• Training
    • Injury Prevention
    • Training Tips
  • How To
    • Bike Fit
    • Gear
  • Nutrition
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Weight Loss
  • Repair
  • Reviews
  • Stories
    • Funny Stories
    • Jokes
    • Quotes
    • Videos
    • Funny Videos

I Love Bicycling

I Love Bicycling is a website that is geared towards cycling for beginners with road cycling tips, training articles, nutrition tips, weight loss, how to’s and bike repair articles.

Average Bike Speed – How Do You Compare?

May 24, 2016 by Lee Agur

Aerobic vs AnaeAverage Bike Speedrobic

The average bike speed varies immensely depending upon total distance/duration, grade, and level of cyclist. The table below represents the average road bike speed taking each variable in to account. How do you compare to the pro cyclist? How about the average cyclist?

Average Cyclist Pro Cyclist
Average Bike Speed on Flat Terrain 18 mph 26 mph
Average Bike Speed up an 5% hill 9.5 mph 15 mph
Average Bike Speed up an 8% hill 7 mph 12 mph
Fastest Downhill Bike Speeds 47 – 57 mph 69 – 81 mph
Average sustainable watts for 1 hour (FTP) 200 watts 415 watts
5 second Sprint 33mph/700 watts 40mph/1250 watts
Tour De France Average Speed N/A 25mph (average of the 3 weeks)
Average Time of a Gran Fondo/Century (100 miles) 5.5 hours Under 4 hours

Average Bike Speed on Flat Terrain

The number one key to being fast on flat terrain is pure power. Generally larger riders will do quite well on the flats as their pure power will outweigh the larger frontal area they have to push through the air.

Average Bike Speed Uphill

This is where the smaller riders will have an unfair advantage as the secret to climbing uphill is the power to weight ratio. The less you weigh the less power you have to generate to get up the hill within the same amount of time.

Example:

A 150 pound rider pushing 200 watts will go 10 miles per hour up a 5% grade.

A 200 pound rider pushing 200 watts will go 8 miles per hour up a 5% grade.

In order for the 200 pound rider to go as fast as the 150 pound rider up a 5% grade the 200 pound rider will have to push 255 watts.

It is true that the larger riders generally have more muscle mass and can generate more power, but the advantage is the smaller riders. This is why pure climbers generally weigh less.

Road Bike Top Speed

Generally the top speed of a road bike is in direct correlation with how much risk the rider is comfortable taking on. On straight, slight downhill grades the heavier cyclist should outpace the lighter cyclist; however, on steep descents with sharp corners, it comes down to bike handling skills and comfort with risk.

Tour De France Average Speed

Since the year 2000 the Tour De France average speed for the winning time has been around 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) over the 3 week stage race. The fastest was in 2005 by Lance Armstrong (if you count that) with an average bike speed of 25.88 miles per hour (41.65km/h).

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org
Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

Average Speed of a Gran Fondo or Century (100 miles)

The average speed of a Gran Fondo or a Century is very dependant on how hilly the terrain is. Assuming there is a moderate amount of climbing (1500 meters) and drafting is an option then for an average amateur cyclist it will take 5.5 – 6.5 hours to complete the 100 mile long journey.

What is your average cycling speed? How long does it take you to complete these feats?

Learn More:

  • Tips for Biking in the HeatTips for Biking in the Heat
  • Training With PowerTraining With Power
  • Strength Training For Cyclists -The Best ApproachStrength Training For Cyclists -The Best Approach
  • Braking It!Braking It!
  • Cornering TipsCornering Tips
  • Cycling Aerodynamics – How Much Can It Really Help?Cycling Aerodynamics – How Much Can It Really Help?

Filed Under: Training Tagged With: average bike speed, training

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Latest Articles

The Best Massage Ball Exercises for Cyclists

June 29, 2022 By Guest Post

Finally… Enjoying Adventures on the Bike Again Without Pain!

June 23, 2022 By Guest Post

Community Feature: Meet Anne Riesling

March 14, 2022 By Sarah Lauzé

Do You Need a Cycling Coach?

June 8, 2021 By Guest Post

Online Cycling Coaching Has Changed: Here’s what you need to know

June 8, 2021 By Guest Post

Who Invented the Bicycle?

October 6, 2020 By Sarah Lauzé

Useful Info

  • Contact
  • Finally, A Global Cycling Club That Is Focused On Community And Love Of Cycling!
  • Share Your Story!
  • Terms And Conditions Of Use
  • Welcome to I Love Bicycling
  • What Happened When I Stretched Every Day For a Month

Recent Posts

  • The Best Massage Ball Exercises for Cyclists
  • Finally… Enjoying Adventures on the Bike Again Without Pain!
  • Community Feature: Meet Anne Riesling
  • Do You Need a Cycling Coach?
  • Online Cycling Coaching Has Changed: Here’s what you need to know

Search I Love Bicycling

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in