Hybrid is a multi purpose bike included with the qualities of mountain bike, road bike and comfort bike. Presently, there are three categories for male and female cyclists available in the market with different types of features for speed and comfort. Our focus in this post is to increase the speed on a hybrid bike, so, here we will discus the tips and trick to increase the speed. The factors affecting the speed and remedial measures for those factors will also be highlighted in the subsequent paragraphs.
External Factors affecting speed of hybrid bike
There are some external factors which interfere with the speed efficiency of hybrid bike. Although, these factors cannot completely be avoided; however, minimizing these factors is possible to increase the speed at some extent and to reduce paddling force. The following few points in bullet include the external factors which usually cyclists are exposed to.
- Rolling resistance is the basic factor badly affecting the speed of hybrid bike. Additionally, the road resistance also takes more paddling force leading to over exertion of cyclist. Rolling resistance cannot be avoided permanently; however you can reduce this factor by installing light components.
- Air resistance is also a common factor leading to reduction of bicycle speed and this factor also results in over exertion of the rider. To reduce air resistance, use light mud guards and thin tyres. Wearing light and slim dress also decrease air resistance for the cyclists.
- While paddling uphill, the resistance forces increase and the speed of bicycle decreases. More the height of path more power required to paddle for moving upward. This factor can only be eliminated by leaving the path or going on reducing the other factors.
Internal Factors affecting speed of hybrid bike
Apart from the above mentioned external factors, there are some internal factors/problems of the bike. These factors can easily be eliminating by taking care of the bicycle or customizing the configuration.
- Chain friction is a common internal factor influencing the speed of hybrid bike. The chain friction increases when chain is dry or rusted. Moreover, over tight and loose chain also leads to reduction in bike speed. To minimize chain friction issue, regular lubrication is recommended. Additionally, chain must be adjusted on normal position (neither to tight not to loose).
- All the ball bearings and moving parts of the bicycle decrease the speed of bicycle and make the riding tough for riders when these are dry or rusted. Moreover, rough inner of ball bearings jams the movement of bicycle parts making it tough for ride. So, all the moving parts of hybrid bike must be lubricated regularly to avoid friction.
- Tyre pressure, shape and diameter are also important factors affecting speed of hybrid bike. Deformation and low tyre pressure directly influence the speed of bike and also need more paddling force. Tyre pressure must be maintained as per recommended by the company.
- Tyres with small diameter are more resistant to speed up the bike and need more exertion on paddling. Opting for hybrid bikes with larger diameter tyres is best recommended to increase the speed of hybrid bike. Most of the hybrid bikes are manufactured with 700 CC tyres which are best for speed point of view.
- Thick tyres are more resistant due to combine resistance of air and road friction. This is the reason that all the road bikes are installed with thin tyres. So, opting for thin tyre bike like city hybrid can allow you to go faster on the road.
- Tyre material and quality also influence the speed of bike. Tyres with less material but best in quality (like rubber compound tyres) hold up less resistance for air and road.
- The efficiency of all the speed bikes depends upon front and rear gears. More the front gear is larger more the bike will go speedy. Smaller rear gears speed up the bike more easily. So, a bike with larger front gear and smaller rear gear is best for increasing the speed of hybrid bike.
- Larger rear gear with smaller front gear take less paddling force but speed down the bike. So, while paddling uphill convert your bike to this combination of gears; for plan path and faster speed reverse the gears combination.