Most consumers consider weight when it comes to a bike purchase. Some believe that the lighter it is, the faster you run. On the contract, those heavier options provide a sense of certainty and stability. So how much does a bike weigh? Are the above statements correct? Find the answer in this article.
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How Much Does A Bike Weigh?
The average bike weight ranges from 17 to 80 lbs, depending on their type. So, 40 lbs are not heavy for a bike. Several key factors, including materials, accessories, etc., determine the actual measurement.
However, heavier options do not mean less productivity. Each design caters to a certain driving purpose of the cyclist. In the following sections, we will discuss a specific metric for each and what it means for performance. First, you should refer to the table below for a comprehensive overview. It mentions all types of bicycles on the market today.
| Vehicle Type | Weigh |
| Road Bike: | Carbon frame: around 18 lbs steel frames: maximum 29 lbs |
| Mountain Bike | 21 – 29 lbs |
| Single Speed Bike | 20 lbs |
| Beach Cruiser | 35 – 40 lbs |
| Recumbent Bike | 25 – 45 lbs |
| Hybrid Bike | about 29 lbs |
| BMX Bike | 25 – 28 lbs |
| Electric Bike | 40 – 80 lbs |
| Fat Bike | 25 – 45 lbs |
| Folding Bike | 20 – 25 lbs |
| Kids Bike | 18 – 26 lbs |
| Fixies | less than 21 lbs |
| Tandem | 50 – 60 lbs |
| Cyclocross | less than 22 lbs |
Factors That Determine Bike Weigh
As you have seen above, each type of bike possesses a distinct weight range. Even with the same name, it is impossible to figure out the exact number. So what makes this difference?
Frame Material
Manufacturers have four production options with pros and cons based on three criteria: price, durability, and lightness.
- Carbon fiber: Mainly composed of non-metallic graphite fiber and epoxy resin and known for its lightweight profile. Its most outstanding property is light and flexible to bend to any shape. Therefore, you may find it in almost all models with unique designs. Additionally, cyclists appreciate its ruggedness and robustness.
- Steel: Some manufacturers add chromium and molybdenum to reduce the weight of the finished product and increase its strength. The good news for lovers of this material is that it is easy to repair. Meanwhile, steel carbon is slightly cheaper than pure carbon. On the downside, this combination loses the lightness.
- Aluminum: Never suffer from rust. Due to the metal’s low density, it is lighter than steel. However, some complaints about difficult control and less responsive power transmitted through the pedal.
- Titanium: Possesses most of the advantages of the above materials. Most notably, this material beats the others in terms of lightness. Of course, it costs you a lot.
Main Components
Without a doubt, saddles, tires, racks, and gears also participate in weight calculation. For example, each tire typically reaches about 1 – 1.5 lbs. Mountain bikes are usually heavier as this unit is larger to adapt to rough terrain. Also, not all types come up with brackets. Its appearance adds 1.5 lbs to the total calculation.
Accessories
Some cyclists often add extra parts to their vehicles, especially for long and challenging trips. The more equipment, the more weight. Regardless of function or aesthetics, it is best to consider it carefully before setting up.
Average Weight Of Popular Bikes
Here we go with the detailed analysis of each bike weight emphasizing its meaning and purpose for your performance.
Road Bike
Road bikes are considered among the lightest options. It ranges between 17 and 18 lbs, cage and pedals included. Most people use it to travel on flat paved roads. Therefore, it often comes with small tires and a lightweight frame to contribute to effortless handling.
Road bikes tick all the boxes if you look for an option that adapts to basic needs. We also recommend a heavier vehicle (25 – 27 lbs) for exercise. On the downside, it cannot withstand heavy loads (weight limit ranging from 220 – 275 lbs) which cause some inconveniences for long tours.
This type is also what you should deem as a “racing bike”. The lightweight chassis allows for better wind resistance, thereby promoting faster speeds. According to Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), riders must prepare bicycles with a minimum weight of 14.99 lbs – lighter than the standard. This regulation helps them go fast but stay safe.
Mountain Bike
To adapt to rugged terrain, manufacturers always equip extra features for mountain bikes. As a result, these components add significant weight to 21 – 29 lbs in total. It should be clear that these items create support, not a burden.
Compared to the first model, the mountain bike has extra gears to limit bouncing on hard roads. The driver depends on the front and rear suspension for balance and smooth navigation.
Strong brakes are indispensable to ensure safety when conquering slopes. Besides, some explorers may arm their bikes with necessary accessories such as water bottle holders, dash cams, etc., to achieve comfort during their travels.
Electric Bike
Technology development has given people a means of transportation that does not require any physical force. That’s right; e-bikes are taking the spotlight, drawing power from the battery and driving the motor to spin the wheel.
You must endure the heaviness in exchange for an even more comfortable experience. As an integral part, the battery adds to the actual weight. Depending on your intended model, an average measurement is between 40 – 80 lbs.
If you want a minimum option, foldable ones come in handy. However, the larger the volume, the longer the bike will last. Consider this trade-off if your hobby includes exploring trips. Running out of energy in the jungle with a heavy vehicle is never an easy situation to deal with.
Hybrid Bike
As the name implies, this type is a cross between two models. It serves multiple purposes and hence has a variety of designs.
The ones that lean towards the mountain style weigh around 29 lbs. In comparison, cruiser-based ones are heavier, about 32 lbs. The rest that closely resembles road bikes fall between these two ranges.
Though a few tweaks depending on the manufacturer, the Hybrid’s general shape is wide tires, upright handlebars, and large padded saddles. This creates optimal comfort for city drives or short trips. However, its performance cannot match that of a road bike.
Single Speed Bike
This is a hybrid between the two traditional types in terms of both design and weight. However, it possesses a simpler gear system than the MTB. Straight chains, ramps, and pins are great features of this vehicle. Some cyclists believe it allows for relative efficiency and easy maintenance.
However, the measurement of about 20 lbs is only approximate. In fact, manufacturers are flexible in offering different models to serve consumers. Now, you can find options that weigh 13 lbs or 30 lbs on the market.
Folding Bike
If compactness is your top priority, nothing except a folding bike should seal the deal. It weighs between 20 – 25 lbs, not too much of a difference from road ones.
However, as its name suggests, it is foldable. You cannot feel the bulkiness in this design until you lift it on public transport or an airplane. Some products made from carbon fiber even exceed your expectations. In return, you get what you pay for.
Kid’s Bike
Surprisingly, vehicles customized for children may be heavier than typical ones for adults. The average range for a kid’s bike is between 18-24 lbs, but some even measure more than double.
However, this feature is thoughtfully prepared for children’s experiences. For instance, they need balance and stability for their first steps. Therefore, a suspension system handles this wish.
In addition, you should consider a sturdy frame to withstand abuse. Kids tend to use bikes often, hit hard, and sometimes throw them around.
Why Does Bike Weight Matter?
Through a basic calculation that included the slope of the terrain, towing, and bike weight, we found no big gap between the actual weight of a steel and carbon fiber vehicle.
In simple terms, this metric does not matter unless you plan to lift it a few times during your journey. Without a doubt, lighter vehicles are easy to store or transport. For the rest, cyclists often do not mind a few lbs difference if they commute as a hobby or for fun.
However, our other study showed that weight affects driving performance. A lightweight chassis is more susceptible to wind and easily copes with steep terrain. Let’s say you have a 20-pound and a 40-pound bike. Ride both down a sharp hill simultaneously, and you can see 13.6% difference in speed. With a 12-pound gap, the difference will be 8%. In racing, a minor difference can decide the winner.
Conclusion
These sections above have given a detailed breakdown of how much a bike weighs. We hope this article can help with your selection. If your regular aim is to get around daily, a slight difference of a few pounds should not disrupt your experience. It is always best to consider your needs first to find the correct option.
