What makes a bike fast….

WHAT MAKES A BIKE FAST?

That is a great question I get asked a LOT.

First off, any bike can be fast if the right person is riding it.  Bikes are not fast in reality as they do now move unless force is applied to the pedals.

Second, Marketing does not make a bike fast despite the most valiant efforts of some major (and not so major) brands.

In my opinion, what makes a bike fast comes down to four main components.  As with all things, speed is going to be subjective based on many factors.

I will actually not include what is the key factor to making a bike fast as it is way too obvious and requires nothing more than common sense.  A CLEAN BIKE IS A FAST BIKE.  If you have a bike is solid operating order that is meticulously clean (especially the drive train), nothing will make you faster.  All other four opinion below are pointless.

First is aerodynamics.  A true aerodynamic bike simply looks aerodynamic (and fast!).  Legitimate bike brands utilize wind tunnel testing and test from an array of yaw angles, not simply head on.

Tied for first could potentially be the most important.  That would be seat tube angle and how that seat tube angle jives with your body’s geometry.  A slack seat tube angle just will not engage the quadriceps and glutes which are most effective and efficient power producers.  I am talking about people with basically “normal” build which is 90% of people including professionals.

Stiffness is another key factor.  The stiffer the bike is, the more power it transfers.  This can also mean a much harsher ride.  It is the price for speed in many cases.  Super High Modulus carbon is the stiffest and fastest, but you might lose a filling or two.

The weight of a bike is important.  However, on flat to rolling terrain, I believe that is much less applicable.  I would say a bike going up a beyond classification climb has an argument that weight might trump all.  If you are extremely fast uphill, I think aerodynamics could play a role but not nearly as much as someone going 40 kph on the flats.  Also, with aerodynamic bikes, comes additional weight.  More material equals more weight.  That is why triathlon bikes could be used as a very effective boat anchor.

Always “vet” a brands statement.  The fastest and lightest bike doesn’t mean shit with no backup data.  Some so called aerodynamic claims can actually be counterproductive for some riders.