Originally Posted by Fullforce

It is really very simple: just ride LOTS! Your own body controls the speed you go. What has continually amazed me is that cycling is all about power, strength, endurance, and EXPLOSIVENESS. If you want to be fast, ride with people who are faster than you (and you'll be very surprised who they are!). I always find it comical on a fast group ride there is invariably someone in their 20s or 30s who takes a look at the age of the riders and incorrectly assumes that it is just a group of out of shape old men; that is until they are dropped by a group of 60+ riders!

Bikes are nice; get the one you like. Unfortunately, you can only gain seconds in a LONG ride with upgrades. After you buy the bike that looks great, and all the clothes you need for all weather occasions and comfort, and all the proper supplements, etc..., it's just you and the wind, or the hill, or the mountain, or the flats.

And you can continue to make gains for a long time.