Since the invention of this mode of transport, the question has been - what is the highest speed that can be achieved on a bicycle? Of course, progress does not stand still and modern models can't compare to the first ones. Given the specifics of bikes, experts share records for each type separately.
world records
Records are being set:
- on flat roads;
- on mountain slopes (here is a subdivision for descending on an icy and rocky surface);
- cross-country And.
This division is not accidental, because for different races they have their own design, which takes into account the specifics of movement, the load on transport, on the rider.
100 years ago, cycling in a straight line began to set records that went down in history:
At highway speed
Worth knowing! A bike designed for road racing has no front and rear wing he is relieved. To increase speed, riders use the car in front, which creates a zone of low pressure.In 1995, another record was set on the plain of the salt lake by the Dutchman Fred Rompelberg. He moved on a perfectly flat surface, on a bike specially built for such an occasion, and in. Its indicator is 268.8 km / h.
The record was set when the athlete was 50 years old. True, he took advantage of the car in front, the model had increased gear ratio, and a special gear is installed on the rear sprocket. The combination of all components allowed us to develop an unheard-of speed.
Downhill from the mountains
- this is the name of bicycles, the design of which makes it easy to move through mountainous areas, heavier than a 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. Such a 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 high aerodynamic position of the rider's body.
When setting this type of record, it must be taken into account that in this version it is impossible to use the car in front, which increases the speed. Against. The airflow resistance builds up, the vibration of the bike increases and it takes a lot of effort to hold the bike.
In the gravel race, the honorable third place also belongs to this athlete. In 2002, he drove only 400 meters on the slope of the Sierra Negro. Due to the heavy load, the bike was torn in half. Barone received numerous fractures, but he managed to warm up to 210.4 kilometers per hour. Later, Markus Stoeckl tried to break this record, but to no avail.
Other records
The following world achievements in cycling:
- The hourly record, which is now valid - 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 was with 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 the sprint distance at a distance of one hundred meters in 12.1 seconds.
- Sebastian Bower turned his bike into a real cocoon, from which the wheels were barely visible. The ideal streamlined shape made it possible to develop a speed of 134 km / h on a straight line.
- François Gisy installed a jet engine on his bike in 2014 and challenged not just anyone, but Ferrari. He accelerated to 333 km / h in 4.5 seconds. It was a victory. Today, this figure is considered the highest speed developed on a bicycle.
You can watch the video of the Zhixi race here.
A simple cyclist needs to increase:
- Reduce bike weight. This is achieved by removing the wings over the wheels and other unnecessary details in it.
- at such a level that the position of the human body is as streamlined as possible.
- Provide steering angle tilt so that the rider's muscles experience the least stress, get tired later.
- increase gear ratio.
- Professional racers use bikes made of special lightweight and durable alloys. They are expensive, but if you wish, 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, make us look for unexpected solutions.
The improvement of this popular mode of transportation continues. Underwater models have appeared, however, not many people can judge how convenient they are for trips.
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.
Max speed bicycle
The absolute speed record set while riding a bicycle 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.
With absence aids 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 ones are ten 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, he thinks that this speed is maintained by him throughout the entire 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 average speed at 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 sportsman 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 classes increase results fairly quickly. The quality and type of bike is important. The car must match the road conditions and driving style. 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.
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.
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.
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. Thataccording 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 (, bearings, bushings), not lubricated, dirty chain - all this creates additional resistance to riding.
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.
For each style and case, its own geometry is optimal. No wonder their number is so great.
At the end of the article, I offer you a record of Fred setting a record Rompelberg in 1995:
The mechanism of the bicycle is set in motion 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 high-speed system.
To the question "what is the maximum speed you can develop on a bicycle?" it is impossible to answer, since the maximum speed directly depends on the limit of human capabilities and the technical condition of the bicycle.
If we take the average option, then the speed can develop up to 60 km / h. But in history there are cases when the speed of the bike exceeded the automobile limit.
Record speed
What is the maximum speed recorded while cycling - an absolute record:
Acceleration principle
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 trails, narrow, smooth rubber tires without a pattern are most suitable - the most unsuitable option for a smooth road is wide studded tires.
And gravel, sand and soft primer require spikes and wide rubber. Pebbles and stones are generally not suitable for bicycle racing.
An important role in the development of speed is played by pressure - the higher it is, the more optimal the rolling on even and hard surfaces.
Dirt and gravel tracks require a series of experiments to find the best result.
Wheel weight also affects speed. The less rims, spokes, bushings, tires and tubes weigh, the less effort is spent on accelerating the bike, which means the minimum effort is invested for fast riding.
The larger the diameter, the higher the development of speed and overcoming all the bumps in the road. The optimal diameter value is from 29 inches.
High resistance in the mechanical rear transmission system and poor lubrication reduces wheel spin speed.
Bushing wear requires more effort at .
Fit, width, weather conditions, shock absorber and other related factors also affect ride speed.
Average bike capabilities
The hard-to-reach record inspires any fan of extreme riding. To measure the level of speed, mechanical speedometers were previously installed on vehicles, in this moment time, inexpensive electronic ones are available that record speed, route duration, driving pace, energy consumption, average speed and other useful information.
On average, the speed of cycling can be 50 km / h on a road bike on an asphalt 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.
During city rides, it is necessary to follow the traffic rules: bypass cars; brake at intersections, before entering turns and pedestrian crossings, while the speed limit cannot exceed 25 km.
The road bike develops a high speed on an asphalt road, but it is not recommended for fast city driving due to the low seating position of the cyclist, poor visibility and skidding when braking quickly.
More suitable for city driving Mountain bikes, although they roll more slowly on flat surfaces, they are more preferable for safe high-speed driving in populated areas.
A mountain bike is also suitable for urban racing: a wide handlebar makes it easy to maneuver on the road, and wide tires perfectly grip the paved surface, which allows you to stop instantly.
Riding over rough terrain does not allow the development of a speed of more than 35 km / h on any bicycle, this is due to the frequent pits, bumps and sandy roads, which significantly reduce the speed.
On the forest paths high speed can reach only 15 km / h.
How to increase the speed indicator?
To accelerate the roll and speed when cycling, you should follow the basic rules:
- Keep bicycle transport in perfect order, clean it from pollution;
- Constantly lubricate all parts;
- Control the tire pressure indicator;
- Adjust ;
- Optimal fit seat and steering wheel;
- Personal physical training to increase stamina and physical strength.
Dust and contamination of bike parts interferes with normal running and deforms the mechanism. Absolutely all moving parts: bushings, sprockets, chains require careful maintenance, cleanliness and constant lubrication.
Moderately inflated wheels also guarantee a good level of rolling, contact with the track and increased cross-country ability.
When pumping the wheels, the speed increases, but there is a risk of a tire burst and loss of balance due to insufficient traction, so you should ride on pumped wheels only after long training sessions and at maximum high level bike control.
Poorly adjusted ones can also interfere with the maximum speed of the bike, this applies to disc systems and vibrakes.
The very distance between the pad and disc or rim mechanisms should be scanty. The pads must be set so that when braking, they adhere closely to the surface.
The very landing on a bicycle determines the convenience in driving, therefore it directly affects the possible speed of development of movement.
An increase in 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 occurred on the site of the eponymous dry salt lake with an area of 412 km2 and is located in northwestern Utah, USA. The lake formed about 32,000 years ago and dried up about 16,800 years ago. The depth of salt deposits in many places reaches 1.8 m.
A high-speed track has been laid on the surface of the lake, where competitions in the speed and power of moving vehicles are regularly held. Participants from all over the world gather at this place to take part in exciting competitions.
It was here that 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 transport in front. Professional drag racers acted as a "wall" in this experiment.
Rompelberg rode a bicycle of his own design with a dual system - a large front chainring twisted a small one, to which a second large chainring was welded, 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 (and it was 220 km / h), Rompelberg fell at full speed. The result - more than twenty fractures throughout the body.
This record has remained unchanged for the past 12 years, he was also included in the Guinness Book of Records in the category "highest speed, developed by man on a bike." Nobody 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, which was passed by a person on a bicycle, without touching the ground with his feet for exactly one day, is 890.2 km. The record holder was Marko Balo from Slovenia on September 6-7, 2008. (Guinness World Records)
2. The largest underwater depth at which a person rode a bicycle is 66.5 meters. This was done by Vittorio Innocente in Santa Margherita Ligur, Liguria region, Italy on July 21, 2008. However, this record pales in comparison to that set by France's Rémy Bricca for "walking on water", covering a distance of 5,636 km (John Wright / Guinness World Records)
3. Sam Wakeling rode 453.6 km on a unicycle in a day in Aberystwyth, Wales, from 29 to 30 September 2007.
4. Christian Adam from Lübeck, Germany, learned to ride a bike at the age of 4 (like most boys) and started playing the violin in 1970. After that, a strange idea came to his mind to combine these two activities, and he began to play the violin, moving on a 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 flats 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 the resistance of the air flow to a minimum. In addition, the bike was fitted with a windshield.
6. On international competitions <Финике Интернэшнл Рейсэвэй>in Arizona (USA) in April 1990, Michael Secrest reversed a record distance of 1958.196 km.
7. Peter Roosendahl set the 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 ride on a velomobile - 105.38 km / h over a distance of 200 m, starting on the move. The record was set on May 11, 1986 in Mono Lake (California, USA).
9. Pat Kinch in a solo velomobile ride<Кингсайкл Бин>set a speed record in an hour race, starting from a standstill - 75.57 km / h. The record was set at the test site at Millbrook (Bedford, UK).
10. The largest bicycle in the world (by wheel diameter) is a bicycle<Франкенсайкл>. Its height is 3.40 m, the diameter of the wheel is 3.05 m. The bike was built by Dave Moore from Rosemead (California, USA). On June 4, 1989, Steve Gordon from Moorpark (California) was the first to drive it.
11. Tricycle <Диллон Колоссал>, designed by Arthur Dillon and built by Dave Moore in 1994, has rear wheels 3.35 m in diameter and front wheel diameter 1.77 m.
12. The longest bike, without the third stabilizing wheel, is 22.24 m long and weighs 340 kg. The bike was designed and built by Terry Tessman of Pahiatua ( New Zealand). On February 27, 1988, four cyclists rode it for 246 m.
13. The wheel diameter of the smallest bicycle in the world that you can ride is 1.9 cm. Its designer, Neville Patten from Gladstone (Queensland, Australia) rode it 4.1 m on March 25, 1988.
14. July 28, 1996 Peter Roosendahl (Sweden) at the University physical education in Budapest (Hungary) traveled 4 m on a unicycle 20 cm high and with a wheel diameter of 18 mm. At the same time, there were no nozzles or extensions on the bike.
