How To Make A Mountain Bike Faster

Speed is the name of the game, and if you are looking to make your mountain bike quicker & faster - read on for some tips.

Lubrication & Drivetrain

The saying ‘smooth is fast’ certainly applies to mountain biking - and keeping a well-lubricated drivetrain will keep the bike running properly. Lubricants are important in allowing different components to work together with less friction. The less friction and energy which is wasted at a drivetrain level, equals more speed and efficient performance. As well as speed benefits, lubrication also protects the working parts of a mountain bike, meaning parts and components last longer.

There are different MTB lubes for different riding conditions; use wet lube for wet conditions and dry lube for dry conditions - this will ensure that the right lubrication is provided, whatever the weather and the riding conditions. When working on the drivetrain, it’s an ideal time to check if the chain on your bike has become stretched (a chain checker tool is ideal for this job!)

If the chain has been stretched, you will find that the bike will perform slower - without a chain in good condition, the bike will not transfer the power from the pedals properly - and the likelihood of the chain slipping is also increased, meaning you will have to stop and replace the chain, which of course will reduce your overall pace.

Another area of the drivetrain which is prone to wearing out, affecting performance - is the cassette. Cassettes, in our experience, will only provide optimum performance for 1,000 miles with typical mountain bike use, although this is not an exact figure. The easiest way to tell that your cassette needs replacing is to examine the teeth of the cassette, when worn - the teeth will resemble a shark fin VS a triangle. You may also feel the bike changing gear poorly. If you notice only a few gears are worn, replacing the entire cassette Vs repairing is probably cost-effective.

Brake Maintenance

Now that we have discussed the bike's drivetrain, it’s time to look at something else that can slow us down, the brakes! Your brakes must work when you need them to, but it’s also important to ensure that they are not slowing you down when you don’t need them. It’s more common than you think to find that brakes are binding on when the bike is in motion, meaning that your brakes are rubbing and engaging - wearing prematurely and slowing your progress.

Go Tubeless

Tubeless tyres are a great choice for those looking to speed up their riding - mainly because you can travel faster when you are not stopped, repairing punctures! Tubeless tyres also weigh less than tyres with tubes in, meaning faster times.

New Tyres

If your tyres are running low on tread, your mountain bike will have less grip. The less grip you have, the less speed you will be able to carry, especially on tricky or wet terrain. Newer tyres with decent grip levels, allow you to maximise speed and attack.

Install Clipless Pedals

Flat Pedals on mountain bikes have many benefits, but if you are searching for as much pace as possible as a rider, it’s advisable to use clipless pedals. Clipless pedals help keep your foot in the same place, allowing maximum power delivery per stroke. There are also some insanely light clipless pedals, which are ideal for those searching for weight savings.

Choosing The Right Tyre Pressure

Low tyre pressures are an instant way to lose speed when out on a mountain bike. To find the right tyre pressures, look on the tyre sidewall to reference the manufacturer's recommendations. Note, only use the manufacturer-recommended pressures as a rough guide - we recommend starting somewhere between 25-35 PSI and find out what feels best for you. It’s always worth carrying a mini pump too, to add air into the tyres when out on the trails if you feel you need to.

Suspension Tune-Up

Tuning and adjusting your bike's suspension is one of the most important things you can do to fine-tune performance. If the suspension on your bike, especially a full-suspension mountain bike is too soft, you will find that a lot of your pedalling energy is wasted and simply transferred into the suspension shock and forks, leaving a bouncy and inefficient ride.

Saddle Height

The saddle height on your bike, makes a massive difference in how efficient your pedalling efforts are. Just a couple of inches can have a massive impact. Aim to have the saddle at a height in which you can just about reach the pedal when the pedal stroke is in the down position, with your leg being completely straight.

Aerodynamics

If you have sorted the bike, now it’s time to sort yourself out! Look for the most aerodynamic mountain bike wear. It’s no good wearing baggy downhill mountain bike gear on an XC race - your MTB clothing needs to be tight, comfortable and aerodynamic to provide the minimum resistance.

Clean Your Bike

Not only does cleaning your bike make it look nicer (and look faster!) regular cleaning also keeps moving parts working and clear of debris which can foul their operation. It also gives the rider a great opportunity to check over the bike for any problems.

Bar Height

Bar Height is one of those factors which has quite a big effect on the speed at which you ride. Raising your bars allows you to place more weight over the front wheel, allowing you to maximise traction. If your bike is slack, think about adding a spacer to increase available grip - more grip equals more speed after all.