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Knowing what our speed is on the bike is an important value for route planning and training, in general, as well as to improve efficiency depending on the terrain. Of course, there are many values that determine the average pace of the route, so it is not advisable to compare speeds between different terrains or disciplines. Even the cyclist’s own weight can have an influence. That is why it is advisable to pay attention to the average speed and for the same stretch. Below, we explain everything you need to know.
The importance of speed on a bicycle
Knowing your speed on a bike is essential for recreational cyclists and athletes alike. Speed not only indicates the pace at which you are moving, but also helps you measure your performance, set goals and monitor your effort during a ride – especially if you are an indoor cyclist, in which case you can quickly see if you have improved your times. It is also key to planning routes, calculating times and improving your efficiency on varied terrain, whether on the road, in the mountains or in the city. You can also compare the average speed on the same route with other cyclists and check if your pace has been higher or lower, especially in the case of professional competitions. In any case, the most important thing about calculating the average speed is that you will be able to know if you are able to hold the pace on the same route and/or competition.
There are dozens of factors that can influence the speed achieved, such as the type of bike and route, the weather of the day, whether you ride alone or in a group… However, if you carry out indoor cycling training, such as those you can do with the ZBike 2.0 model, knowing what your cycling speed (average) is very simple. All you have to do is divide the total distance of kilometers traveled by the time you have taken. Write them down in your track and record list and check over time if you are able to improve your cycling workouts or if you need to change your training. This data can be conveniently reviewed in the ZYCLE app.
How fast does a professional cyclist ride?
Although, as we indicated, the comparison of speeds on a bicycle should be done on the same route or terrain, knowing what is the measured speed of the professional cyclist will also allow us to get an idea of what kind of marks we move and how much they should be if we want to reach the elite. It will also give us clues if we are making a mistake or if we should increase our intensity in training, for example. If we look at the averages at the end of the Tour de France, after the cyclists have overcome countless passes and ridden thousands of kilometers for weeks -and despite the fact that exhaustion is important- we see that the average speed is around 40 km/h. While the speed of an average cyclist is usually around 25 km/h, approximately.
In addition, when answering the question of how fast professional cyclists go, we also see that depending on the time of year and the type of event, the speed can increase – as in the spring classics that reach up to 50 km/h, approximately. Of course, this is something that we can observe in the same way in the peak watts or power that a professional is able to put on the bike and which is around 1400 watts in a sprint, compared to those of an average level cyclist who is around 700 watts, approximately. In mountain bike events, on the other hand, the average speed of the professional cyclist decreases. This is because the bike rides on terrain full of roots, potholes and trails, among others. In this case, the average speed is around 20 km/h for a professional and 7-8 km/h for amateur cyclists.
Average speed for beginner cyclists
Of course, if you are just starting out in cycling, it is not advisable to take as a reference the speed of a professional cyclist, since the marks are very high and require many years of preparation and dedication. Ideally, you should take as a reference the general average speeds for amateur cyclists or experienced beginners. The data, in this case, is around 25 km/h on the road and 15 km/h on mountain bikes. Working constantly with your indoor cycling bike or your bike roller will allow you to progressively improve and surpass your records to become a very complete cyclist with great endurance.
Bike speed record: What is it and who holds it?
The world bicycle speed record to date is held by Denise Mueller-Korenek, who reached an incredible 296 km/h in 2018. This achievement was made possible by a specially designed bicycle and the use of a chase vehicle that eliminated initial air resistance. The feat was accomplished on a track on the Bonneville Salt Lake in the United States in an event called Project Speed.
What is the difference between speed and cadence?
It is important to differentiate between speed and cadence in cycling. Speed measures the distance traveled in a specific time, usually in kilometers per hour (km/h), while cadence refers to the number of pedal strokes per minute (RPM, revolutions per minute). Cadence is more related to pedaling technique and efficiency. An optimal cadence allows you to conserve energy, reduce muscle wasting and maintain a steady pace. For example, a high cadence (80-100 RPM) in a proper development is ideal for long rides and improving endurance. In contrast, speed depends more on external factors such as terrain, wind and the force applied to each pedal stroke. In this article you can learn more about cadence and which is the most recommended measurement for cyclists.
