How fast could I ride a bicycle?

Question

I am 5'11 in very good physical condition. with a run of the mill $250 schwinn road bike on a flat road, how fast could I cruise with a decent amount of effort...meaning pedaling with some effort, but not just flat out exerting myself to the max.

Answer 1

By cruising we presume you mean the highest speed you could maintain over some long distance.    You should be able to hit 18mph if everything is going in your favor and the bike is in decent shape.   Maybe a cpl mph less if your bike isn't finely tuned and/or you're legs aint quite up to it.   And certainly you can attain 20 or more for short bursts.

Answer 2

You're talking about a fast cruising speed for an in-shape non-biker. That would be far less than 30mph. Somewhere from 15 to 17mph most non riders find doable.

Answer 3

Simply buy a computer at a local bike shop and it will tell you.

Answer 4

i have a schwinn road bike as well.

i love to cycle and do it often.

over a 20 mile ride i average around 15 to 20 miles an hour.

but at time where the road is flat i can cruise around 20 to 25 mph.

Answer 5

A cheap computer will answer this, and many questions about your riding.  The cheapest you can buy is probably this one: http://www.bikeinbulk.com/index.php?main...

But off-hand, most people cruise around 10 and max out around 20 or 25.  If you are a bike messenger, maybe 35.  If you ride in the tour de france, those dudes so like 45 I think.

Answer 6

It's not the machine, it's the motor.  Cadel Evans is also in very good physical condition and he could comfortably "cruise" in excess of 25 mph on your Schwinn -- all day long.