Many folks tell me they are starting to race triathlons and that the bike section is their most difficult part. How can I get faster on the bike? Whether you are racing triathlons, riding centuries, or just participating in group rides, many riders want to get faster. There are tons of books, magazines and websites which will detail ways to get faster. Many of them will tell you products you can buy to make you faster. Here’s the plain truth - to get faster you have to invest the time and effort (and I don’t mean just in training).

Your bicycle is a machine …YOU are the operator. It is essential to understand how the machine works in order to operate it properly. Any machine works best when it is properly maintained. Take the time to learn about your bicycle. Santa Fe Trails offers three classes on bicycle maintenance. It is not necessary for you to become a bicycle mechanic; however, by simply attending the classes you will get a better idea of how your bicycle works. I participated in a Triathlon at Shawnee Mission Park near Kansas City and observed two people that highlight this point.

First, while waiting for the porta potty a lady approached me and asked me if I knew anything about bicycles. She stated, “I bought this bike yesterday and I don’t know how to shift gears. They told me at the shop just to leave it in one gear”. Hmmmm ….

The second example was when I passed another rider who had experienced a flat during the triathlon. He held up his bike looking hopelessly at the wheel. He did not know how to fix it.

Your bicycle is a machine … YOU are the motor. If the motor is not properly matched to the rest of the machine, it will not work properly or to maximum effectiveness. Your bicycle must fit you. It must be the right bike for your purpose. If you want to race on the road in triathlons, a mountain bike is a poor choice. However, if you are a beginner triathlete a time trial/triathlon bicycle may be a poor choice as well. We recommend that you start first with the bike you already have … Does your bike fit? Is it capable of achieving your objectives? If you have a good bicycle and it is the right size, consider getting a Body Geometry Fit. This is a superb way to ensure that your bicycle, your shoes, your cleats, your handlebar, your stem, your saddle, etc. are set for maximum efficiency, as well as comfort. Yes. Comfort. Most of us race bicycles because we enjoy it. There is no gain in making yourself horribly uncomfortable in order to “get through the ride”.

Your bicycle is a machine … YOU are the engine. You could have the finest automobile in the world, but if you put a poor engine in it, it will not go fast. Train smart. Sounds easy, right? Well it can be, if you start by setting specific objectives you want to reach. Do you want to complete a triathalon? Score in the top 3 of your age/category? Race in a long road race? Increase your speed in criteriums?

Next, develop a plan to reach your objective. The Cyclists Training Bible by Joel Friel is one of my favorite sources. Joel describes how to make a training plan. He even includes one in the back of the book. This is a great book to read, highlight and constantly reread throughout the season. My favorite chapter is Chapter 3, intensity. Quality training with the requisite intensity and quantity make all the difference. Develop a plan and stick to it. Use events throughout the season as bookmarks to your plan. Use events like the Spring Criterium Series to motivate you. To challenge you. To assess your development. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see immediate results. Putting the time in on a bicycle is like making a prudent investment. It will reward you in time.

Wow! A bicycle shop owner writes a blog about getting faster on a bicycle and has not mentioned buying a new one in five paragraphs. That’s a shocker! Better bicycles will help. However, if your bicycle fits you, you know how to use it and you are properly trained you are guaranteed success. Come see us at Santa Fe Trails Bicycle Shop. We want to help you ride your bicycle faster.