Ways to improve your bike time -- by Tom

Things which cost mostly time:

1. Get used to riding in the drops, on your aero bars, in a tucked position. This matters very little if you average under ~16mph, and matters a lot for speeds faster than this. It takes practice to be able to both hold a good aero position and keep your output high.

2. Get used to turning a relatively high cadence. People who come to biking after being runners often pedal too slowly to be efficient (like, 60-75rpm). Pedaling faster (90+rpm) lets you take hills and challenges with your lungs instead of your legs.

3. If you have clipless pedals, use them. Get used to pedaling in fast circles.

Things which cost mostly money:

1. Get a road bike. Get high-pressure tires. Adjust your handlebar position for a good balance between aerodynamics and power (that is, maybe move it down a little, but not so far that you can't put out power).

2. Get aero bars. These are great if you train to use them - they can easily make the difference between ~18 and ~20mph for a given amount of work if you can keep the "work" constant in the new position - and are a waste of cash if you don't.

3. Get clipless pedals.

Things which don't cost anything!:

1. Wear tight clothing. Your aero position is totally wasted if you wear a drag chute. Use safety pins to take up a jersey. Take a jersey to an alterationist and get it fitted. Buy a sleeveless top that's pretty much skin-tight. Bike in your swimsuit.

2. Take accessories off your bike to reduce weight.

3. Pump your tires up to their max recommended psi.