How to get faster on your road bike

Updated: Jan 6, 2025

In this series of blog articles, we explain the various forces that resist forward movement on a bicycle — and how Vélobsessive addresses each of them to help our customers ride faster.

A moving bicycle and rider is a highly complex system. The factors of resistance vary constantly, especially outdoors under changing conditions. Many existing studies only examine one portion of the picture — wheel manufacturers test aerodynamic drag but ignore tire rolling resistance; wind tunnel tests often use non-spinning wheels, missing rotational drag entirely. Rather than adding to that body of research, we want to help you understand where improvement efforts have the most impact — including from a cost-to-benefit perspective. Is it really worth spending €300 on a ceramic bottom bracket? Or would that same investment in a bike fitting deliver more speed?

The diagram above shows approximate percentage contributions to total resistance at an average speed of 30 km/h over a course with climbs and descents. At higher speeds, aerodynamic drag becomes a larger share; on rougher roads, tire rolling resistance increases. Five main categories generate resistance when cycling:

• Aerodynamic drag — rider, wheels (translational and rotational), and bike frame.
• Gravitational resistance — rider, wheels, bike, and accessories.
• Rolling resistance — tires and hub bearings.
• Mechanical friction — drivetrain: chain, jockey wheels, freehub, bottom bracket.
• Braking losses — energy lost through repeated deceleration and re-acceleration on real-world courses.

When planning improvements, it's essential to consider the entire system — including the rider. It also matters whether a component is rotating or static: saving 100 g on a spinning rim has a greater effect than saving the same weight on the frame. As a reference point: reducing drivetrain friction by 20% with an oversized jockey wheel results in less than 1% improvement to overall system performance.

Aerodynamic Drag of Rider

• Improve your position with a precise bike fitting.
• Use aerodynamic clothing, helmet, and socks.

Bike fitting has by far the biggest impact on cycling performance at an affordable price. Book your bike fitting here.

Gravitational Resistance of Rider

• Reduce body weight — low cost, easily said, sometimes hard to achieve.

Rolling Resistance of Tires

• Choose the right tire for the road type.
• Adjust tire pressure to match conditions.

Aerodynamic Drag of Wheels

• Use aero wheelsets with bladed spokes and internal nipples.

Aerodynamic Drag of Bike

• Choose an aero frame, aero fork, and aero seatpost.
• Use internal cable routing.

Mechanical Friction of Drivetrain

• Keep the drivetrain clean and well lubricated.
• Choose a stiff frame to minimize pedaling power loss.
• Use ceramic bearings in the bottom bracket and jockey wheels.

Gravitational Resistance of Bike and Wheels

• Choose lightweight materials for frame, rims, and spokes.

Braking

• Improve bike handling — practice cornering at higher speeds to brake less frequently.

Rolling Resistance of Hub Bearings

• Ceramic hub bearings are an option, though their impact on overall performance is minimal — not a priority recommendation.