An increase in bicycle riding speed is what helps riders to win races. Technological advancements in the design and efficiency of bicycles give riders that increase in speed that they desire. In order to take advantage this technology, you need to have a basic understanding of where it is applied.
Less weight is an advantage that has been pursued since the Italians first introduced light weight aluminum bicycle frames. The speed of many bikes today is the result of incorporating carbon fiber and lighter aluminum composites into the overall frame, handlebars, seat stem and front fork. However, the weight is only part of what makes a bike fast.
To truly produce speed, a rider must efficiently transfer their muscle power to the rear tire’s propulsion. This is accomplished by optimizing the gear ration between the crank and a rear cog. The induction of multiple gears was originally intended to give bicyclists a mechanical advantage while allowing them to maintain the same number of peddle rotations per minute, which increases speed in climbing.
Speed is also achieved by conforming the rider’s body to an aerodynamic position to avoid wind resistance. The use of aerodynamic-handlebars and narrower seats facilitates this speed advantage.