When riding a bicycle, speed feels very different than in a car. More sharp and tangible. This is understandable. There is no barrier between the cyclist and the space around him, he is completely open to wind and rain. The bike rolls silently, only the slight rustle of tires on the pavement and the noise of the headwind in the ears. All this creates the feeling that you are moving faster than it actually is.

Maximum bike speed
The absolute speed record set while cycling is 268 km/h, it was set by Fred Rompelberg in 1995. Seems incredible, doesn’t it? Indeed, in order to achieve such a speed, special conditions had to be created for the cyclist. He moved across the salt flat in the tail of a racing car equipped with a special fairing. This not only saved him from the headwind, but the air vortex created by the car carried him along. And the bike itself was an unusual design.
In the absence of auxiliary means, velomobiles with special ultra-light fairings demonstrate the highest speed. The speed record for them is 105 km / h when moving from the move (without acceleration) at a distance of 200 m. When starting from a standstill in a one-hour race, the velomobile speed record was 75 km / h. But when descending from the mountain, the mountain bike showed the highest speed (210 km / h).

Bicycle speed in everyday life
Records are a good and interesting thing, but for ordinary cyclists what is the maximum speed they can go on ordinary roads on ordinary bikes? And how long can this speed be maintained?

Bicycle speed was once measured with awkward mechanical speedometers. They were only capable of showing current speed and total mileage. Modern cycle computers are dozens of times more functional. They show not only all kinds of parameters for the movement of a bicycle, but also information that has nothing to do with it. Altitude above sea level, the cyclist’s heart rate, his location on the globe, and so on.

To an ordinary person (not an athlete) riding a bicycle, it seems that he is moving at a higher speed than he actually is. Having fixed a speed of 25-30 km / h on the speedometer with a glance, he thinks that this speed supported by them all the time. But in reality, the average speed is much lower, no more than 20 km/h.

Of course, the value of the average speed depends on the physical condition of the cyclist and the quality of his bike. A professional, well-trained athlete, “winding” several thousand kilometers of roads a year on wheels, is able to move at a much higher speed. For example, drive a distance of 100 or more kilometers at an average speed of at least 25 km/h.

Marathon cyclists with special physical conditions can maintain an average speed of 30-35 km / h for several hours. The current speed at the same time in certain areas can reach 40 km / h. Moreover, groups of cyclists usually move faster than singles. Group races often take place at an average speed of more than 50 km/h, and on the descents it sometimes exceeds 100 km/h.

But sometimes singles demonstrate extraordinary speed. For example, professional athlete Francesco Moser in 1984 maintained a speed of at least 50 km / h for an hour. This record has not been broken to this day.

And here are the specific results recorded in the Tour de France races.

Lance Armstrong in 2003 showed 40.940 km / h.
In 2004, he almost repeated his achievement – 40.553 km / h.
Again Armstrong in 2005 – 41.654 km / h.
Oscar Pereiro in 2006 – 40.784 km / h.
Carlos Sastre in 2008 – 40.492 km / h.
Influence of terrain on bicycle speed
Rugged terrain reduces the speed of the bike. Mountain trails also have a catastrophic effect on speed, reducing it to 15 km / h. It would seem that very little – given the professionalism and physical condition of the athletes, as well as the high technical level of their bikes. But it must be taken into account that an ordinary person could not ride a bicycle along such a road at all. I would roll the bike in my hands at a speed of several kilometers per hour.

The speed of the rider on the slopes reaches 90 km / h. On the mountain stages, the average value is 36-38 km/h, on the flat areas – 50 km/h.
How to improve your cycling speed
First of all, by increasing physical condition, that is, by exercising. Regular exercise will quickly increase the results. The quality and type of bike is important. The car must match the road conditions and style ride. Having a light, well-adjusted bike and exercising is much more enjoyable.

And here is how the parameters of the bicycle and the design of some of its components affect the speed of movement.

Bike weight

The smaller it is, the easier it is to ride.

Saddle position adjustment

Too low saddle makes it difficult to go fast. In addition, it is difficult and traumatic for the knees.

handlebar width

Narrow steering makes it easier to ride.

Tire type

Narrow, smooth rubber rolls most easily on hard surfaces. Wide tires with large lugs create more rolling resistance. On too soft ground, sand and gravel, the situation changes somewhat in the opposite direction. Given that the roads are usually rough, it’s surprising that some home bike manufacturers fit their products with oversized, deep lugs.

Tire pressure

On hard surfaces, the higher the pressure, the easier it is to ride. For soft soil, it is better to keep it medium. In general, the optimal tire pressure for specific roads must be selected empirically.

Wheel weight

The smaller it is, the easier the bike accelerates. The farther a wheel element is from the center of rotation, the more important its weight is for acceleration. That is, according to the degree of influence on acceleration, the elements are arranged in the following sequence: tire with a chamber – rim – spokes – bushing.

Wheel diameter

Large wheels roll easier than small ones because they create less drag on bumps, in accordance with the laws of theoretical mechanics.

Transmission condition (bottom bracket, chain, rear sprockets, bushings)

Wear of elements (chains, bearings, bushings), not lubricated, dirty chain – all this creates additional resistance to driving.

Cyclist position

With a low seating position and a narrow handlebar, it is easier to ride, but to a certain extent. In general, there is no universal, suitable for all cases position of a cyclist. It’s different for every situation.

Windage

When calm, tangible air resistance occurs at a speed of 25-27 km / h. With a slight headwind – already at 10-15 km / h.

shock absorbers

Worse rolling on smooth asphalt. On hard roads with small bumps and stones, they make it easier.

frame geometry

For each style and occasion, the optimal is its own geometry. No wonder their number is so great.