If you’ve ever wondered how fast you could be without spending months in the gym, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t always need stronger legs to go faster. With the right techniques and equipment, you can increase road bike speed almost immediately.
In this guide, you’ll learn how small changes in body position, cadence, rolling resistance, and tire or wheel choices can unlock real speed — without requiring more power.
Why You Can Increase Road Bike Speed in Less Effort?
At cruising speeds, wind resistance and rolling resistance matter more than raw leg strength. By reducing drag and friction, you can ride faster with the same effort.
That’s why smart riders focus on optimization before intensity.
1. Aerodynamic Position: The Fastest Free Upgrade
Your body is the biggest source of drag. Even small changes to your posture can dramatically increase road bike speed.
What to focus on?
A more aerodynamic position looks like this:
- A flatter back instead of sitting upright
- Bent elbows instead of locked arms
- Hands in the drops or hoods, not the tops
Lowering your torso reduces wind resistance and helps maintain speed on flats and descents with less effort.
Many Polygon Road bikes are designed with race-inspired geometries that naturally place you in a faster, more efficient position.
2. Cadence: Spin Smarter, Not Harder
Cadence is how fast you spin the road bicycle pedals. Instead of pushing a heavy gear slowly, spinning a slightly lighter gear faster often leads to better efficiency.
To increase road bike speed, aim for:
- A cadence of around 85–100 RPM
- Smooth, circular pedal strokes
- Avoiding “grinding” big gears at low RPM
A consistent, fluid cadence helps you maintain momentum and reduces muscular fatigue over long rides.
3. Rolling Resistance: Reduce the Hidden Speed Killers
Rolling resistance is the friction between your tires and the road. Reducing it is one of the most effective ways to increase road bike speed.
Small changes that make a big difference:
- Keeping tires properly inflated
- Using smoother road surfaces where possible
- Maintaining clean, well-lubricated drivetrain parts
A poorly maintained road bike can silently steal several kilometers per hour from your average speed.
4. Wheel and Tire Choice: Where Real Speed Gains Come From
Upgrading wheels and tires is one of the most impactful equipment changes you can make.
Tires
High-performance road tires:
- Use faster rubber compounds
- Have more supple casings
- Reduce vibration losses
Switching from basic training tires to performance road bicycle tires can instantly make your bike feel faster.
Wheels
Lighter and more aerodynamic wheels:
- Accelerate more quickly
- Hold speed more efficiently
- Improve responsiveness in crosswinds
Polygon performance road bikes are built with modern road standards that make upgrading wheels and tires simple and effective.
How Polygon Bikes Help You Ride Faster?
Polygon road bikes are engineered with speed-focused geometry, efficient power transfer, and upgrade-friendly platforms.
Some great Polygon options for speed-focused riders include:
Polygon Strattos S ALX / ACX Road Bike Series
A perfect balance of comfort and performance:
- Lightweight frames
- Fast, stable handling
- Ideal for riders who want to increase road bike speed without sacrificing control
Polygon Helios A Road Bike Series
Built for riders who want race-level performance:
- Carbon frames
- Aerodynamic tube shaping
- Designed for maximum energy efficiency and speed
These bikes are designed to make speed improvements more accessible to everyday riders and pros.
Read also: What Makes Helios A8 Di2 Road Bike Special?
A Simple Speed-Boost Checklist
Before your next ride, focus on these fundamentals:
- Adjust your position to be lower and more compact
- Keep cadence smooth and consistent
- Maintain correct tire pressure
- Keep your drivetrain clean and tuned
- Invest in faster tires when possible
These adjustments may seem small, but together they significantly increase road bike speed.
Final Thoughts: Faster Isn’t Always High Effort
You don’t have to put too much energy to gain more speed. By optimizing aerodynamics, cadence, rolling resistance, and your wheels or tires, you’ll unlock speed that was already there.
With a well-designed road bike like Polygon and smart riding habits, you can ride faster, longer, and with more confidence — without burning yourself out.
