Cycling Pace
Determine your cycling speed, pace per km/mile, and duration for your bike rides.
Tip: This calculator assumes you already completed your ride. Enter the distance and the time it took to find your average stats.
Understanding Cycling Pace and Speed
Cycling speed and pace are the two most critical metrics for tracking your fitness on a bike. While speed tells you how fast you are going relative to time (km/h or mph), pace tells you how much time it takes to cover a specific distance (min/km or min/mile).
What is a Good Cycling Speed?
Speed varies significantly based on terrain, weather, and bike type:
- Beginner: 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph)
- Intermediate: 20–30 km/h (12–18 mph)
- Advanced/Pro: 30+ km/h (18+ mph)
How to Improve Your Cycling Pace
Improving pace (getting faster) usually requires a combination of interval training, consistent endurance rides, and weight loss. Improving your FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is a common goal for cyclists looking to increase their average speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (Cycling)
How do I calculate calories burned while cycling?
Calories burned depend on your weight, speed, and terrain. A rough estimate is 40-60 calories per mile for a 150lb rider. You can use our separate "Calories Burned Calculator" for a more precise figure based on your specific pace.
Why is my speed lower in winter/summer?
Air density plays a huge role. Hot, humid air is thinner, which is good for aerodynamics but bad for cooling and overall effort. Cold air is denser, creating more drag. Wind speed and direction (headwinds) are the biggest factors affecting cycling pace and speed.
What is a "negative split" in cycling?
A negative split means completing the second half of your ride faster than the first half. It is a pacing strategy often used by endurance cyclists to ensure they don't burn out early in the ride.
How much difference does a road bike make vs. a mountain bike?
A significant amount. Due to tire resistance, frame geometry, and aerodynamics, a road bike is generally 10-20% faster on paved roads than a mountain bike for the same rider effort.