1. Consider Wider Tyres, and Pay Attention to Wheel Width
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- Wider tyres are perfect for rougher terrain, like cobbled roads or potholed B-Roads.
- A 32mm tyre is a great compromise between speed and comfort.
- Some riders, like Lotte Kopecky, used massive 35mm tyres and still averaged 40kph.
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When it comes to road cycling, teams often choose to use wider rubber than usual for events like Paris–Roubaix. This decision is based on the rough terrain, and it’s a great idea for amateur cyclists to follow suit. A 26mm tyre might be the fastest on smooth tarmac, but on rougher roads, a 32mm tyre is a more practical choice. Some riders even opted for even wider tyres, like Lotte Kopecky, Taco Van der Horn, and Fred Wright, who used 35mm tyres and still managed to average 40kph. So, if you’re planning a ride on rough terrain, don’t be afraid to try wider tyres. Double Wrap Your Bar Tape
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Mathieu Van der Poel, the eventual winner of Paris–Roubaix, made a notable change to his bike at the event: he double-wrapped his bar tape. This simple change added extra protection for his hands, making him better equipped to handle the rough terrain. If you’re a fan of Van der Poel’s riding style, you might want to consider double-wrapping your bar tape for added protection.
3. Tailor Your Gearing to the Terrain You Ride
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- Gravel-specific groupsets can provide a similar gear range to 2x set-ups.
- Lidl-Trek riders used a gravel groupset for the entire season.
- Mads Pedersen and Jasper Stuyven, both Lidl-Trek riders, regularly rode with a gravel groupset.
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At Paris–Roubaix, the terrain is rough and unforgiving. For riders who prefer to ride on gravel, a gravel-specific groupset can provide a similar gear range to 2x set-ups. This means you can have access to the same gear range as riders who prefer to ride on smooth tarmac. Lidl-Trek riders, who regularly rode with a gravel groupset throughout the season, found that it provided the perfect gear range for the terrain. Don’t Copy This!
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While aero helmets can make you faster, they’re not suitable for cobbled classics. In fact, wearing an aero helmet to a cobbled classic can make you look silly. The long, aerodynamic design of aero helmets can also make you look like you’re wearing a helmet that’s not designed for the terrain you’re riding on. Instead, opt for a road bike helmet, which is designed to provide protection for the terrain you’re riding on.
5. Ride an Aero Bike?
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- Aero bikes are perfect for riders who want to go fast.
- Most modern aero bikes can fit wide tyres.
- Refined frame layups make aero bikes more comfortable than ever.
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This year’s classics have seen a surge in riders using aero bikes. These bikes are designed to provide aerodynamic benefits, and most modern models can fit wide tyres. With refined frame layups, aero bikes are not only faster but also more comfortable than ever. If you want to go fast, an aero bike is definitely worth considering.
6. Get Your Tyre Pressures Dialled
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At Paris–Roubaix, the terrain is rough and unforgiving. Riders who used a Gravaa adaptive tyre pressure system were able to adjust their tyre pressures on the fly, making them faster and more comfortable. While this technology is still expensive, it shows where things are heading. If you want to make your bike faster and more comfortable, dialling your tyre pressures is a simple way to do so.
7. Focus on Aero Clothing
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- Aero socks and overshoes can make a big difference to your speed.
- Aero clothing is a simple and affordable way to improve your performance.
- Changing your clothing can make a big difference to your speed.
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Aero clothing is a simple and affordable way to improve your performance. At Paris–Roubaix, riders wore aero socks and overshoes, which made a big difference to their speed. Changing your clothing can make a big difference to your speed, and it’s a simple and affordable way to do so.
8. Fuel Properly!
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The single biggest thing you can do to make your bike faster and more comfortable is to fuel properly. The pros now consume an obscene amount of carbs on their rides. Make sure you take enough fuel with you on your ride, and you’ll be faster and more comfortable in no time.
news is a contributor at BlastCycle. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
