the brake levers or in the lower handlebars: this minimises your frontal area. Compared to an upright position, you will save around 50 watts in one go at a speed of 35 km/h.

>>>More information on the influence of the body<<<

Aero frame

Depending on the design, aerodynamically optimised bikes require 10 to 20 watts less power for 45 km/h than a conventional competition racer with the same wheels. However, even a second bottle on the seat tube significantly reduces aero performance.

>>>Test of current aero racing bikes around 4,000 euros<<<

Lightweight construction

A lighter bike always feels more agile. However, it only brings measurable speed uphill - from 5 per cent incline - and often less than you think you feel. This is because you always have to consider the relation to the total weight including the rider. Rotating mass has a double effect when accelerating. That's why lightweight wheels are always desirable. Up to one kilo can be saved on wheels and tyres.

Tyres and tyre pressure

25 millimetre wide tyres are the best compromise between rolling resistance and aerodynamics. The top models from well-known manufacturers save around 10 watts in rolling resistance alone compared to simpler tyres. Lightweight tyres can save a further 2 watts. The best tubeless tyres are even a tad faster.

>>>Test 25mm wide competition tyres<<<<

Impellers

Rims 50 to 60 millimetres high save up to 15 watts at 45 km/h compared to flat rims with a drop-shaped cross-section. With even higher rims, on the other hand, not so much is saved: 70 or 80 millimetres high only save a further 2 watts.

>>>Current carbon wheels with 50mm rim height around 1000 euros purchase price in the test<<<

Clothes

An aero one-piece can reduce the power required for 45 km/h by around 20 watts compared to the combination of shorts and jersey. A rain jacket, on the other hand, costs you 35 watts. The benefit of aero helmets is in the single-digit watt range, usually at the cost of significantly poorer ventilation.

>>>Aero jerseys in the test<<<

More speed through riding technique

Tactics

Carry the speed you gain on descents and flat terrain as far as possible into the climbs. If you push off explosively on short climbs, you will get over the crest with plenty of momentum and can accelerate further on the descent.

Round step

With a close and evenly spaced sprocket set on the rear wheel, it is easier to stay in the optimum cadence range depending on the terrain in order to pedal evenly and smoothly. Conversely, if you can cope well with the larger jumps of wider-stepped sprockets, you can react more flexibly in all riding situations.