Speeds of movement on different bicycles in different conditions. It's all about speed on a bike. Records and achievements. Average and maximum Average speed of the cyclist all the way

When riding a bicycle, there is no iron box around you, as when riding a car, and you are open to the wind and others. weather conditions. When riding a bike, there is no heavy steel body under you, like when riding a motorcycle, and you just fly above the ground. Speed ​​in such conditions is felt as fully as possible.

Too many beginner cyclists overestimate the speed at which they ride. Having noticed the numbers 25-30 km / h on the computer, many people think that they most often move at this speed, and this is average speed. But this is not so, only an experienced cyclist can maintain such a speed, and athletes are also capable of unimaginable records.

Bicycle speed records

Max Speed at the velodrome- 51.151 km / h. In a race on the track in Mexico City, the Italian athlete Francesco Moser in 1984 covered a distance of 51.151 km in one hour. This result is considered a speed and endurance record. As the record holder himself admitted in 1999: to maintain high speed and not slow down for a second, he was helped by blood doping, which at that time was not prohibited.

when installing an aerodynamic fairing on a bicycle- 133.78 km / h. This world record was set by 26 year old Dutchman Sebastian Bowyer in 2013 in the 200m. The rider was lying on his back, this bike had front-mounted pedals, and the velomobile itself was completely enclosed by an ultra-light carbon fiber fairing. This velomobile was built jointly by students of the Free University in Amsterdam and the Delft University of Technology.

Maximum speed in a straight line, when sheltering a bicycle in an air bag- 268.83 km / h. This absolute bicycle speed record was set by 50-year-old accomplished athlete Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands in 1995. This result was achieved on a flat surface of a dried-up salt lake in Utah (Bonneville Salt Flats), and only thanks to the bicycle following the front of a moving racing car, the large fairing of which protected the cyclist from the oncoming air flow. Of course, a special bicycle was built, which is impossible to ride under normal conditions.

Upon arrival, Denis was in tow until the dragster pulling her reached the mark of 240 km / h, after which the girl took off the tow and continued to move on the bike, spinning the pedals. The athlete uses a special carbon fiber bike, which provides high stability and the ability to accelerate to tremendous speeds. He helped her get top speed 295.6 km/h The milestone of 300 km / h was not conquered, but the result is still impressive.

Max Speed when going down the mountain is 222 km/h. This speed record was set on a mountain bike (mountain bike) by the Frenchman Eric Baron in 2000 on a run-in ice ski slope in the French Alps. To set this speed limit, a bike was built with improved aerodynamics, but with a dampened fork and rear suspension. The athlete himself was dressed in an aerodynamic hard suit suit. In 2002, Eric Baron, already on the dry gravel slope of the Sierra Negro volcano in Nicaragua, was able to accelerate to 210.4 km / h. After driving about 400 meters, the bike under the daredevil, due to the unbearable load on the frame, was torn into two parts. Eric Baron suffered a severe hip fracture, a dislocated left shoulder and cervical spine, numerous bruises and cuts, but the athlete survived thanks to a helmet and a protective suit.

Possibilities of an untrained cyclist

Hard-to-reach records inspire any athlete, and an ordinary person who sometimes chooses to bike rides is much more interested in knowing how fast one can move on ordinary roads without taking part in competitions.

To measure speed on a bicycle, not so long ago - fifteen to twenty years ago, large, heavy and unreliable mechanical speedometers were installed. Today, everyone can afford to buy a miniature electronic bike computer that, in addition to the current speed and total mileage, displays the average speed, maximum speed, route length, pace per minute, calories burned, travel time, and more. useful information in more expensive models.

At short distances of about 10 km, everyone can develop an average speed of 18 km / h, including teenagers from 12-14 years old. A more experienced cyclist who travels more than one thousand kilometers a year will cover the same distance twice as fast. He has more physical strength better technique ride and usually a better bike. Such people, thanks to trained endurance, can maintain a speed of about 30 km / h, at a distance of 100 km along the highway. At such distances average cyclist very rarely leaves, or does not go at all.

In urban conditions, it is necessary to: go around stopped cars and public transport, stop at intersections and crossings, slow down before entering turns and in front of pedestrians, so the average speed of a cyclist in the city is always lower than on the highway, approximately 5-10 km / h.

Although a road bike can be ridden faster on pavement than a mountain bike, it is not recommended for city riding. The biker sits low on the road bike and has poor visibility, and it is impossible to stop emergency on such a bike without skidding. A mountain bike, although slower than a road bike on hard surfaces, is more preferable for city riding. The mountain bike is very easy to maneuver thanks to the wide handlebars, and the excellent grip of the wide tires on the pavement will allow you to instantly freeze in place.

On the other hand, a road bike, with its thinner tires and greater weight distribution on front wheel, actually not suitable for riding in the forest. The average speed of a road bike when riding on sand, fallen leaves, snow will be 5-8 km / h. When trying to get through deep sand or snow on a road bike, the front wheel will skid to the side, or it will hit the pressed sand, and the rider may eject through the handlebars. In addition, when riding a bicycle without shock absorbers on a gravel or tracked road, fatigue accumulates very quickly due to blows to the arms and spine.

6 Sep 1996: Chris Boardman of Great Britain breaks the world hour record by cycling 56.3759 km in an hour at the Manchester Velodrome in Manchester, England. Mandatory Credit: Gary M. Prior/Allsport

For example, here are the norms for obtaining ranks for cycling-road in the discipline "individual time trial" (RUSSIA):

Rank / rank Distance (km) Time (minutes) Average speed (km/h)
MSMK men 50 64 46,88
MSMK women 25 35,5 42,25
MC men 25 33 45,46
MS women 25 37,5 40
CCM men 25 35,5 42,25
CCM women 25 40 37,5

A bit of history

According to the TRP standards in the USSR, in order to get a gold badge, it was necessary to ride a bicycle:

Factors affecting the speed of movement

The level of training of the cyclist

The speed of movement depends most of all on the physical strength and endurance of the rider. The experience of the rider has more influence on the speed of riding than the choice of type of bike. On the highway, an experienced mountain biker will be able to keep novice road bike riders on their tail, maintaining a higher speed even when climbing uphill.

Oncoming air resistance

At speeds of 25-27 km / h, air resistance significantly slows down the movement of the bicycle. If a headwind blows, it becomes difficult to move already at a speed of 10-15 km / h. A mountain bike with a wide and high handlebar, and especially a low saddle, is much harder to pedal at 30 km/h than a road bike. The road bike has a special detail - a narrow steering wheel with a lower grip (ram's horns). If there is a noticeable headwind resistance, a road bike rider can bend down to the handlebars by grabbing the handlebars. lower part arc, thus significantly reducing the load.

You can completely get rid of oncoming air pressure only by driving into an air bag, under the protection of a bus or truck in front. But it is very dangerous to attach yourself behind a bus or a truck, as they can brake sharply or turn when driving around the pit.

rolling resistance

This resistance is especially felt at the beginning of the movement. It takes more energy to accelerate from a standstill, both for the cyclist and for the car engine. After the start of movement, rolling resistance has less effect on the amount of effort required for acceleration. With increasing speed, this resistance gradually decreases.

Increasing the friction between the tire and the road primarily increases the amount of rolling resistance. A narrow tire that has pressed through soft ground is hard to lift off the ground. A tire with a wide-spaced tread is excessively rubbed into a hard asphalt surface, moreover, it is quickly erased. Therefore, you should choose tires according to the width, area and tread depth, taking into account which roads you will ride your bike on.

The pressure in the chamber significantly affects the friction between the tire and the road. The more inflated the chamber, the easier the wheel rolls on asphalt and hard ground. To facilitate driving on gravel, sand, mud, snow, it is recommended to reduce the pressure in the chambers.

Big weight bicycle greatly increases the amount of rolling resistance. Disperse and push uphill heavy Mountain bike always harder than the easier road.

Increasing the wheel diameter reduces the amount of rolling resistance. A bicycle for adults coasts in a straight line much longer than a child's. In addition, a large wheel overcomes bumps in the road more easily, rolling over small pits.

Friction in gears

An unlubricated or dirty chain, as well as worn bushings and bottom brackets, will certainly reduce the speed of a bicycle. If you're aiming for high speeds, then you'll need to buy expensive bushings and bottom brackets and keep an eye on their lubrication.

Shock absorbers on a bike, especially those that are too soft, reduce speed on smooth pavement. But they are indispensable when overcoming road sections with small bumps. A shock-absorbed fork turns out to be indispensable when driving around the city, while the rear suspension can be abandoned.

In general, it’s not worth sticking to the above average speeds, especially the maximum ones. You should ride your bike at a speed that is comfortable for you and enjoy the ride.

FAQ

What is the maximum speed for a bike on a velodrome?

The maximum speed at the velodrome is 51.151 km/h. In a race on the track in Mexico City, the Italian athlete Francesco Moser in 1984 covered a distance of 51.151 km in one hour. This result is considered a speed and endurance record. As the record holder himself admitted in 1999: to maintain high speed and not slow down for a second, he was helped by blood doping, which at that time was not prohibited.

What is the maximum speed in a straight line in an aerodynamic fairing?

The maximum speed in a straight line, when installing an aerodynamic fairing on a bicycle, is 133.78 km / h. This world record was set by 26 year old Dutchman Sebastian Bowyer in 2013 in the 200m. The rider was lying on his back, this bike had front-mounted pedals, and the velomobile itself was completely enclosed by an ultra-light carbon fiber fairing. This velomobile was built jointly by students of the Free University in Amsterdam and the Delft University of Technology.

What is the maximum speed when the bicycle is covered in an air bag?

In 2019, American Denis Muller-Korenek broke the speed record set by Dutch athlete Fred Rompelberg, who accelerated his bicycle to almost 269 km / h in 1995. The girl set a record on the famous track in Utah, which is actively used by riders around the world. The area for races is the bottom of the dried lake Bonneville.

What is the maximum speed of the bike when going downhill?

The maximum speed downhill is 222 km/h. This speed record was set on a mountain bike (mountain bike) by the Frenchman Eric Baron in 2000 on a run-in ice ski slope in the French Alps. To set this speed limit, a bike was built with improved aerodynamics, but with a dampened fork and rear suspension.

What is the maximum speed on a road bike?

The maximum average speed for a road bike is 41.654 km/h. The American road racer Lance Armstrong was able to keep such a speed at the Tour de France distance in 2005. On the descents from the mountains, the participants of this competition develop a speed close to 90 km / h.

What is the average speed on a bike?

The average cyclist on a modern mountain bike, without undue effort, can maintain an average speed of 18-20 km / h on the highway, traveling 10 km in 30 minutes. The same cyclist on a road bike can move at an average speed of 20-25 km / h on a straight asphalt road, traveling 10 km in 25 minutes. The gender of the rider is not critical at these speeds. An average cyclist is a person who rides approximately 20-50 hours per month or 1-2 hours per day.

What is the average cycling speed downhill?

When riding on rough terrain, even on a mountain bike, it is impossible to achieve a maximum speed of 30 km / h. Since outside the asphalt on the way there are often pits, mounds, sand, during the passage of which the speed will significantly decrease. When riding a mountain bike on a forest road, the average speed is usually 15 km/h.

What is the average cycling speed when riding on sand, leaf litter or snow?

The average speed of a road bike when riding on sand, fallen leaves, snow will be 5-8 km / h.

What is the average speed of a bicycle over a distance of 100 km?

Experienced athletes are able to cover distances of 100 kilometers, moving at an average speed of about 30 km / h. So Rui Costa (winner of the 242 km group race) in 2013 covered the distance at an average speed of 36 km/h.

What determines the speed of a bicycle?

Air resistance (aerodynamics).
Road surface quality.
Soil factor.
Wind.
Tire pressure and tread pattern.
Technical factors: friction in various parts of the mechanism, etc.

What is a comfortable bike speed?

In the city, a comfortable speed on a bicycle is considered to be about 15-20 km / h
On the highway, a comfortable bicycle speed is about 25-30 km/h.
You can comfortably ride downhill at a speed of 40-50 km / h

What is the optimal speed for a bike?

Of course it all depends physical condition cyclist, as well as from the bike class. To date, the optimal speed for a bicycle is considered to be about 15-20 km / h.

What is the bicycle speed record?

Denise Mueller-Korenek has set a new world cycling speed record of 295.6 kilometers per hour.

What is the maximum speed of a conventional bicycle?

On regular bike a not particularly trained person develops a maximum speed of 30-35 km / h, and riders, on special bicycles, in the race for the leader, for example, a motorcyclist, develop speeds of more than 100 km / h. In competitions, up to 50 km per hour comes.

When riding a bicycle, there is no iron box around you, as when driving a car, and you are open to the wind and other weather conditions. When riding a bike, there is no heavy steel body under you, like when riding a motorcycle, and you just fly above the ground. Speed ​​in such conditions is felt as fully as possible.

Too many beginner cyclists overestimate the speed at which they ride. Having noticed the figures of 25-30 km / h on the computer, many people think that they most often move at this speed, and this is the average speed. But this is not so, only an experienced cyclist can maintain such a speed, and athletes are also capable of unimaginable records.

Bicycle speed records

The maximum speed at the velodrome is 51.151 km/h. In a race on the track in Mexico City, the Italian athlete Francesco Moser in 1984 covered a distance of 51.151 km in one hour. This result is considered a speed and endurance record. As the record holder himself admitted in 1999: to maintain high speed and not slow down for a second, he was helped by blood doping, which at that time was not prohibited.

when installing an aerodynamic fairing on a bicycle- 133.78 km / h. This world record was set by 26 year old Dutchman Sebastian Bowyer in 2013 in the 200m. The rider was lying on his back, this bike had front-mounted pedals, and the velomobile itself was completely enclosed by an ultra-light carbon fiber fairing. This velomobile was built jointly by students of the Free University in Amsterdam and the Delft University of Technology.

Maximum speed in a straight line, when sheltering a bicycle in an air bag- 268.83 km / h. This absolute bicycle speed record was set by 50-year-old accomplished athlete Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands in 1995. This result was achieved on a flat surface of a dried-up salt lake in Utah (Bonneville Salt Flats), and only thanks to the bicycle following the front of a moving racing car, the large fairing of which protected the cyclist from the oncoming air flow. Of course, a special bicycle was built, which is impossible to ride under normal conditions.

The maximum speed at is 222 km / h. This speed record was set on a mountain bike (mountain bike) by the Frenchman Eric Baron in 2000 on a run-in ice ski slope in the French Alps. To set this speed limit, a bike was built with improved aerodynamics, but with a dampened fork and rear suspension. The athlete himself was dressed in an aerodynamic hard suit suit. In 2002, Eric Baron, already on the dry gravel slope of the Sierra Negro volcano in Nicaragua, was able to accelerate to 210.4 km / h. After driving about 400 meters, the bike under the daredevil, due to the unbearable load on the frame, was torn into two parts. Eric Baron received a severe hip fracture, dislocation of the left shoulder and cervical spine, numerous bruises and cuts, but the athlete survived thanks to a helmet and a protective suit.

The maximum average speed for a road bike is 41.654 km/h. The American road racer Lance Armstrong was able to keep such a speed at the Tour de France distance in 2005. On the descents from the mountains, the participants of this competition develop a speed close to 90 km / h.

Possibilities of an untrained cyclist

Hard-to-reach records inspire any athlete, and an ordinary person who sometimes chooses to bike rides is much more interested in knowing how fast one can move on ordinary roads without taking part in competitions.

To measure speed on a bicycle, not so long ago - fifteen to twenty years ago, large, heavy and unreliable mechanical speedometers were installed. Today, everyone can afford to buy a miniature electronic bike computer that, in addition to current speed and total mileage, displays average speed, maximum speed, route length, pace per minute, calories burned, travel time, and other useful information in more expensive models.

The average cyclist on a modern mountain bike, without undue effort, can maintain an average speed of 18-20 km / h on the highway, traveling 10 km in 30 minutes. The same cyclist on a road bike can move at an average speed of 20-25 km / h on a straight asphalt road, traveling 10 km in 25 minutes. The gender of the rider is not critical at these speeds. An average cyclist is a person who rides approximately 20-50 hours per month or 1-2 hours per day.

At short distances of about 10 km, everyone can develop an average speed of 18 km / h, including teenagers from 12-14 years old. A more experienced cyclist who travels more than one thousand kilometers a year will cover the same distance twice as fast. He has higher physical strength, better riding technique and generally a better bike. Such people, thanks to trained endurance, can maintain a speed of about 30 km / h, at a distance of 100 km along the highway. For such distances, the average cyclist rarely travels, or does not travel at all.

In urban conditions, it is necessary to: go around stopped cars and public transport, stop at intersections and crossings, slow down before entering turns and in front of pedestrians, so the average speed of a cyclist in the city is always lower than on the highway, approximately 5-10 km / h.

Although a road bike can be ridden faster on pavement than a mountain bike, it is not recommended for city riding. The biker sits low on the road bike and has poor visibility, and it is impossible to stop emergency on such a bike without skidding. A mountain bike, although slower than a road bike on hard surfaces, is more preferable for city riding. The mountain bike is very easy to maneuver thanks to the wide handlebars, and the excellent grip of the wide tires on the pavement will allow you to instantly freeze in place.

When riding on rough terrain, even on a mountain bike, it is impossible to achieve a maximum speed of 30 km / h. Since outside the asphalt on the way there are often pits, mounds, sand, during the passage of which the speed will significantly decrease. When riding a mountain bike on a forest road, the average speed is usually 15 km/h.

On the other hand, a road bike, with thinner tires and more weight distribution to the front wheel, is actually not suitable for riding in the woods. The average speed of a road bike when riding on sand, fallen leaves, snow will be 5-8 km / h. When trying to get through deep sand or snow on a road bike, the front wheel will skid to the side, or it will hit the pressed sand, and the rider may eject through the handlebars. In addition, when riding a bicycle without shock absorbers on a gravel or tracked road, fatigue accumulates very quickly due to blows to the arms and spine.

Factors affecting the speed of movement

The level of training of the cyclist

The speed of movement depends most of all on the physical strength and endurance of the rider. The experience of the rider has more influence on the speed of riding than the choice of type of bike. On the highway, an experienced mountain biker will be able to keep novice road bike riders on their tail, maintaining a higher speed even when climbing uphill.

Oncoming air resistance

At speeds of 25-27 km / h, air resistance significantly slows down the movement of the bicycle. If a headwind blows, it becomes difficult to move already at a speed of 10-15 km / h. A mountain bike with a wide and high handlebar, and especially a low saddle, is much harder to pedal at 30 km/h than a road bike. The road bike has a special detail - a narrow steering wheel with a lower grip (ram's horns). If there is a noticeable headwind resistance, a road bike rider can lean against the handlebars by grabbing the handlebars at the bottom of the arc, thus greatly reducing the load.

You can completely get rid of oncoming air pressure only by driving into an air bag, under the protection of a bus or truck in front. But it is very dangerous to attach yourself behind a bus or a truck, as they can brake sharply or turn when driving around the pit.

rolling resistance

This resistance is especially felt at the beginning of the movement. It takes more energy to accelerate from a standstill, both for the cyclist and for the car engine. After the start of movement, rolling resistance has less effect on the amount of effort required for acceleration. With increasing speed, this resistance gradually decreases.

Increasing the friction between the tire and the road primarily increases the amount of rolling resistance. A narrow tire that has pressed through soft ground is hard to lift off the ground. A tire with a wide-spaced tread is excessively rubbed into a hard asphalt surface, moreover, it is quickly erased. Therefore, you should choose tires according to the width, area and tread depth, taking into account which roads you will ride your bike on.

The pressure in the chamber significantly affects the friction between the tire and the road. The more inflated the chamber, the easier the wheel rolls on asphalt and hard ground. To facilitate driving on gravel, sand, mud, snow, it is recommended to reduce the pressure in the chambers.

A large bicycle weight greatly increases the amount of rolling resistance. Accelerating and pushing uphill a heavy mountain bike is always more difficult than a lighter road bike.

Increasing the wheel diameter reduces the amount of rolling resistance. A bicycle for adults coasts in a straight line much longer than a child's. In addition, a large wheel overcomes bumps in the road more easily, rolling over small pits.

Friction in gears

An unlubricated or dirty chain, as well as worn bushings and bottom brackets, will certainly reduce the speed of a bicycle. If you're aiming for high speeds, then you'll need to buy expensive bushings and bottom brackets and keep an eye on their lubrication.

Shock absorbers on a bike, especially those that are too soft, reduce speed on smooth pavement. But they are indispensable when overcoming road sections with small bumps. A shock-absorbed fork turns out to be indispensable when driving around the city, while the rear suspension can be abandoned.

In general, it’s not worth sticking to the above average speeds, especially the maximum ones. You should ride your bike at a speed that is comfortable for you and enjoy the ride.

Edited 05/19/2019

When riding bicycles, sometimes you need to calculate the speed at which you can get there.

The average speed of a bicycle under normal environmental conditions and with a cyclist without much physical training is about 15-20 km/h.
But the speed can be both higher and lower, because. such a thing as "bicycle speed" is very relative. Quite a few things affect this, as described below.

Average bike speed by terrain

There are usually three types of terrain that are most relevant for a cyclist:

  • city ​​or township
  • track
  • rugged terrain

Average bike speed in the city

It is difficult to develop high speed in the city: there are many road users. The cyclist usually has to move along the roads, clinging to their right side, in the general flow of cars. You have to be doubly careful not to accidentally get under the wheels.

The average speed also depends on how often there are intersections with traffic lights on the way, as well as on the degree of traffic congestion. Traffic jams are not terrible for a cyclist, but often there is a need to maneuver among cars. But in small towns with not very dense road traffic it's easier to accelerate.

Depending on all these conditions the average speed of a cyclist in urban conditions is from 10 to 15-17 km/h. If the city can boast of having cycle paths, then it increases to 15-17 km/h. Provided, of course, that they are used for their intended purpose, and pedestrians do not move along them.

Average bike speed on the track

On the highway, the average speed increases due to the absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
It depends on the quality of the road surface and the type of bike.
On small, specially designed ones, it is unlikely that it will be possible to exceed the mark in 20 km/h. But if we take into account ordinary universal bicycles, then we can talk about an average speed of 20-25 km / h. On you can accelerate to 28-32 km / h, but only experienced cyclists with excellent physical fitness can maintain a higher speed.

Average bike speed over rough terrain

The concept of "rough terrain" is rather abstract. It can include both off-road conditions that are comfortable enough to drive, and valleys full of ravines. Therefore, the difference between the minimum and maximum speed limits is large: from 5 to 15 km/h.

Average speed depending on the type of bike

Different types of bikes average different speeds

road bikes

These models are the simplest: large, rather heavy, as a rule, do not provide for switching gears. They are intended mainly for movement around the city and highways with good coverage. Their speed is low: you should not expect to exceed the mark in 13-15 km/h even on a perfectly flat surface

City bikes.

They are also often called walkers. They are already much more functional compared to the road ones. Light weight, comfortable, functional design and the ability to switch speeds provide an average speed within 12-17 km/h in the city and around 20 km/h on the road

MTB bikes (mountain)

If you drive on the highway, you can usually reach the average speed in 25 km/h. If you change tires to those designed for driving on asphalt, the speed increases by 3-4 km / h. In rough terrain, the speed is usually between 10 to 15 km/h.

Hybrid

Road speed - approx. 25-28 km/h, off-road - about 10 km/h

Factors affecting speed

Various factors affect the speed of movement. That is why the same section of the road can be driven at different speeds and for different times.

That is why every cyclist should carefully consider and consider them.

Cyclist training

The speed of movement depends most of all on the physical strength and endurance of the cyclist.
The experience of the cyclist has more influence on the speed of riding than the choice of type of bike.
When driving on the highway, an experienced cyclist will not be able to keep on the tail of novice riders on, maintaining a higher speed even when climbing uphill.
At short distances of about 10 km, everyone can develop an average speed of 18 km / h, including teenagers from 12-14 years old. A more experienced cyclist who travels more than one thousand kilometers a year will cover the same distance twice as fast. He has higher physical strength, better riding technique and generally a better bike. Such people, thanks to trained endurance, can maintain a speed of about 30 km / h, at a distance of 100 km along the highway. At such distances, the average cyclist (who rides about 20-50 hours a month or 1-2 hours a day) rarely travels, or does not ride at all.

tire pressure

The most easily corrected factor is tire pressure. The higher it is, the better the roll and the easier it is to pick up speed.

When driving on highways and city roads, you can inflate the tires to the stop, but for dirt roads it is better to reduce the pressure.

By the way, the overall hardness of the bike also affects the ease of rolling. I mean bike racks. Keep in mind that for the softness of riding (and even a single-suspension) bike, you will have to pay with the increased difficulty of accelerating.

Tires

The next factor is the width of the tire and the shape of its tread.

First of all, it should be borne in mind that the real need for thick wheels appears only on frank off-road. In urban conditions, the law "the thinner the tire, the better" works. Therefore, when choosing a bike, you should clearly be aware of how it will be used.

As for the tread, almost bare tires are suitable for the city, studded tires are suitable for the primer. The reverse situation is fraught with huge problems when driving.

Weight and wheel size

How larger size wheels, the more favorable energy conversion when driving.

For the city, the best option would be 29-inch wheels. For extreme driving - 24-inch wheels.

Regarding the weight of the wheel, the following can be said: it is not so much the diameter that affects the weight, but the quality of the configuration. The hub, spokes, aluminum rim will weigh much less than steel.

It is worth being aware that nothing affects the dynamics of acceleration like the weight of the wheels.

"Eight" wheels

"Eight" is the deformation of the wheels. It appears due to a blow to the wheel and is corrected by tightening the spokes. Small "eights" on the wheel can be eliminated. To do this, you need to contact the workshop.
"Eight", like any other defect "affects the speed.

General bike geometry and aerodynamics

The length of the frame and the fit of the rider on it are important (i.e. necessary). For example, with a low saddle and a wide handlebar configuration, driving will not only be difficult, but also dangerous to health.
The most aerodynamic is the design. They are characterized by a low riding position, in which his body is approximately parallel to the ground, a narrow steering wheel and a long frame. Its opposite is the highly specialized bicycles, which are strictly for stunts.

You can completely get rid of oncoming air pressure only by driving into an air bag, under the protection of a bus or truck in front. But it is very dangerous to attach yourself behind a bus or a truck, as they can brake sharply or turn when driving around the pit

Total bike weight

In general, the mass factor only comes into play in specific conditions such as descents/climbs and off-road. On a light bike, of course, it is convenient to ride in any conditions, while on a heavy bike it is only convenient to go down.

Weather

Accelerating over 15 km / h is not an easy task. But with a passing one, only a bumpy road will force you to drop below 30 km / h.

By the way, bicycle wheels, which have blades instead of spokes, suffer greatly from side wind.

Pedaling technique

With the same average speed, in one case it is possible to drive with almost no effort, and in the other - struggling with exhaustion.

cadence

Cadence should always be in the 60-90 rpm range.

Most beginners make the same gross mistake - they pedal jerky, periodically letting the bike roll by inertia. At the same time, they constantly have to overcome the threshold of cadence. And it takes much more effort than constantly twisting at the optimum speed. Special bicycle computers help to monitor the cadence.

Friction in gears

If the transmission mechanisms (chain, bearings) are dirty, they must be cleaned. To do this, you need to use special detergents. Don't forget to grease them afterwards. If the transmission mechanisms are not lubricated in time, then the speed of movement will significantly decrease (experts say that up to 15%).



Bicycle speed records

The maximum speed at the velodrome is 51.151 km/h. In a race on the track in Mexico City, the Italian athlete Francesco Moser in 1984 covered a distance of 51.151 km in one hour. This result is considered a speed and endurance record. As the record holder himself admitted in 1999: to maintain high speed and not slow down for a second, he was helped by blood doping, which at that time was not prohibited.

The maximum speed in a straight line, when installing an aerodynamic fairing on a bicycle, is 133.78 km / h. This world record was set by 26 year old Dutchman Sebastian Bowyer in 2013 in the 200m. The rider was lying on his back, this bike had front-mounted pedals, and the velomobile itself was completely enclosed by an ultra-light carbon fiber fairing. This velomobile was built jointly by students of the Free University in Amsterdam and the Delft University of Technology.

The maximum speed in a straight line, with the shelter of a bicycle in an air bag - 268.83 km / h. This absolute bicycle speed record was set by 50-year-old accomplished athlete Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands in 1995. This result was achieved on a flat surface of a dried-up salt lake in Utah (Bonneville Salt Flats), and only thanks to the bicycle following the front of a moving racing car, the large fairing of which protected the cyclist from the oncoming air flow. Of course, a special bicycle was built, which is impossible to ride under normal conditions.

The maximum speed when descending the mountain is 222 km/h. This speed record was set by the Frenchman Eric Baron in 2000 on a run-in ice ski slope in the French Alps. To set this speed limit, a bike was built with improved aerodynamics, but with a dampened fork and rear suspension. The athlete himself was dressed in an aerodynamic hard suit suit. In 2002, Eric Baron, already on the dry gravel slope of the Sierra Negro volcano in Nicaragua, was able to accelerate to 210.4 km / h. After driving about 400 meters, the bike under the daredevil, due to the unbearable load on the frame, was torn into two parts. Eric Baron received a severe hip fracture, dislocation of the left shoulder and cervical spine, numerous bruises and cuts, but the athlete survived thanks to a helmet and a protective suit.

The maximum average speed for a road bike is 41.654 km/h. American road racer Lance Armstrong was able to keep such a speed at the Tour de France distance in 2005. On the descents from the mountains, the participants of this competition develop a speed close to 90 km / h.



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