Originally Posted by
livedarklions
Personally, I find the biggest variable in urban riding speed is how fast I can accelerate off of a traffic stop. I'm a high gear guy, but I suspect that people telling you to increase the gearing might actually be steering you in the wrong direction. My best tip would be to make sure you shift down before the stop so you can spin it fast when the light turns green and then shift up to your cruising gear.
Sure, and quit the clipless pedals. Clipping in and out 10+ times isn't helping either. I recently got some Shimano XT flats. They are great for urban riding with lots of forced stand stills.