Cycling has become a popular form of exercise and transportation, with more and more people taking to the roads with their bicycles. Many new cyclists will often wonder as to what is the good average speed for road cycling and that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article.
What Is a Good Average Speed for Road Cycling?
Understanding the different cycling speeds and what they mean can be helpful in setting goals and improving your riding.
A good average speed for a road cyclist generally falls between Ten to twenty miles per hour, but this can be significantly different for beginners or professional cyclists. Terrain and other factors also come into play when deciding upon the right speed.
In order to determine a good average speed for yourself, it’s important to consider your own experience level and goals.
With practice and dedication, it’s possible to increase your average speed and become a more confident and skilled road cyclist.
Average Speeds for Different Levels of Cyclists
The average speed for a beginner cyclist may be around 10 mph, while more experienced cyclists can maintain speeds between 14-18 mph on flat roads.
Consistency and fitness play a large role in increasing your average speed, and most cyclists can achieve 10-12 mph with limited training.
At the professional level, cyclists can reach speeds up to 29 mph.
Understanding your current level and setting goals for improvement can help you track and increase your average speed over time.
Good Average Speeds for Beginner Cyclists
For beginner cyclists, a good average speed to aim for is anywhere between 10 to 15 mph. Most new cyclists can achieve a speed of 10-12 mph within a short period of time with limited training.
However, it is important to gradually increase your speed over time as you become fitter and more experienced. Keeping a consistent training schedule can help improve your stamina and endurance on the bike.
Beginners may struggle to maintain an average speed of 10 mph for long distances at first, but with practice and dedication, they can quickly improve their speed and cover more distance.
It’s important to remember to start slow and build up your speed gradually to avoid injury or burnout.
Professional Cyclist Speeds
Professional cyclists are a league of their own when it comes to speed.
On flat ground, they can maintain an impressive speed range of 25-28 mph.
When faced with inclines, their average speed still remains high, ranging from 22 to 24 mph on tough sections.
In a 30km time trial, the pros can average around 45-50 km/hr.
However, these speeds are not achieved overnight. It takes years of training and experience to ride at that level. It’s important to remember that even the most experienced cyclists were once beginners themselves.
How Experienced Cyclists Ride
Experienced cyclists typically have regular training schedules, ride longer distances, and maintain a faster average speed than beginners.
These riders often participate in group rides or even races, and may have access to more advanced equipment such as carbon fiber bikes and professional-grade cycling apparel.
Maintaining a consistent speed is important for these riders, and they may utilize drafting techniques to conserve energy and reduce wind resistance.
As they continue to ride and train, experienced cyclists can gradually increase their average speed and tackle more challenging routes.
Average Speeds on Flat Roads
When riding on flat roads, the average speed of a road cyclist is between 17-22 mph or 28-35 km/h for both men and women who have been cycling for some time.
For beginners, an average speed of 10-12 mph is reasonable, and with consistent training, they can quickly improve to an average of 13.5 mph. More experienced cyclists can achieve an average speed of 15-18 mph over relatively flat courses.
Professional cyclists, on the other hand, can maintain an average speed of 25-28 mph. However, it’s worth noting that average speed can be affected by several factors such as wind, terrain, and weight of the rider and their gear.
Despite this, investing in the right equipment, such as the correct tire pressures and aerodynamic gear, can aid in maintaining a good average speed on flat roads.
4 Factors That Affect the Average Speed of a Cyclist
There are a number of factors that can affect your average cycling speed:
1- Your equipment, including the type of bike and the quality of your tires, can impact how quickly you are able to ride.
2- The terrain you choose to cycle on, has a significant impact on your speed. Riding uphill will naturally slow you down, while riding downhill can allow you to pick up more speed.
3- Weather conditions, such as wind and rain, can also make a difference.
4- How much training you have done can impact your average speed, as a more experienced cyclist will typically be able to ride faster than a beginner.
By taking these factors into account, you can work to improve your average speed and become a faster, more efficient cyclist.
Average Speed for Leisure Rides
When it comes to leisure rides, the average cycling speed on pavement is 14.2 mph with an average distance covered of 12.5 miles.
For those who are new to cycling or just starting out, the average speed for a leisure ride could be between 10-12 mph for short distances of 10-15 miles.
As you continue to ride consistently and get fitter, your average speed is likely to increase to the mid-teens, around 15.5 mph.
It’s important to remember that leisure rides are not a race, and the focus should be on enjoying the ride and exploring the scenic routes around you.
Age and Average Cycling Speeds
As age increases, it’s normal for average cycling speeds to decrease. However, with regular training and proper maintenance of health, older cyclists can maintain respectable speeds.
For those in the 18-25 age range, an average speed of 17-18.5mph can be achieved with training.
Beginners, regardless of age, can aim for an average speed of 10-12mph on short, 10-15 mile rides with limited training.
Trained amateur riders typically ride at around 80-90rpm, while casual riders who have never cycled before may go about 10mph.
For older cyclists, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly to maintain an enjoyable ride while also improving overall health and fitness.
References
https://www.roadbikerider.com/whats-the-average-speed-of-a-beginner-cyclist/
https://cyclinguphill.com/average-speeds-cycling/
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/56041/is-25-km-h-average-speed-good-what-speed-should-i-aim-for
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/training/13-ways-increase-average-cycling-speed-144937
https://cyclingroad.com/average-bike-speed/
https://www.declinemagazine.com/mtb/average-cycling-speed-by-age/
