One of the first questions that pops into the mind of anyone new to cycling, and admittedly, a tricky one to answer definitively, is: “What’s the Average Bike Speed?”
It’s not a straightforward metric, and here’s why comparing your average speed to others can be misleading. Several variables come into play, making a simple number quite deceptive. Let’s break down the primary factors.
Riding Conditions: Terrain, Wind, and Weather
Where you ride dramatically influences your average speed. Imagine comparing a cyclist in the Netherlands, famed for its flat landscapes, to someone navigating the mountainous terrain of Colorado. The Dutch rider will naturally achieve a higher average speed with less effort due to the flat terrain.
Hills are a significant factor. Even rolling hills can substantially reduce your average compared to flat roads. The energy expended climbing slows you down, and while you gain speed descending, it often doesn’t fully compensate for the uphill effort in terms of average speed.
Wind is another powerful, often underestimated, force. Headwinds act as invisible hills, significantly slowing you down, while tailwinds provide a boost. Even a moderate headwind can dramatically decrease your average speed. Similarly, temperature plays a role. Extreme heat or cold can impact performance, leading to lower average speeds due to increased physical stress and discomfort. Ideal temperatures allow for optimal muscle function and less energy wasted on temperature regulation.
Equipment: Bike and Gear Choices
While it’s often said “it’s not about the bike,” equipment does matter, particularly bike weight and aerodynamics. Upgrading to a lighter bike, especially a carbon fiber frame, can lead to noticeable speed improvements. Cyclists often report a 5-10% increase in speed simply from reducing bike weight. This improvement is more pronounced for riders who are already in good physical condition, where every saved gram translates to more efficient power output.
Tires are another component that affects speed. Lower rolling resistance tires can make a tangible difference, especially over longer distances. Aerodynamic clothing, like cycling jerseys and bib shorts, also contributes to reducing wind resistance and improving speed, although the impact is less significant than bike weight or terrain.
Interestingly, the psychological aspect of equipment shouldn’t be ignored. Investing in a new, high-performance bike can boost confidence and motivation, leading to increased effort and, consequently, higher speeds. If you believe you’ll go faster, you often will, to some extent. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re carrying extra body weight, the marginal gains from a lighter bike become less impactful.
Distance Covered: Ride Length and Fatigue
The distance of your ride also influences average speed. Shorter rides, less than an hour, often result in slightly lower averages. This is because the initial part of any ride is a warm-up phase where your muscles are still getting into their rhythm. Peak average speeds are often observed in rides lasting between one and two hours, where you’re warmed up but fatigue hasn’t significantly set in.
As rides extend beyond two hours, and certainly past three, average speeds tend to decrease. Fatigue becomes an increasing factor, even with consistent effort. For most recreational cyclists, maintaining a high average speed becomes progressively challenging on rides exceeding three hours, assuming a reasonably strenuous effort throughout.
Cyclist Age and Experience: Fitness and Technique
Age is a factor, but cycling experience often plays a more significant role. Experienced cyclists develop a higher proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers over time, which are more efficient for endurance activities. Their cardiovascular systems become highly efficient as well.
While older riders might not possess the explosive power for sprints or steep, short climbs compared to younger riders, they often excel at maintaining a consistent speed over longer distances. Many cyclists in their 40s and 50s can easily keep pace with riders in their 20s and 30s, especially on endurance-focused rides. Experience also translates to better pacing, cornering, and overall cycling efficiency, all contributing to a higher average speed over time.
Teamwork: The Power of Group Riding
Riding in a group, particularly in a paceline formation, offers substantial speed advantages. Drafting behind another rider significantly reduces wind resistance. While the exact benefit varies based on wind conditions and group size, it’s commonly estimated that group riding can increase average cycling speed by 20-30% or even more.
This dramatic increase is why professional cyclists in races like the Tour de France achieve average speeds around 25 mph over incredibly long stages (125+ miles). The peloton, the large main group of riders, provides a massive drafting effect. It’s important to remember that your average speed on a solo ride will almost certainly be lower than what you’d experience in a group ride.
Understanding Average Bike Speed: General Guidelines
Keeping all these variables in mind, it’s still helpful to have some general benchmarks for average cycling speed for solo riders on varied terrain (rolling hills around 30% of the time, the rest fairly flat):
- Beginner, Short Distance (10-15 miles): Average speed around 12 mph. Most beginners can achieve 10-12 mph relatively quickly with minimal training.
- More Experienced, Short to Medium Distance (20-30 miles): Average speed of 15-16 mph.
- Reasonable Experience, Medium Distance (40 miles): Average speed in the range of 16-19 mph.
- Competent Club Rider, Regular Training, Medium to Long Distances (50-60 miles): Average speed of 20-24 mph.
It’s crucial to remember that many cyclists never average more than 13-15 mph, and that’s perfectly fine! The joy of cycling isn’t solely about speed. Conversely, highly trained cyclists, especially in favorable conditions or group settings, can sustain average speeds of 25+ mph over extended distances.
Ultimately, your average bike speed is a personal metric. Focus on enjoying the ride, improving your fitness, and exploring new routes. Don’t get too hung up on comparing your numbers to others – your cycling journey is unique.
