Easy Ways To Improve Your Average Speed On A Road Bike

Let’s be real, we all want to ride faster. There’s something super satisfying about looking at your ride on Strava and seeing that sweet bump in your average speed. But how do you actually get faster without turning every ride into a painful sufferfest? The good news: you don’t need to be a pro or train like one.

Let’s break down some easy, fun, and effective ways to improve your average speed on a road bike, no science degree needed.

1. Start With Your Position

First things first: your body is the biggest source of drag on the bike. Yep, not your wheels or your jersey, it’s you.

Try lowering your upper body a little while keeping your arms relaxed. Tuck your elbows in and avoid sitting up like you're reading the morning paper. You don't need to look like you're about to race the Tour de France, but a more aerodynamic position helps a lot, even just at 25 km/h.

This happened to me once on a windy ride. I was pushing hard into the headwind and not getting anywhere. Then I shifted into a lower position, and boom — the resistance dropped. It felt like someone turned off the fan.

2. Spin, Don’t Grind

Next, think about your pedaling. You want to spin your legs, not grind through every revolution.

Aim for a cadence of around 85–95 rpm. Why? Because spinning saves your legs, helps you ride longer, and keeps your muscles from turning into concrete by the halfway mark.

Can you imagine climbing a hill at 60 rpm while your buddy is floating up like a feather at 90? Yeah, not fun.

3. Know When to Push

Then comes pacing. Not every ride has to be a smash-fest, but a few targeted efforts can do wonders for your speed.

Try intervals once or twice a week. For example: 5 minutes hard, 5 minutes easy. Do that 4–5 times. It’ll improve your power, and over time, your cruising speed will go up too.

I used to hate intervals, but then I noticed I could keep up on group rides without dying halfway. It filled me with joy when I finally took a pull at the front and didn’t immediately blow up.

4. Fuel and Hydrate Properly

After that, think about what you’re putting in your body. No fuel = no power.

Eat a light snack before you ride, bring a banana or energy bar, and sip water often especially on hot days.

Riding on empty is like trying to text with a dead phone. Not gonna happen.

5. Ride With Faster People

This might sound scary, but trust me, it works. Riding with others slightly faster than you pushes your limits in the best way.

Drafting alone can save you 20–30% of your energy. So, you get to ride faster and save energy. Sounds like magic, right?

The first time I joined a faster group ride, I almost turned around after 10 minutes. But I stuck it out. The next week, I lasted 20. A month later? I was holding on and even enjoying the speed. That sense of progress? Unreal.

6. Lighten the Load... A Bit

Now, I’m not saying go out and spend thousands on carbon wheels. But look at your gear. Are you carrying a toolkit the size of a toolbox? Do you really need 3 spare tubes for a 40km ride?

Trim the unnecessary stuff, and your bike will feel snappier.

Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Soft tires = slow ride.

7. Rest and Recover

Finally, don’t forget recovery. It’s not lazy, it’s smart. Speed gains come from a balance of training and resting.

Sleep well, eat well, and take a day off when your legs feel like noodles. That’s not weakness, it’s part of the process.

Final Thoughts

Improving your average speed doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple tweaks can go a long way — position, cadence, smart training, good fueling, and the right mindset.

What do you think? Ready to try one of these tips on your next ride?

Try it out today, and watch your average speed slowly creep up. Then smile, because you earned it — without turning your love for riding into a chore.

And remember: fast is fun, but fun is faster.

What’s your next step?