The average bike speed from most cyclists can range from 9 – 15 mph (14 – 24kph). Beginner cyclists cycle at about 10 -12 mph (16 – 19 kph) and experienced cyclists will be between 15 – 18 mph (24 – 29 kph).
Use our tables below to see the average bike speed per age, fitness level, and bike type. Plus how to calculate your average cycling speed and tips to improve your average bike speed.
Table Contents
What is the average bike speed - mph and kph
The average bike speed can range from 9 – 15 mph (14 – 24kph). In the USA, the average cycling speed is about 15 mph (24kph).
As a general guideline, the average bicycle speed for a beginner is 10 – 12 mph (16 – 19 kph) and an experienced cyclist will be between 15 – 18 mph (24 – 29 kph).
When it comes average bicycling speed, there are a number factors that can affect your speed on any given day. For example, the types of bike, the terrain, your level of fitness, your clothing, and even wind direction.
While knowing your average bike riding speed can be useful, ultimately, what matters most is that you’re enjoying your ride and staying safe.
Cycling also has other benefits such as improving your fitness, helping you lose weight and improving your overall health. So, if you’re not training for a specific event, don’t worry too much about the numbers. Focus on the journey and the experience of being out on your bike! For more on cycling to lose weight, read Calories burned biking.
The speeds in the following tables are averages. Speeds may vary between individuals and bikes.
Average cycling speed by age - mph and kph
AGE | MPH | KPH |
18 – 25 | 17 – 19 | 27 – 30 |
25 – 35 | 21 – 22 | 33 – 35 |
35 – 40 | 19 | 30 |
45 – 50 | 15 | 24 |
50 – 55 | 14 | 22 |
Average bike speed by fitness level - mph and kph
LEVEL | MPH | KPH |
Beginner | 7 – 12 | 11 – 19 |
Intermediate | 12 – 16 | 19 – 26 |
Advanced | 16 – 24 | 26 – 39 |
Pro | 24 – 28 | 39 – 45 |
Average cycling speed for different bikes - mph and kph
TYPE OF BIKE | MPH | KPH |
Road bike | 15 – 20 | 24 – 32 |
Mountain bike | 10 – 12 | 16 – 19 |
Gravel bike | 15 – 16 | 24 – 26 |
Hybrid bike | 12 – 18 | 19 – 29 |
E-bike | 15 – 28 | 24 – 45 |
The average bike speed is 9 - 15 mph (14 - 24kph). In the USA, the average cycling speed is about 15 mph (24kph). Beginner cyclists will average 10 - 12 mph (16 - 19 kph) and an experienced cyclists will be between 15 - 18 mph (24 - 29 kph).
Average cycling speed by age
Age can have an influence on average bike speed due to several factors that tend to change as we age.
The ages 25 – 35 tend to have the fastest average cycling speed of 21 – 22 mph. As the individual gets older, the speed tends to drop with an average speed of 14mph in the 50s.
Here are some ways in which age affects average bike speed:
- Physical fitness: As people age, their overall physical fitness might naturally decrease. Reduced muscle mass, flexibility, and aerobic capacity can result in a slower average bike speed. However, maintaining an active lifestyle and engaging in regular exercise can help minimise some of these effects.
- Endurance: The ability to sustain high levels of effort over long distances or periods of time might decrease. This can lead to a lower average bike speed.
- Recovery time: As you age, you might require more recovery time between rides. This will affect how often you can train which could affect average cycling speed.
- Risk aversion: With age, individuals may become more averse to taking risks and cautious. This can result in a more conservative approach to cycling such as lower average speeds, especially when navigating corners, descents, or unfamiliar terrain.
Age can have an impact on average cycling speed. Generally, the older the individual the slower the speed with 25 - 35 years having the fastest average cycling speed by age.
Average bike speed by fitness level and experience
Fitness level can have a huge impact on average cycling speed. Individuals with higher fitness levels tend to ride at faster speeds compared to those with lower fitness levels.
Here’s how fitness can affect your average bike riding speed:
- Endurance: The fitter you are, the better your ability to sustain a faster speed over a longer distance. This results in faster average cycling speeds.
- Power and strength: The higher your fitness level, the more power you can generate through the pedal strokes. This will allow you to accelerate faster, climb hills and keep a higher speed overall.
- Aerobic capacity: Fitness level also affects the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently during exercise. Improved aerobic capacity means the body can deliver more oxygen to the working muscles. This delays fatigue and allows for sustained effort at higher speeds.
- Recovery and fatigue resistance: Fit cyclists will recover faster and experience less fatigue during rides. They can therefore maintain a consistent pace for longer periods which equals higher average biking speeds.
Cycling is a great way to improve fitness levels. Regular training, that includes a combination of endurance rides, interval training, and strength exercises, can help individuals increase their fitness and ultimately improve their average cycling speed over time.
Fitness levels can affect your average cycling speed. The fitter you are, the higher your average cycling speed.
Average bike speed for different bikes
The type of bike you have will also affect your average bike speed. For example, bikes that are designed for off-roading will have a slower average bike speed than those designed for racing on roads.
Average road bike speed
The average bicycle speed for a road bike usually ranges from 15 – 20 mph (24 – 32 kph).
A road bike is designed for speed and efficiency on smooth surfaces. They are built for racing and are made from lightweight materials to maximize performance.
However, the riding position of a road bike may be challenging, especially if you have back problems. If you’re looking a bike for speed and racing, a road bike can be a great choice.
Average mountain bike speed
The average mountain bike speed ranges from 10 – 12 mph (16 – 19 kph). These bikes are designed for off-road riding and navigating rough terrain.
They have a sturdy construction and wide tires which enables them to handle bumps, rocks, and trails effectively.
A mountain bike might not be necessary if you plan to primarily ride on smooth surfaces. However, they are ideal for exploring off-road trails and challenging terrains which makes them a good choice for those who are adventurous.
Average bike speed for a gravel bike
On average, a gravel bike can reach speeds ranging from 15 to 16 mph (24 to 26 kph).
Gravel bikes have the design features of road bikes but with the wider tires found on mountain bikes. They are designed to allow riders to tackle both paved roads and gravel or dirt paths.
Gravel bikes offer a comfortable and upright riding posture, which can be easier on your back. If you enjoy exploring mixed terrains and want a bike that can handle different surfaces, a gravel bike is a great option.
Average bicycle speed for a hybrid bike
Hybrid bikes typically have an average cycling speed of 12 – 18 mph (19 – 29 kph).
They combine the features of road and mountain bikes, which makes them a good choice for a variety of riders.
Hybrid bikes also have an upright posture, which is easier on the back. They can be used for the daily commute to work through city streets or exploring the great outdoors!
Average speed on an electric bike
The average speed of an electric bike can range from 15 – 28 mph (24 – 45 kph). Also known as e-bikes, they have an electric motor that assists the rider’s pedaling.
As they can go quite fast, some countries and states have local law and regulations. It’s best to find out your local laws and abide by them.
The average bike speed for different types of bikes can range from 10 - 28 mph (16 - 45 kph) depending on the bike.
How to calculate your average bike speed
To calculate your average bike speed, follow these steps:
- Record the distance of your ride. You can use a GPS bike computer, a smartwatch or an app on your smartphone.
- Calculate how long the ride took. You can record the time on a stopwatch or one of the devices above.
- Use the bike pace formula: average speed = distance / time
GPS bike computer
A GPS bike computer — like this Bike Computer Wireless GPS — is specifically designed for cycling.
Not only will they measure your average cycling speed but will also calculate your cadence, heart rate, gradient and more.
The IGPSport has up to 40 hours after fully charged. It also syncs to your phone and allows you to share data on popular running apps like Strava.
Multisport smart watch
The Polar Vantage V2 is a multisport smart watch.
It will record your distance, average cycling speed, heart rate, gradient and more.
It has a titanium case which makes it light yet durable. It's also waterproof.
It has up to 40 hours of training time, so has more than enough time to record any race or distance.
Smartphone app
There are several smartphone apps that you can use to record your cycling data. The most popular being Strava, Ride with GPS, MapMyRide and Wahoo Fitness.
To use a smartphone app, you’ll need to have your phone securely attached to your bike.
Using this RAM MOUNTS X-Grip Phone Mount will make sure your phone is securely held on the toughest of rides.
Top tips to record your average bike speed
Here are a few tips that will help you record your average bike speed as accurately as possible.
Start and stop your timer at the same point
If you are recording your average bike speed over a certain distance or route, make sure you start and stop your timer at the exact spot every time you cycle the route. This will ensure that you are recording the exact same distance.
Also, remember to stop your timer to record your ride as soon as you are finished riding. This will help you only record the cycling time.
Calibrate your cycling computer
For accurate information, make sure you have calibrated your GPS cycling computer correctly. Follow the manufacturers guidelines for this.
Account for terrain
If you are cycling the same distance but a different route, take into account that the terrain might influence your biking speed. Take the average biking speed over different terrains which will give you amore accurate representation of your overall speed.
Use a consistent method to record your average bike speed
There can be slight variations between different methods to record your average bike speed. For example, the bike GPS computer might give a slightly different reading to your smartwatch or phone. To be more accurate, use the same method.
You can calculate your average bike speed by measuring the distance and the time. Using a device such as a bike GPS calculator, smartwatch or smartphone app can calculate your average cycling speed and more.
What is the average bike speed globally?
The average bike speed on Strava varies depending on the type of ride and bike, the terrain, and the rider’s fitness level. However, according to Strava’s data, the global average bike speed for all rides is 13.5 mph (21.72 km/h).
Here are a few more bike speeds on Strava:
- Road bike: 14-18 mph (23-29 km/h)
- Mountain bike: 10-14 mph (16-23 km/h)
- Cyclocross: 12-16 mph (19-26 km/h)
- Triathlon: 16-20 mph (26-32 km/h)
It’s important to keep in mind that these are averages and your own cycling speed might differ from this.
The global average bike speed is about 13.5 mph (21.72 kph).
What factors affect average bike speed?
There are several factors that can affect your average bike riding speed. Even if you cycle the same route, on any given day, your average bike speed can vary depending on these factors.
Terrain
Terrain plays an important role in determining average bike speed. On flat terrain, you can maintain a higher average speed compared to hilly terrain.
Uphill sections require more effort and can significantly slow down your cycling speed. Downhill sections allow riders to pick up speed and increase their average bike speed.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions will affect your average biking speed quite significantly. For example, you’ll need to slow down in rainy weather due to the risk of slipping.
The wind can also have a substantial impact on average bike speed. For example, a headwind will slow down your average bike speed because it will require more energy to pedal due to the wind resistance. A tailwind, on the other hand will push you along, resulting in a faster average cycling speed.
Bike type
The type of bike being used will also affect the average speed.
Road bikes, with their lightweight frames, aerodynamic designs, and narrow tires, are built for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They have lower rolling resistance and better aerodynamics, this allows riders to hit higher average speeds compared to mountain bikes or hybrid bikes. These bikes are designed for off-road or mixed terrain and prioritize durability and versatility over speed.
Age, fitness, skill, and experience
The fitter you are, the faster your average bike speed, the longer your endurance and the power you generate.
Generally, younger riders who are in better physical condition, tend to hit higher speeds due to their enhanced physical capabilities and conditioning.
Additionally, experienced riders who have honed their cycling skills and techniques over time can maximize efficiency and generate more speed for the same level effort.
Aim and distance of the ride
The purpose and distance of the ride will affect your average bike speed. If the ride is intended for leisure or sightseeing, you’ll probably choose to maintain a more relaxed pace, which results in a lower average speed.
However, in competitive scenarios or when riders aim to cover longer distances within a specific time, they will push themselves to maintain a higher average speed throughout the ride.
Factors that can affect your bike speed include: terrain, weather conditions, bike type, age, fitness, skill and experience.
How can I increase my average bike speed?
There are several things that you can do to increase your average bike speed. The biggest factors would be to increase your fitness, work on your cycling technique and train.
Here are few tips to help:
- Work on your fitness: This is the most important factor to increase your average bike speed. The fitter you are, the longer you can sustain a faster pace. You can increase your fitness by riding regularly, doing interval training and strength training.
- Improve your cadence: Cadence is the how many times you turn your pedals per minute. A higher cadence is more efficient. This means you can ride faster without getting as tired. A good target cadence is 80-90 rpm.
- Make yourself more aerodynamic. The more aerodynamic you are, the less wind resistance, which will help you ride faster. There are a few things you can do to improve your aerodynamics: such as riding in a tuck position, wearing skin-tight/cycling clothing, and using a bike with aero wheels.
- Use your gears efficiently. Shift gears up or down to maintain a comfortable cadence. Riding in the wrong gear can waste energy and slow you down. Include this in your training so that you can get used to shifting gears.
- Ride in a group. Riding in a group can help you ride faster. You can draft off the other riders which means that you will be less affected by wind resistance. This can save you a lot of energy. Also, riding in a group will naturally motivate you to ride faster and longer.
- Train for speed. If you want to cycle faster, you need to train specifically for speed. This means doing interval training, which involves alternating between short bursts of high-intensity riding and periods of rest.
Choose the right bike for your needs and make sure that you maintain it properly. A well-maintained bike will be more efficient and easier to ride.
Lastly, listen to your body. Don’t try cycle too fast too soon. If you start to feel tired or sore, take a break or slow down.
With consistent training and effort, you can gradually improve your average bike speed. Be patient and listen to your body, and you will eventually reach your goals.
There are several things you can do to increase your average bike speed. This includes improving your fitness, improving your cadence, making yourself more aerodynamic and using your gears. Cycling in a group and specific training for speed can also help.
FAQs
What is a good average bike speed?
A good average bike speed for most cyclists is between 12 – 15 mph (19 – 24 kph). This will vary depending on your fitness level, the bike, the terrain, and weather conditions.
What is the average cycling speed for a beginner?
The average bicycle speed for a beginner is 10 – 12 mph (16 – 19 kph). This can vary depending on the cyclist’s fitness and level of experience.
What is the average cycling speed for a 10-mile ride?
The average cycling speed for a 10-mile ride is usually between 12-15 mph (19-24 km/h).
What is the average cycling speed for a 20-mile ride?
The average cycling speed for a 20-mile ride is usually between 15-18 mph (24-29 km/h). This will vary depending on fitness level, the type of bike and the terrain.
What is the average cycling speed for a 50-mile ride?
The average cycling speed for a 50-mile ride is between 18-22 mph (29-35 km/h). However, this can vary depending on the person’s fitness level, the bike they are riding, and the terrain or environment.
Overall Summary
- The average bike speed is between 9 – 15 mph (14 – 24kph).
- In the USA, the average cycling speed is about 15 mph (24kph).
- Cycling speed can vary depending on your bike type, your fitness level, the terrain, the duration of your ride and the weather.
- Training and consistent cycling can help you increase your average bike speed.
