Ok, you hear the word all the time, and we have a basic understanding of examples but what exactly is "free speed"? To me it's an increase in velocity for little to no money or effort. For example, elastic laces save you close to a minute, and require no special amount of training and are just a few dollars.

To me, "Free Speed" has to cost less than $40, cost very little effort maybe less than a total hour of training, or if it does break one of the previously mentioned rules it must be training and money you were spending anyhow. Otherwise it's not really free. If you say I lost 25lbs that was a lot of effort, it took countless sacrifices, a few hangries, and a lifestyle change. Same with hard training. That's a result of hard work not "Free" speed. I always find it ironic when a free speed thread comes up and the first thing a person mentions is a $700 upgrade. So what does free speed mean to others?

Some examples of free speed
Shaving takes 5 minutes
Smooth transitions take a weekend
Speed laces cost just a few bucks
BTA cost othing
BTS if not BTA nothing if your saddle comes with attachment
Latex tubes $26 (actually less since you need tubes anyway)
Clean gears
Waxed chain

Boarder line
Race tires on race day, cheap tires for training- more expensive at first but in time actually saves money

---

I still lapped everyone on the couch!