How do you make your bike go faster?

[Deleted member 24574]

TT bikes are properly uncomfortable to ride for big distances, make observation difficult in busy traffic and tend to be optimised for straight lines which are typical courses. They are too specialised for a day's ride over mixed country.

No reason a tt bike should be uncomfortable. It all a matter of what you are used to.

Which would be why pro racers and audaxers all ride TT bikes?

Horses for courses. Having your head down and a disc wheel is fine for a 10 mile TT along a straight road, different for a twisty downhill in a breeze.

Granted right tool for the job but the reasons you change tools isn't necessarily one of just comfort. Handling, versatility all come into play. I'd not choose a tt bike for descending and alp.

 

[hamster]

...as I put in my original post.

What is fast depends hugely on the distance and terrain.

 

[Tel]

So how about aero add ons to road bikes; aero spokes, tri bars, etc?

 

[hamster]

The biggest drag is your body, so anything to get low with a flat back will help. Aero spokes will have a tiny effect by comparison.

 

[Deleted member 24574]

So how about aero add ons to road bikes; aero spokes, tri bars, etc?

Position is king the other stuff is the icing on the cake. Tri bars are the first step.

 

[Ian Raleigh]

With having an enormous cock I usually extend it and grab hold of that!
Far better than any aero bars on the market and it come with an aero helmet too

 

[Guitar106Music]

Never thought of that

 

[gregs656]

Definitely riding with other people.

 

[bm0p700f]

A properly sized bike is the best go faster aid as a comfortable rider can be a fast rider as the rider can maintain the on the drops position for long periods.

 

[Rich34]

As far as the bike is concerned, making sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure is an obvious but sometimes overlooked factor. I've frequently been guilty of having to stop after 5 minutes to put some air in the tyres.

As far as the rider is concerned, fartleks are as good a way as any to get home feeling you've had a proper workout. I'm not sociable enough (or home often enough) to ride with other people so I look ahead for something distinctive (tree, corner, etc) and sprint for it. Breaks up the monotony of just pedalling with your head down on long straights too.