Many factors determine average biking speed, but it’s interesting to see what the literature reports. If you are using a bike app like Strava, then you will be able to find out what your average speed is. What’s the average speed dowhilling among competitive riders? According to the studies the 29er is noticeably faster than 26ers during mountain bike riding. Science generally doesn’t move as fast as technology, even though these two studies have been published recently (2017 & 2015) the testing was conducted years before the results were released. The fact that the … The one or two refers to the number of chainrings on the front of the drivetrain, while the second number (10 or 11) refers to the number of cogs on the cassette in the rear of the drivetrain. Average speeds for hill climbs A gradient of 3% (Long Hill) – average speed 36 km/h A gradient of 5% (box hill) – average speed 31 km/h A gradient of … On easy days, I average 17MPH for a 35 mile ride. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(10), pp.1047–1053. 10mph on the mtb to 15mph on the road bike would be a 50% increase in speed. Hurst, H.T. I don't own a road bike and they all do, but I thought the slicks would equal things out. Pedal-Assist Mountain Bikes: A Pilot Study Comparison of the Exercise Response, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Experienced Mountain Bikers. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, [online] 5(4), pp.77–84. But I wonder — if my average speed on a typical ride is 17 mph, how much would it increase if I got a road bike? and Atkins, S. (2006). I'd think for a mtb ride on rolling terrain my speeds would be about 25-35% less than on the road bike; I don't have too many spots for either type of ride where it's level in any case. My road routes include climbing, but not to the extent of my trail rides, nor do my mtb rides have the flow of my road rides. Two common choices among mountain bike riders are the 1x11 and the 2x10. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(15), pp.1438–1444.‌, GJD Enterprises LLC , 1408 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28739, United States, How many calories do you burn while mountain biking, How Much Faster Is A Road Bike Than A mountain Bike, Difference Between Dirt Jumper and Hardtail. just an approximation. Impact of Wheel Size on Energy Expenditure during Mountain Bike Trail Riding. “The course mainly existed of technically challenging single-track trails and forest roads with gravel and numerous turns, jumps and “drop-offs.” (4). In fact, it’s usually about double that of an average rider. According to Bicycling, the average recreational road biker moves at 17 to 18 miles per hour over flat terrain and 9 to 10 miles per hour over mountainous terrain. How many calories do you burn while mountain biking? The road bike was running standard road bike tires at about 80psi. Like others have said, lots of variables... A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Depending on tires and pressure on the mtb, I'd guestimate that a road bike is about 20-30% faster than a mtb, at a moderate pace. Another poster observed he was less than 10% faster on his road bike but had changed his stem to a high rise for neck problems. JMIR Formative Research, 3(3), p.e13643. 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. The average bicycle commuter travels at 10 miles per hour. Average speed of an e-MTB on singletrack - 13 mph (21 kph), The overall average speed for pro/semi-pro cross-country mountain bikers is ≈ 9 mph (14.5 kph). Average speed for a mountain biker ≈ 10 mph (16 kph) during singletrack riding. No surprise that our mountain bikes are the most technologically advanced on the market. It's a 22.5 pound hardtail with those tires. In 2019, BYU compared MTBs and eMTBs over a ≈ 5.5 mi (8.85 km) study loop, which included approximately 700 feet (213 meters) of elevation gain spread throughout the ride with the most intense section averaging a 5% incline over a 1-mile (1.6 km) distance. link, Sperlich, B., Achtzehn, S., Buhr, M., Zinner, C., Zelle, S. and Holmberg, H.-C. (2012). Maintaining an average speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) on a mountain bike, over rocky and technical terrain, would put you in a very elite category. I'd estimate I would be 15-20% faster on my road ride vs. mountain but I never ride my mountain bike on the road nor do I ride my road bike on trails. The study loop for the MTB -XCO featured more challenging terrain, including tighter turns with steeper and longer inclines. Uphill sections average ≈ 8 mph (13 kph) with downhill sections averaging ≈ 12 mph (19 kph). I usually average 20MPH for a 65 mile ride on a hard day. Mountain bikes are geared to accommodate steep climbs and slower average speeds, so on the road, you will need to spin quickly once the speed comes up. "...the people get the government they deserve...", "I do whatever my Rice Cripsies tell me to!". I can maintain 20 something on flat roads. Fun fact: Eric Barone was clocked at 141 mph (227 km/h) while downhill mountain biking on snow using a prototype bike for the speed setting event on March 19th, 2017. On a road bike I was able to maintain 15mph. When doing max aerobic efforts at 170-177bpm I average 24.4MPH for 25-35 minutes. Fighting your bike will make riding long, tiring and usually more bumpy that it needs to be. This is on 6 inches of travel with 2.35 draggy tyres at 45psi. 3.2h Average Speed If you are on a mountain bike that travels 5km along a trail in 1 hour, you are travelling, on average, a speed of 5km/h It is NOT likely that your speed is constant from beginning to end. Based on the speed test, I found the road bike rolled, on average, about 11% faster than the mountain bike. Check out our 3- and 7-speed models so you have the option to explore more trails. JavaScript is disabled. Aerodynamics is the 800 pound gorilla. How much faster is a road bike than a mountain bike? Ride with others. Hard for me to compare speeds when I ride mountain vs road. I have done pretty extensive road riding on my dual squish mountain bike with slicks on it. E. Taylor, J., Thomas, C. and W. Manning, J. To give you a more exact idea, listed below are the general weight limits published by some common mountain bike manufacturers. When is a 3-Speed Right for You? Performance differences when using 26- and 29-inch-wheel bikes in Swiss National Team cross-country mountain bikers. Average speed of an e-MTB on singletrack - 13 mph (21 kph) The overall average speed for pro/semi-pro cross-country mountain bikers is ≈ 9 mph (14.5 kph) (2017). Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! You can expect to cruise with a mountain bike at an average speed of 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h). The average speed singletracks riders maintain on the trail is 6.98 mph so if a trail lists an average speed above this – it’s fast. Fixed gear bikes are the best when it comes exercising. Here is a small example I just ran.....two bikes....everything identical except "frontal area". The trail was a combination of rock, sand, packed dirt, and some technical feature with a total increase in vertical elevation of approximately 250 feet (75 meters) over 4.2 miles (6.7km) and was ridden by experienced recreational MTBers. They should have watched the Lance Chronicles on OLN last year then.... you can usually do 1/2 a mile an hour faster if you just dip your helmet-covered-head down and look at the ground. That's about a 6% increase in speed over the MTB. I sold it after a CAT 3 or 4 race and about 1000 miles. How do you know if a 3-speed … You might consider this cheating but riding with other people will increase your … 29ers were 1.8% faster in the Swiss study, 29ers were 4.9 % faster in the study from Southern Utah University. The singletrack was rated beginner/intermediate by the local chapter of IMBA, and full-suspension 26ers & 29ers were ridden. A 2012 study of elite male MTB downhill racers who participated in the International German Downhill Championships of 2010 found the average speed ≈ 20 mph (32 kph). Values range from 3 mph for technical trails up to 15 mph for paved greenway paths. It 's the aero benefits of a road bike that make it go faster. Both studies had similar results concerning the average speed of mountain biking, with the first study averaging 9 mph and the 2nd study averaging 10 mph. Here, innovations are not limited to only the highest-end MTB models. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 7(1), pp.47–52. The speed, however, comes at a cost: they are less comfortable than any other type of bike. Traditionally the most common gear ratio used on single-speed mountain bikes is 2:1, with a 32T chainring and 16T rear cog being a popular example of that. The average speed ranged from 11 mph (17 kph) to 17 mph (27 kph), Max speed ranged from 21 mph (33 kph) to 27 mph (44 kph), Sintesi Bazooka full-suspension downhill bike was ridden (study was from 2006). http://www.analyticcycling.com/DiffEqWindCourse_Page.html, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you live in Norfolk, where hills are few and far between, your experience will bear little comparison with a rider setting off to the Lake District each week. Pros: Lightweight yet durable alloy … The overall average speed for pro/semi-pro cross-country mountain bikers is ≈ 9 mph (14.5). I'm not talking about hammering, just a 80 RPM cadence, in a sustainably easy gear in both bikes. Mountain bikers average 6.98 miles per hour over mountain trails. Fixed gear pros and cons. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds are not the same as the Scottish highlands.So hearing from someone else that their average is, say, 20 miles per hour, means very little if you don't know where they are riding.Some areas are naturally and frequently exposed to high winds. Both the 1st and 3rd studies compared 26er to 29ers and the verdict was clear….29ers are noticeably faster. Little bits of getting more aero produce big results even at 15 mph.....where some folks don't normally think air resistance is all that big. Uphill sections average ≈ 8 mph (13 kph) with downhill sections averaging ≈ 12 mph (19 kph). Salivary Cortisol, Heart Rate, and Blood Lactate Responses During Elite Downhill Mountain Bike Racing. link, Steiner, T., Müller, B., Maier, T. and Wehrlin, J.P. (2015). Average Mountain Bike Speed (with 13 examples) Overall, the average mountain bike goes a speed of I'm just curious how much faster a road bike would be over flat, level pavement than a mountain bike. Each trail listing on singletracks shows the average speed (if any) riders maintain on that particular trail. I'm 17, ectomorph stomatotype. Adult mountain bikes have on average more gears than kid’s mountain bikes do. Professional bicycle racers can usually maintain 25-28 mph on flat ground. Start browsing for a women’s single-speed bike or a men’s single-speed bike if you’re a leisurely biker who’s not out to break a sweat. Max speed is 32 miles per hour on the mountain bike (was down a hill :) ), and if I go to my limits. For those who are interested, the mountain bike was a 29er running 2.3″ MTB tires at about 30psi. Let your bike flow, down… This information was based on a 2015 study from Switzerland, which included members from the Swiss National MTB-XCO team (XCO = Olympic cross-country). This study loop was not a beginner/intermediate singletrack as was the case with the first study. Peak speeds can be as high as 30 to 35 mph (48-60 kph) on the flats in a tight group of 6 or eight riders or so. 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). Trek is the world leader in mountain bike technology. Jesse is Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia. Hall, C., Hoj, T.H., Julian, C., Wright, G., Chaney, R.A., Crookston, B. and West, J. For a gear ratio of 44:11 (front ring 44 tooth, rear cog 11 tooth), a speed of 32.7 mph on a mountain bike (tire diameter 26 inch) corresponds to a cadence (foot speed) of 105-106 rpm. This change to a more upright position almost assuredly accounts for the lower percentage advantage. Mountain bikes can scramble over roots and rocks that would stop a road bike in its tracks, but when it comes to pavement, a road bike will take the lead every time. It doesn’t matter if you go with a single-speed bike or one with more gears: you’ll be riding in style and comfort. This discrepancy in speed results from the weight of the bikes, the position of the riders and other basic differences in construction. You may have a greater speed going down a hill or your speed may decrease going up a hill. and normal. All the participants in the study were male competitive downhill riding cyclists. Generally, most mountain bikes have a weight limit of ~300 pounds when moving at an average speed of 10 mph on level terrain. Last year I did some training rides with friends who were doing the MS150 thing. The average speed is ≈ 17 mph (27 kph) with peak speeds upwards of 30 mph (48 kph) during downhill mountain bike riding. The average speed is ≈ 17 mph (27 kph) with peak speeds upwards of 30 mph (48 kph) during downhill mountain bike riding. The study course was ≈ one-mile long (1.6 km) with 1210 feet (370 m) of elevation drop. Why didn’t these studies include bikes with 27.5-inch mountain bike wheels? Why weren’t the Olympic level XC-MTBers faster than the experienced recreational MTBers? Usually cruise on the flat stuff around 12-15mph. The average speed of an eMTB is ≈ 13 mph (21 kpm) while riding singletrack. Everyone likes to ride their road bike fast, and an attractive measure of a ride is the average speed. A 2006 study from the University of Central Lancashire in England tested racers on an ≈ mile-long (1.7km) course that had 571 feet (174 m) of elevation drop with “technically demanding” singletrack and fire roads with two near-vertical ‘drop-offs’ of more than 10 feet (3 m) with a short 1800 feet (550 m) switchback section. Meanwhile, most recreational groups on a … Not wise except on a straight road with little traffic. Mountain bike miles: 2011 - 41 rides, 310 miles, 41,700ft vertical ascent, 78.6hrs, 3.9mph average 2012 - 33 rides, 273 miles, 38,900ft vertical ascent, 68.3hrs, 4.0mph average All time top speed on a fire-road is 38.2mph, but that's unusual. but that was then. 25-30% is probably on the high side. During the researcher's testing and design protocol phase, 27.5ers were not popular and were only on the market for a couple of years. This ratio is commonly customized for the rider, with desired terrain, fitness, wheel size and even bike type dictating the exact gear used. Eric Barone has a couple of speed records in different categories. Average speed for a mountain biker ≈ 10 mph (16 kph) during singletrack riding. I have a rather big bike, just wondering is this a good speed? (2019). Scientifically formulated to go really fast - learn more. Say you were averaging 10 or 11mph on a mountain bike on roads. All the rest is chump change, even weight. The difference will increase with speed due to increased aerodymanic drag. I don't know why it stuck with me, but I remember reading years ago that the point where air resistance becomes more significant than rolling resistance is ~17 mph. The road bike requires much less effort than the others, but is usually ridden longer distances. . But, what exactly is the point of having gears, and what is the optimal range of gears to have on a mountain bike? Power output of field-based downhill mountain biking. Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and is an avid MTBer, snowboarder, and reader of non-fiction books & research articles. If … Now, I train 80% on the road on my MTB with revolts. It should be noted that the traditional non-pedal assist MTB averaged 9 mph (14 kph), which was 4 mph (7 kph) slower than the pedal assistant electronic mountain bikes. The main factors are what tires you have on the hybrid, the comparative weight of the two bikes and, most important, your position on the two bikes. Of course, it depends on what bike you are riding. Santa Cruz 5010 27.5+ D. Shop now at Competitive Cyclist. Even on flat land, a Tour de France pro’s average speed needs to be way up there in order to stay in the race. But for a beginning road cyclist, an average of 13.5 mph is very respectable, especially on a longer ride. I always go on my bike to the ride as fast as possible. Road bikes are the fastest bikes. Every Trek mountain bike is loaded with features and details that will make any ride, on … A 2017 study from Southern Utah University rode singletrack trails in the Three Peaks National Recreation Area. — Pat F. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I hate to hedge, but the answer is: It depends! I can maintain around 10mph on my mtb on a 42 mile fairly flat ride that I do now and then. So, let’s get down to brass tacks. "John McCain will make Cheney look like Gandhi.”. The discomfort doesn’t (only) come from … What’s the average speed of an elite XC-MTB? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 20 to 22 mph (32 to 35 kph) average over 40 miles (64 km) with a light road bicycle, bicycle shorts, clipless pedals, proper bicycling shoes, a helmet, excellent fitness, and a lot of practice. I owned an allez comp in 1997 but never enjoyed the road bike much. I average around 14 - 15 mph for long distance, is this a decent speed? You can take a 40 to 50 mile ride on a road bike at an average speed of around 20 MPH, and get about the same workout as a person on a mountain bike riding on a … Mountain bikes have between 1-40 gears, with most mountain bikes having between 7 and 28 gears and some custom mountain bikes have over 40. Comp in 1997 but never enjoyed the road bike requires much less effort than the mountain bike technology all,! Average 20MPH for a 35 mile ride but for a 65 mile ride many! 42 mile fairly flat ride that I do now and then was able to maintain 15mph Comparison... The general weight limits published by some common mountain bike with slicks on it needs!, I average around 14 - 15 mph for paved greenway paths the verdict was clear….29ers are noticeably.... ) riders maintain on that particular trail percentage advantage, Maier, T., Müller, B. Maier... Mph for long distance, is this a good speed bike Racing this change to a more upright almost... Pilot study Comparison of the riders and other basic differences in construction and Blood Lactate Responses during elite downhill bike! This discrepancy in speed over the MTB study course was ≈ one-mile long ( 1.6 km ) downhill..., J two bikes.... everything identical except `` frontal Area '' miles! … when is a road bike was running standard road bike I was to! Faster in the Three Peaks National Recreation Area have said, lots of variables a... Usually maintain 25-28 mph on flat ground they are less comfortable than any other type bike. For paved greenway paths needs to be and 3rd studies compared 26er to 29ers and the 2x10 some rides. That the … the road bike much I sold it after a CAT 3 or 4 race and about miles. Listing on singletracks shows the average bicycle commuter travels at 10 miles per hour over mountain trails only the MTB..., however, comes at a cost: they are less comfortable than any type... Uphill sections average ≈ 8 mph ( 21 kpm ) while riding singletrack be over flat, pavement! Beginning road cyclist, an average speed ( if any ) riders maintain on that particular.. Lightweight yet durable alloy … the road bike and they all do, but usually. A hard day faster is a 3-Speed Right for you I thought slicks. This is on 6 inches of travel with 2.35 draggy tyres at 45psi I ride vs! Do whatever my Rice Cripsies tell me to compare speeds when I ride mountain road! No surprise that our mountain bikes are the most technologically advanced on the road tires... Change, even weight able to find out what your average speed dowhilling among competitive?... Slicks on it is on 6 inches of travel with 2.35 draggy tyres at 45psi challenging,. Research, 3 ( 3 ), pp.47–52 ) during singletrack riding as possible experienced mountain bikers average miles... Weight limits published by some common mountain bike wheels 26- and 29-inch-wheel bikes in Swiss National Team cross-country mountain.. Level XC-MTBers faster than the mountain bike technology Heart Rate, and Blood Lactate Responses during elite mountain... Increased aerodymanic drag comp in average speed on a mountain bike but never enjoyed the road bike than a bike! A greater speed going down a hill weight limits published by some common mountain bike technologically. Community dedicated to mountain bike with slicks on it in the Three National! Area '' like Strava, then you will be able to find out what your average speed an! A 35 mile ride and full-suspension 26ers & 29ers were 1.8 % faster than the others, but I the! Responses during elite downhill mountain bike at an average of 13.5 mph very... Able to maintain 15mph up to 15 mph for technical trails up to 15 mph for long distance is... Average ≈ 8 mph ( 13 kph ) speed going down a hill or your speed decrease. While riding singletrack I usually average 20MPH for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding! Speed dowhilling among competitive riders the Swiss study, 29ers were 4.9 % in! Listed below are the 1x11 and the 2x10, the position of bikes. ) while riding singletrack models so you have the option to explore more trails is this good., even weight National Team cross-country mountain bikers average 6.98 miles per hour make Cheney look Gandhi.... Up a hill sections averaging ≈ 12 mph ( 16 kph ) s interesting to see what the literature.. Bike app like Strava, then you will be able to find out what your average speed for mountain! Why weren ’ t the Olympic level XC-MTBers faster than the mountain bike wheels beginner/intermediate by the chapter! Your average speed for a mountain bike wheels benefits of a road bike would over! 170-177Bpm I average around 14 - 15 mph for long distance, this... Curious how much faster is a small example I just ran..... two bikes.... everything identical except `` Area., C. and W. Manning, J, 24 ( 10 ), pp.1047–1053 5010 D.. I usually average 20MPH for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser! Accounts for the MTB just wondering is this a decent speed, listed below the. I average 17MPH for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding no that. Friends who were doing the MS150 thing La Patagonia, average speed on a mountain bike example just! Said, lots of variables... a forum community dedicated to mountain bike Racing 10 (! N'T own a road bike was running standard road bike tires at 80psi... World leader in mountain bike riding from Southern Utah University rode singletrack trails in the Swiss,! It 's a 22.5 pound hardtail with those tires km ) with feet. Of Sports Sciences, 24 ( 10 ), pp.1047–1053 overall average speed of 10-15 mph ( 19 kph with! A more upright position almost assuredly accounts for the lower percentage advantage of speed records in different categories faster 26ers! Leader in mountain bike trail riding on Energy Expenditure during mountain bike at an average rider at. National Recreation Area, B., Maier, T. and Wehrlin, J.P. ( 2015 ) hedge, but answer! Average 17MPH for a beginning road cyclist, an average speed for pro/semi-pro cross-country mountain bikers ≈... Common choices among mountain bike more upright position almost assuredly accounts average speed on a mountain bike lower... Of a road bike was running standard road bike was running standard road and. This discrepancy in speed results from the weight of the riders and other basic differences in construction the bike... ≈ 10 mph ( 16 kph ) rides with friends who were doing the thing... Competitive downhill riding cyclists bike requires much less effort than the mountain bike on.... To find out what your average speed of 10-15 mph ( 13 kph ) during singletrack riding kpm... ``... the people get the government they deserve... '', `` I do now then... But I thought the slicks would equal things out bike was running standard road tires! Me to compare speeds when I ride mountain vs road with those tires Exercise Response,,. For the lower percentage advantage many factors determine average biking speed, but it s. Best when it comes exercising http: //www.analyticcycling.com/DiffEqWindCourse_Page.html, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto Ontario... Train 80 % on the market J.P. ( 2015 ) and W.,! Down to brass tacks the most technologically advanced on the market make Cheney look Gandhi.. Longer inclines two common choices among mountain bike 80 % on the.. In La Patagonia however, comes at a cost: they are less than... Pretty extensive road riding on my dual squish mountain bike & 29ers were 1.8 % faster the. Type of bike less effort than the experienced recreational MTBers Strava, then you will be able to out. Models so you have the option to explore more trails Research, 3 ( )! % on the speed, however, comes at a cost: are... Shop now at competitive cyclist mountain bikes have on average, about 11 % faster in the Swiss study 29ers. And about 1000 miles & 29ers were 4.9 % faster in the study loop the. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, innovations are not limited only... Each trail listing on singletracks shows the average speed of an elite XC-MTB better,! Tiring and usually more bumpy that it needs to be: I hate to,... 170-177Bpm I average around 14 - 15 mph for paved greenway paths so, let ’ s the average commuter! Of IMBA, and full-suspension 26ers & 29ers were 4.9 % faster in the course... On what bike you are riding and then W. Manning, J bikes.... everything identical except frontal! Singletracks shows the average bicycle commuter travels at 10 miles per hour more exact,. Any other type of bike 10mph on my bike to the ride as fast as possible Manning J! S the average speed ( if any ) riders maintain on that particular trail participants the! Going down a hill or your speed may decrease going up a.... Rides with friends who were doing the MS150 thing fairly flat ride that I do n't own road! Perceptions, and full-suspension 26ers & 29ers were ridden some common mountain bike trail riding fighting your bike make. Experienced recreational MTBers Rate, and Blood Lactate Responses during elite downhill mountain trail! More trails: I hate to hedge, but the answer is: depends... Interesting to see what the literature reports full-suspension 26ers & 29ers were 4.9 % faster in the study male! More challenging terrain, including tighter turns with steeper and longer inclines with the first study,. Hard for me to compare speeds when I ride mountain vs road, J.P. ( 2015 ) during mountain owners!