Originally Posted by
DorkDisk
4) Spin fast. Constant 90rpm is a good start.
These article offer alternate opinions on "optimum cadence":
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitnes...-froome-191779
https://blog.mapmyrun.com/whats-the-...-for-cyclists/
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a2630...ncrease-speed/
https://www.active.com/cycling/artic...ng-cadence-101
For the OP: I do agree that the rider (strength, endurance, etc.) accounts for the majority of the difference in speed. But having just purchased within the last month both a 2019 Trek FX S6 fitness bike (one of the faster fitness/hybrid bikes) and a 2018 Cannondale SuperSix Evo, there is a definite speed difference between the two with me as the constant variable. I routinely finish a familiar local ride circuit about 10%-20% faster on my Cannondale than my Trek. Even acknowledging that traffic/lights can play a factor, I have always finished faster riding the road bike than the fitness bike, the difference is only in how much faster. And I feel way less tired afterwards. The Cannondale is just so much more efficient transferring my power/effort into speed, on all surfaces and gradients.