Hey all,

Lately I've seen more road bike commuters out on the trail and they tend to just zip right by me. Obviously, their bikes are going to be much faster and with thinner profile tires and clipless pedals. Some days I'm pretty juiced and can really pump the pedals where other days I'm pretty lethargic... I'm sure part of it has to do with diet and what I had eaten beforehand, etc... I think the fastest I've ever clocked, according to Runtastic, is around 25mph or so on a short part of a flat with a slight decline. I was in the 20s yesterday probably when a roadie commuter zipped right by me. It would be nice to at least be able to keep up...

I ride an older 2003 Trek 7700fx with the original 700x35 tires and also old-fashioned platform pedals. I did order a pair of Gatorskin 700x32s to check out so that might help a little I'm thinking. Should I strongly consider going to clipless too? Or maybe just toe cages? My commute is only slightly over 4 miles. I do ride sidewalks part of the time (in the [commercial/business park] area that I ride sidewalks, it's actually safer amidst morning traffic on the main roads IMHO). There's been a couple instances where I've scraped the pedal against the ground while leaning too sharply... not sure if that's a factor or a whole different issue (with bike fit).

Of course, riding more and building up my leg muscles is probably a huge part of the equation I'm forgetting too
Any other suggestions though?