If you’ve been riding your road bike for a while, you might from time to time experience the feeling that something is holding you back and you might ask the question – What is slowing my bike down? It could just be you, as you age, but there are also a few other reasons you could be going slower.
Here are some of the more common things that could be causing you to go slower, and some potential remedies.
Bottom Bracket wobble
Do you sometimes feel your bike is rocking more than it used to when you pedal, or is there a faint knocking sound for every pedal revolution?
It’s possible that your bottom bracket is loose or even needs replacing. What is a bottom bracket I hear you ask? It is an often discussed part of the bike, but most people have never even seen theirs. That’s because it’s hidden between your pedals in the frame of your bike and is effectively the axle.
Over time, the bearings inside it will become worn and potentially need replacing. This is more likely if you ride in inclement weather because grips and water can enter the bottom bracket and cause wear and tear. For some, it might be the bearings that need replacing or even the whole bottom bracket.
The good news is, that once you replace the bottom bracket, your bike will feel…
