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Going into the market to get a bicycle is one of the most exciting things to do as a teenager. It is one of those moments that every child will always relish. However, getting a bicycle is one, and knowing the specs that work for you is another.
Therefore, one of the factors to put in mind is the average bicycle weight. The weight of a bicycle has a lot of roles to play in the efficiency of the bike.
When a bicycle is lighter in weight, it allows for more efficiency, and it becomes faster. Additionally, its acceleration is quicker when the bike is more lightweight. The weight of a bike might not have so much importance when you ride for pleasure. However, for someone that races, the weight of the bike means a lot.
The fact is that lightweight bikes allow for easy storage, and it also makes it easy for you to lift, especially when you have to carry it up the stairs.
Hence, what is the average bicycle weight? A bicycle can weigh 18lbs to 80lbs, which largely depends on the type of bike it is. They always come in a lightweight design for a road bike, and the average weight for them is 17lbs. If you opt for a mountain bike, they come quite heavy, and the average weight is 25lbs. The average weight of an e-bike is set at 80lbs; they are the heaviest of all bikes.
What Makes A Bike’s Weight Important?
The fast acceleration of a bike and how fast a rider can move with the bike depends on its weight. If a bike has a difference of 1lbs, the resulting difference might not be noticeable. However, when the weight difference is up to 20lbs, the effect is quite apparent. For example, professional bike racers understand that a single second on the race track can profoundly influence a race outcome. Hence, the bike weight plays a large role in this outcome.
The Different Types of Bikes and their weight
- The Weight of a Road Bike
A typical road bike weighs an average of 18 pounds; this includes the weight of the cages and pedals. A road bike is specially designed for trips on surfaces that are paved. They come with lightweight frames, and their tires are significantly smaller. The handling is highly minimal, which allows you to ride at an incredible pace.
However, if all you want is a bike that is simple and easy to use, you may not need to consider the weight of the bike. Although, the reason why you are getting the bike in the first place will also determine how much the bike should be heavy. If you are getting a bike to exercise your body, getting a bike with a higher weight will do the job.
Furthermore, road racers understand that a road bike has lightweight components. Hence, the lightweight design makes it easy to use the bike in competitions. Additionally, according to International Cyclists Union, the average weight limit for a road bike is 14.99 pounds.
- The Weight of a Single-speed Bike
The average weight of a single-speed bike is roughly 20 pounds. They are simple bikes with a mechanical design that is easy to use. Unlike the multi-geared bikes, they are lighter in weight. The single-speed bike does not have complicated parts, making it easy for riders to maintain the bike.
Additionally, the efficiency of a single-speed bike drivetrain is higher than a multi-geared bike. This type of bike does not have chainrings, ramps, chain drag, pins, and its chains come in a straight line. All of these missing features takes away the weight of the bike.
Furthermore, single-speed bikes in the market can weigh as little as 13.7 pounds, making it easy for riders like lightweight bikes. Basically, the type of materials used for the components’ essential parts determines how heavy the bike will be.
- The Weight of a Beach Cruiser Bike
If you are a bulky and heavy bike lover, the beach cruiser will definitely be your friend. The beach cruiser can come pretty heavy, especially if you opt to buy the cheaper ones. Most beach cruiser bikes have an average weight that falls between 35 to 40 pounds. However, you can see some that weigh above this weight range. Beach cruiser is a bulky bike designed for ruggedness, and it can resist minor road crashes. The tires are known to be bigger and heavier because they are used for longer distance rides.
Lastly, the beach cruiser gets its weight from the type of materials used in building its frame.
- The Weight of a Recumbent Bike
The Recumbent bike does not look like your typical bike on the streets. You may have come across an odd-looking bike that looks like lawn furniture. Fundamentally, the weight of a recumbent bike is only a little above that of a road bike. Majorly, the difference in weight is not more than 5 pounds on average.
Additionally, recumbent bikes are the types that bring comfortability to its rider. Also, unlike the diamond framed bikes, the recumbent bikes are pretty fast on the road. A recumbent bicycle has its drag experience reduced to 30% when taken for a flat surface ride. Hence, it is a totally different bike, so it offers extra fun when taken for a ride.
Recumbent bikes are more sophisticated bike with additional features, and it has different technologies that make them different from standard bikes.
- The Weight of a Kid’s Bike
You might be surprised that the weight of a kid’s bike is higher than your own regular bike. The average weight of a kid’s bike around age 5 to 7 years is about 24 pounds. This weight is mostly higher than the typical adult bikes that you see on the road.
A kid’s bike has more stability because children will still have to learn to ride. Hence, the need to give the bike an outstanding balance, which in turn makes it heavier.
Conclusion
You don’t have to focus on your bicycle’s weight if you are still learning how to ride or a hobbyist. You can find a means to balance it all by improving on your own fitness. However, if you are so keen on a bike’s weight, make sure to go for the one that will really benefit whatever you have chosen to use the bike for.