Having a slow, cheap bike can make it a bit difficult to properly enjoy your bike rides sometimes, so it is best to improve the bike if you can’t afford to get a new, faster one.
Improving the slow bike can feel like a difficult task, but it dense have to be, riding a slow bike can feel like it’s stuck in mud, it is easy to get frustrated with the slow and sluggish performance.
However, there are some easy and affordable ways to get the most out of your budget friendly bike.
These adjustments won’t only help you with speed, but also with comfort and enjoyment of your rides.
In this post, I will show you effective ways to improve your slow, cheap bike, and the best part is you don’t need to spend much to get a smoother ride.
How To Improve A Slow, Cheap Bike
I have had a slow budget friendly bike once, and it was frustrating riding the bike with how slow it was, but after using the methods I’m about to list below, I started enjoying each bike ride I took way better.
So here’s how I improved my bike, and how you can too.
1. Pump Up the Tires + Check Tire Pressure
Under inflated tires were the first thing holding me back.
I wasn’t paying attention to the pressure, and that extra heaviness made every ride feel like a workout.
Once I started keeping the tires properly inflated, it made a whole lot of difference.
You’ll want to check the recommended pressure on the side of your tires and make sure you pump (see this mini one) them up regularly.
It’s a small step, but it’s important for speed.
2. Clean + Lubricate the Chain
At first, I ignored my chain.
But over time, I learned that a dirty, dry chain really brings down your speed.
A quick clean and some bike lubricant can change everything.
I now make it a habit to clean the chain every couple of weeks, and the bike feels smoother with every pedal stroke.
You don’t need to be an expert just a quick scrub with a rag and some lubricant (best one i have used) will keep things moving as it should.
3. Adjust the Brakes + Ensure Proper Alignment
I used to wonder why my bike felt so slow, even when I wasn’t pedaling hard.
Turns out, my brakes were slightly not properly set and rubbing against the wheels.
It was a small but constant drag that slowed me down.
A simple brake adjustment fixed the issue.
Now, I make sure the brakes are set properly and not touching the wheels unless I need them to.
It’s one of those things that you don’t notice until it’s fixed, and then you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
4. Upgrade the Pedals + Swap for Lighter Ones
The pedals that came with my bike were heavy and didn’t feel great under my foot.
I found that upgrading to lighter, more comfortable pedals (see this one) made a big difference in how the bike handled.
The lighter weight made pedaling easier, and the improved grip kept my feet from slipping, especially on longer rides.
If you can afford a small upgrade, changing out the pedals is worth doing.
5. Tighten the Bolts + Inspect the Frame
I didn’t realize how loose bolts could impact the ride until I started hearing a rattle.
Turns out, some bolts on the frame were loose and affecting the movement of the bike.
Tightening them up made the bike feel more solid and safe.
I now give the frame a quick inspection every few rides to make sure everything is safe, and we’ll tightened.
6. Consider a Saddle Upgrade + Comfort Counts
This one was personal for me.
The saddle like this one that came with my bike wasn’t comfortable, and after long rides, I felt it.
I decided to upgrade to a more soft and comfy saddle, and it made a huge difference in comfort.
A more comfortable ride doesn’t necessarily make the bike faster, but it definitely makes you want to ride more, and that’s a win in my book, so why not change your saddle if yours isn’t comfortable as well.
Products To Help You Improve A Slow, Cheap Bike
When I started making these improvements, I found a couple of affordable products that really helped along the way.
And they made a noticeable difference in my bike's performance without me having to spend much.
1. BV Bicycle Ergonomic Pedals + Reflector
Swapping out the cheap pedals that came with my bike for these BV Bicycle Ergonomic Pedals was a game changer.
They are lightweight, provide excellent grip, and even come with built-in reflectors for added safety during evening rides.
I noticed an immediate difference in how smooth and responsive my pedaling felt after installing them.
Plus, they ae easy to install, and you can do it yourself with basic tools.
2. Finish Line DRY Bike Lubricant
For keeping my chain running smoothly, I always go with Finish Line DRY Bike Lubricant.
It’s easy to apply, doesn’t attract dust, and makes a huge difference in reducing chain friction.
I apply it every couple of weeks, and it keeps my rides smooth and quiet.
This is a must have for anyone looking to maintain their bike without much stress.
Both of these products are simple but effective ways to boost the performance of a budget bike.
They made my ride smoother, faster, and a lot more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Improving a slow, cheap bike doesn’t require a lot of money or expert knowledge.
By making small changes like checking tire pressure, cleaning the chain, and upgrading basic components, you can transform your ride into something much more enjoyable.
These adjustments helped me get more speed and comfort out of my bike, and they can do the same for you.
The best part?
You’ll still have a bike that fits your budget but performs like something a step above.
Take your time, make these adjustments, and enjoy the ride, it’s worth the effort.
