A common cycling misperception is that riding faster requires a lot of money. While high-ticket items like fancy racing bikes, aerodynamic wheels, and special clothing certainly won’t hurt to improve your speed, riders often fail to optimise their existing bike and gear before shelling out thousands on new equipment. And some of the most effective ways to increase your average riding speed cost absolutely nothing.

Of course, most cyclists don’t ride only to go fast. Some people ride for exercise, others ride to push themselves, to enjoy the outdoors, or for transportation. But even if you’re not seeking a faster pace, these free tips will save you energy so you arrive at your destination feeling fresher.

Get More Aero

Professional riders spend time in the wind tunnel optimising their riding position for speed and better aerodynamics, but that takes a lot of time and money. Reducing your frontal profile is a good way to get more aero for free. This might mean riding more in the drops (versus on the hoods or bar tops), but it’s not always that simple. And riding in the drops for a whole ride isn’t that comfortable.

Getting lower also doesn’t always mean faster, so pay attention to riding narrower. One common way to do this is to install a narrower handlebar, but a bar can cost money. Turn your brake hoods inward to narrow your profile without spending even a cent.

Choose a Tighter-Fit Kit

One-piece skinsuits and speed suits worn by pro cyclists help cheat the wind but also cost hundreds of rands. Plus, many riders don’t want to wear super-tight clothing on rides for comfort or aesthetics. However, you can see aerodynamic benefits simply by opting for tighter-fitting cycling clothes.

Gain some free speed on the road by choosing a club-fit jersey instead of a t-shirt and ditch the baggy overshorts for bibs. Also, on days with changing weather or conditions, stuff your jacket into a jersey pocket or bag instead of riding with it wide open and flapping around.

Clean Your Chain

A clean bike is a happy bike, and a clean chain rides faster than a grimy one. In addition to the cost savings benefit of reducing wear on your drivetrain, cleaning your chain also allows you to pedal more efficiently. A rusty chain or one coated in lube and dirt robs you of watts with every pedal stroke.

Learn to properly lube your chain to prevent it from gumming up with dirt and debris. Use the right lube for your riding conditions, and wipe your chain clean of excess lube after you apply it.

Check Your Pressure

Most riders know not to ride with too-low tyre pressure, but did you know that too-high pressure can also rob you of speed?

If your tyres are rock hard, they will ping off every imperfection in the road surface rather than conforming to it and rolling fast. Not only is this slower, but too much pressure can add to your overall body fatigue; it makes you tired more quickly, which can slow down your ride.

Cornering and Braking

Riders usually look to equipment and aerodynamics to make them faster. However, improving and sharpening your cornering technique is sometimes even more important. If you have to get up to pace again after each turn, not only is it slower, but you are using a lot of power to do it. You can increase your riding speed by learning when to brake and how to carry momentum through turns.

The best way to improve these skills is through practice. Go to an empty parking lot (or an office park on a weekend when no vehicles are around) and get comfortable with scrubbing speed before a turn versus grabbing a fistful of brake mid-corner. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Bonus Tip: Don’t neglect nutrition and hydration on rides—Nothing will slow you down more than bonking.

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