Since the invention of this type of transport, the question has been: what is the highest speed a bicycle can achieve? Of course, progress does not stand still and modern models cannot be compared with the first copies. Taking into account the specifics of bikes, experts separate records for each type separately.
World records
Records are being recorded:
- on flat tracks;
- on mountain slopes (here there is a subdivision for descent on an icy and rocky surface);
- cross-country And.
This division is not accidental, because different races have their own design, which takes into account the specifics of movement, the load on the vehicle, and the rider.
Even 100 years ago, records began to be set on a bicycle in a straight line, which went down in history:
At highway speed
Worth knowing! A bicycle designed for road racing does not have a front and rear wing, he is relieved. To increase speed, racers use the car ahead, which creates a zone of low pressure.In 1995, another record was set by the Dutchman Fred Rompelberg on the salt lake plain. He moved on a perfectly flat surface, on a bike specially built for such an occasion and in... Its speed is 268.8 km/h.
The record was set when the athlete turned 50 years old. True, he took advantage of the car in front, the model had an increased gear ratio, and a special gear is installed on the rear sprocket. The combination of all components made it possible to develop unprecedented speed.
On the descents from the mountains
– this is the name of bicycles, the design of which allows you to easily move through mountainous terrain, heavier than their road counterpart.
The record holder in the winter descent from the mountain is Eric Barone. He is often referred to as the "Red Baron" because of the red uniform he always wears on the slopes.
The record set by Barone in 2000 is 223 km/h. This result was shown in the Alps in clear weather, with optimal aerodynamics of the bike and the athlete’s equipment thought out to the smallest detail. 
Important! When preparing for a record, everything is taken into account - from the weight of the bike to the streamlining and highly aerodynamic position of the rider’s body.
When setting this type of record, it is necessary to take into account that in this option it is impossible to use the car in front, which increases the speed. Against. The airflow resistance increases, the vibration of the bike increases and a huge amount of effort is required to hold the bike.
In the gravel race, an honorable third place also belongs to this athlete. In 2002, he traveled only 400 meters along the Sierra Negro slope. Due to the heavy load, the bicycle was torn in half. Barone received numerous fractures, but he managed to accelerate to 210.4 kilometers per hour. Later, Markus Steckl tried to break this record, but to no avail.
Other records
The following world achievements in cycling:
- The current hour record of 49.7 km/h was set by Ondrej Sosenka, a 30-year-old athlete from the Italian team. This happened at the velodrome in Krylatskoye in 2005. The bike had a high saddle, had one speed and a fixed gear.
- In 1994, in Las Vegas, Peter Rosenthal accelerated to 29.7 km/h. He covered a sprint distance of one hundred meters in 12.1 seconds.
- Sebastian Bowyer turned his bicycle into a real cocoon, from which the wheels were barely visible. The ideal streamlined shape made it possible to reach a straight line speed of 134 km/h.
- François Gisi installed a jet engine on his bike in 2014 and challenged none other than Ferrari. It accelerated to 333 km/h in 4.5 seconds. It was a victory. Today this figure is considered the highest speed achieved on a bicycle.
You can watch the video of the Zhixi race here.
To increase the speed, a simple cyclist needs:
- Reduce bike weight. This is achieved by removing the fenders above the wheels and other unnecessary parts in it.
- at such a level that the position of the human body is as streamlined as possible.
- Ensure steering angle is tilted so that the rider’s muscles experience the least amount of stress and get tired later.
- Increase gear ratio.
- Professional racers use bikes made of special lightweight and durable alloys. They are expensive, but if you want, you can get such a bike.
There is no doubt that the athletes will make every effort to ensure that the records do not stand. Such vain desires move progress forward and force us to look for unexpected solutions.
Improvement of this popular method of transportation continues. Underwater models have appeared, although not many people can judge how convenient they are for travel.
When riding a bicycle, speed feels completely 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 the wind and rain. The bicycle rolls silently, only the slight rustle of tires on the asphalt and the sound of the headwind in the ears. All this creates the feeling that you are moving at a faster speed than you actually are.
Maximum speed bicycle
The absolute speed record set while riding a bicycle is 268 km/h, set by Fred Rompelberg in 1995. Seems incredible, doesn't it? Indeed, in order to achieve such a speed, it was necessary to create special conditions 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 also the air vortex created by the car carried him along with it. And the bicycle itself was of an unusual design.
In the absence aids The highest speeds are demonstrated by velomobiles with special ultra-light fairings. The speed record for them is 105 km/h when moving from a running start (without acceleration) at a distance of 200 m. When starting from a standstill in a one-hour race, the speed record for a velomobile 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 more important is what is the maximum speed they can ride on ordinary roads on ordinary bicycles? And how long can this speed be maintained?
Once upon a time, measuring the speed of bicycles was carried out with inconvenient mechanical speedometers. They were only able to show current speed and total mileage. Modern ones are ten times more functional. They show not only all sorts of parameters of the bicycle’s movement, but also information that has nothing to do with it. Altitude above sea level, the cyclist's pulse 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 faster speed than he actually is. Having fixed his gaze on the speedometer at a speed of 25-30 km/h, he thinks that he maintains this speed throughout the entire time. But in reality, the average speed turns out to be much lower, no more than 20 km/h.
Of course, the average speed depends on the physical condition of the cyclist and the quality of his bike. A professional, well-trained athlete, who covers several thousand kilometers of roads a year on his wheels, is able to move at a much higher speed. For example, drive a distance of 100 kilometers or more at an average speed of at least 25 km/h.
Marathon cyclists with special physical conditions can maintain average speed at 30-35 km/h for several hours. The current speed in certain areas can reach 40 km/h. Moreover, groups of cyclists usually move faster than individuals. Group races often take place at an average speed of more than 50 km/h, and on the downhills it sometimes exceeds 100 km/h.
But sometimes single players demonstrate extraordinary speeds. 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.
Here are the specific results recorded at the Tour de France.
- Lance Armstrong showed 40.940 km/h in 2003.
- In 2004, he almost repeated his achievement - 40.553 km/h.
- Armstrong again in 2005 - 41.654 km/h.
- Oscar Pereiro in 2006 - 40.784 km/h.
- Carlos Sastre in 2008 - 40.492 km/h.
The influence of terrain on bicycle speed
Rough terrain reduces the speed of the bike. Mountain roads also have a catastrophic effect on speed, reducing it to 15 km/h. It would seem very little, considering the professionalism and physical condition of the athletes, as well as the high technical level of their bicycles. But we must take into account that an ordinary person would not be able to ride a bicycle on such a road. I would roll the bike in my hands at a speed of several kilometers per hour.
The speed of the racer on the slopes reaches 90 km/h. On mountain stages the average value is 36-38 km/h, on flat sections – 50 km/h.
How to increase your cycling speed
First of all, by improving physical condition, that is, by training. Regular classes will increase your results quite quickly. The quality and type of bike is important. The car must match the road conditions and driving style. Having a lightweight, well-adjusted bike makes working out much more enjoyable.
And here is how the parameters of a 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.
A saddle that's too low makes it difficult to ride fast. In addition, it is difficult and traumatic for the knees.
Handlebar width
It's easier to ride with a narrow steering wheel.
Narrow, smooth rubber rolls easiest on hard surfaces. Wide tires with large lugs create more resistance to movement. On too soft soil, sand and gravel, the situation changes somewhat in the opposite direction. Considering that the roads are usually still hard, it is surprising that some manufacturers of household bicycles equip their products with tires that are prohibitively wide and have deep lugs.
On hard surfaces, the higher the pressure, the easier it is to ride. For soft soil it is better to keep it at medium. In general, the optimal tire pressure for specific roads must be selected experimentally.
Wheel weight
The smaller it is, the easier the bike accelerates. The further a wheel element is from the center of rotation, the greater the impact its weight has on acceleration. ThatAccording to the degree of influence on acceleration, the elements are arranged in the following sequence: tire with camera - rim - spokes - hub.
Wheel diameter
Large wheels roll easier than small ones because they create a smaller moment of resistance on uneven surfaces - in accordance with the laws of theoretical mechanics.
Transmission condition (carriage, chain, rear sprockets, bushings)
Wear of elements (bearings, bushings), unlubricated, dirty chain - all this creates additional driving resistance.
Rider position
With a low seating position and narrow handlebars, the ride is easier, but to a certain extent. In general, there is no universal cyclist position suitable for all cases. It is different for each situation.
Windage
When there is calm, noticeable air resistance occurs at a speed of 25-27 km/h. With a slight headwind - already at 10-15 km/h.
Shock absorbers
They make rolling worse on smooth asphalt. On hard roads with small bumps and stones, they make it easier.
For each style and occasion, its own geometry is optimal. No wonder their number is so large.
At the end of the article, I offer you a recording of Fred setting a record Rompelberg in 1995:
The bicycle mechanism is driven by the physical efforts of the rider and the gearbox - therefore, the speed directly depends on various factors: the speed of pedaling and the power of the speed system.
To the question “what is the maximum speed you can reach on a bicycle?” It is impossible to answer, since the maximum speed directly depends on the limit of a person’s capabilities and the technical condition of the bicycle.
If we take the average option, the speed can reach up to 60 km/h. But in history there are cases when the speed of a bike exceeded the car limit.
Record speed
What was the maximum speed recorded while riding a bicycle - an absolute record:
The principle of speed acceleration
Several factors influence the development of the speed limit:
Bicycles, scooters, components
- Quick view 11,733 ₽
- Quick view 5,250 ₽
- Quick view 34,590 ₽
- Quick view 15,890 ₽
For hard roads, narrow, smooth rubber tires without a pattern are most suitable; the most unsuitable option for smooth roads are wide, studded tires.
And gravel, sand and soft primer require studs and wide tires. Pebbles and stones are not suitable for cycling at all.
Pressure plays an important role in the development of speed - the higher it is, the more optimal the roll on flat and hard surfaces.
Dirt and crushed stone routes require a series of experiments to find the best result.
The weight of the wheels also affects the speed. The less the rims, spokes, bushings, tires and tubes weigh, the less effort is spent on accelerating the bike, which means the minimum effort is put into riding fast.
The larger the diameter, the higher the speed development and overcoming all road irregularities. The optimal diameter is 29 inches.
High resistance in the mechanical rear transmission system and poor lubrication reduces the speed of wheel rotation.
Bushing wear requires more effort.
Seat, width, weather conditions, shock absorber and other related factors also affect ride speed.
Average bike capabilities
This elusive record inspires any extreme riding enthusiast. To measure the speed level, mechanical speedometers were previously installed on vehicles, in at the moment time, inexpensive electronic ones are available that record driving speed, route duration, driving pace, energy consumption, average travel speed and other useful information.
According to average statistics, cycling speed can be 50 km/h on a road bike on a paved road.
The higher physical training and the technical skills of the rider, and the equipment of the bike, the faster the ride: a trained cyclist can easily reach speeds of up to 110 km/h.
When driving around town, you must follow the traffic rules: avoid cars; slow down at intersections, before entering turns and pedestrian crossings; the speed limit cannot exceed 25 km.
The road bike develops high speed on an asphalt road, but it is not recommended for fast driving around the city due to the low seating position of the cyclist, poor visibility and skidding during rapid braking.
More suitable for high-speed driving in city conditions mountain bikes, although they roll slower on flat surfaces, they are more preferable for safe high-speed driving in populated areas.
The mountain bike is also suitable for city racing: the wide handlebars make it easy to maneuver on the road, and the wide tires have excellent grip on the asphalt surface, allowing you to stop instantly.
Riding over rough objects does not allow you to reach a speed of more than 35 km/h on any bicycle; this is due to the frequent occurrence of potholes, bumps and sandy roads, which significantly reduce the speed.
On the forest paths the most high speed can reach only 15 km/h.
How to increase your speed?
To accelerate the roll-up and speed when cycling, you should follow the basic rules:
- Keep bicycles in perfect order and free of dirt;
- Constantly lubricate all parts;
- Monitor the tire pressure indicator;
- Adjust ;
- Optimally position the seat and steering wheel;
- Personal physical training to increase endurance and physical strength.
Dust and contamination of bike parts interfere with normal movement and deform the mechanism. Absolutely all moving parts: bushings, sprockets, chains require careful care, cleanliness and constant lubrication.
Moderately inflated wheels also guarantee a good level of roll-up, contact with the track and increased maneuverability in difficult areas.
When the wheels are overinflated, the speed increases, but there is a risk of tire rupture and loss of balance due to insufficient grip on the road, so you should only ride on overinflated wheels after long training sessions and at maximum speed. high level bike control.
Poorly adjusted ones can also prevent the bike from reaching its maximum speed, this applies to disc systems and vibration brakes.
The distance itself between the pad and the disc or rim mechanisms should be tiny. The pads must be positioned so that when braking they adhere closely to the surface.
The position on the bike itself determines the ease of driving, and therefore directly affects the possible speed of movement.
Increasing aerodynamics can be achieved by increasing the inclination to the body and lowering the level of the steering wheel relative to the seat.
Finally, a video with a speed record on a jet bike:
The Bonneville Salt Flat originated on the site of a dry salt lake of the same name with an area of 412 km2 and is located in northwestern Utah, USA. The lake formed approximately 32,000 years ago and dried up approximately 16,800 years ago. The depth of the salt deposits reaches 1.8 m in many places.
A high-speed track has been laid on the surface of the lake, where competitions in the speed and power of moving equipment are regularly held. Participants from all over the world gather at this place to take part in exciting competitions.
This is where the World Cycling Speed Record was set in 1995. 50-year-old Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands managed to accelerate to (attention!) 268 kilometers per hour!
Rompelberg owed his success to the maximum gear ratio and the so-called “air bell” from the vehicle ahead. Professional drag racers acted as the “wall” in this experiment.
Rompelberg was riding a bicycle of his own design with a double system - a large front sprocket spun a small one, to which was welded a second large sprocket with a chain leading to the rear wheel.
It should be noted that, despite the relative ease of movement in the bell, it can be very dangerous. According to journalists, when setting the previous record (which was 220 km/h), Rompelberg fell at full speed. The result is more than twenty fractures throughout the body.
This record has remained unchanged for 12 years; it was also included in the Guinness Book of Records in the category “highest speed, developed by man on a bicycle." No one has managed to break this record, and so far it is considered the limit of human capabilities.
And finally, a video with Frank and his record:
Summary of records
1. Most long distance The distance traveled by a person on a bicycle without touching the ground for exactly 24 hours is 890.2 km. The record holder was Marko Balo from Slovenia on September 6-7, 2008. (Guinness World Records)
2. The greatest underwater depth at which a person has ridden a bicycle is 66.5 meters. This was done by Vittorio Innocente in Santa Margherita Ligur, Liguria region, Italy, July 21, 2008. However, this record pales in comparison to the one set by Remy Bricca of France for “walking on water”, covering a distance of 5,636 km (John Wright / Guinness World Records)
3. Sam Wakeling rode a unicycle 453.6 km in 24 hours in Aberystwyth, Wales, from 29 to 30 September 2007.
4. Christian Adam from Lubeck, Germany, learned to ride a bicycle at age 4 (like most boys) and began playing the violin in 1970. Then a strange idea came to his mind to combine these two activities, and he began to play the violin, riding his bicycle in the opposite direction. His record is 60 kilometers in 5 hours. And all this time he played the violin.
5. Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands set a world speed record on a bicycle. He was able to disperse his " pedal horse"on the salt flat of Utah, USA, up to 268.83 km/h!!! Although, it should be noted that he owes this to a large extent to the car driving in front of him, which cut through the air flow, reducing air flow resistance to a minimum. In addition, a windshield was installed on the bike.
6. On international competitions <Финике Интернэшнл Рейсэвэй>in Arizona (USA) in April 1990, Michael Secrest covered a record distance of 1958.196 km in reverse.
7. Peter Rosendahl set a record for sprint distance 100 m - 12.11 s (speed 29.72 km/h) when starting from a standstill. The record was set on March 25, 1994 in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA).
8. Fred Markham set a speed record in a single velomobile ride - 105.38 km/h over a distance of 200 m, starting from the move. The record was set on May 11, 1986 in Mono Lake (California, USA).
9. Pat Kinch riding a velomobile solo<Кингсайкл Бин>set a speed record in an hour-long race, starting from a standing start - 75.57 km/h. The record was set at the Millbrook test site (Bedford, UK).
10. The world's largest bicycle (by wheel diameter) is a bicycle<Франкенсайкл>. Its height is 3.40 m, wheel diameter is 3.05 m. The bicycle was built by Dave Moore from Rosemead (California, USA). On June 4, 1989, it was first driven by Steve Gordon from Moorpark, California.
11. Tricycle <Диллон Колоссал>, designed by Arthur Dillon and built by Dave Moore in 1994, has rear wheels diameter 3.35 m and front wheel diameter 1.77 m.
12. The longest bicycle, without the third stabilizing wheel, is 22.24 m long and weighs 340 kg. The bike was designed and built by Terry Tessman from Pahiatua ( New Zealand). On February 27, 1988, four cyclists rode it for 246 m.
13. The diameter of the wheels of the world's smallest rideable bicycle is 1.9 cm. Its designer, Neville Patten from Gladstone (Queensland, Australia) rode 4.1 m on March 25, 1988.
14. July 28, 1996 Peter Rosendahl (Sweden) at the University physical education in Budapest (Hungary) rode 4 m on a unicycle with a height of 20 cm and a wheel diameter of 18 mm. However, there were no attachments or extensions on the bike.
