The weight of the bike is a huge factor when it comes to the things that affect the overall performance of the bike. While a heavy bike is something that not all people want to have, one should be able to tell the difference between a heavy bike and a light one. In this regard, what is the recommended weight for an adult bike? Also, how much does an adult bike weigh? These and more questions will be answered in this article.
Why The Weight Of The Bike Is Important?
Before we get right to the weight of an adult bike, let’s first determine why we need to know these things. So, why is it important to know the weight of the bike? Isn’t it enough to just have a heavy or light bike?
First of all, the weight of the bike is a huge contributing factor to the speed of the bike. Simply put, if the bike is heavy, it will be harder to maintain a good speed. Lighter bikes on the other hand can easily dash or speed up. While a 1 kg difference in the bike weight won’t make much impact on the overall speed of the bike, a difference of 5 or 10 kg can drag the bike.
Furthermore, storing a heavy bike seems to be harder than storing a light-weighting bike. This is especially useful if you’re trying to lift the bike or carry the bike whenever storing it. The lighter the bike, the easier it gets to store it or carry it around.
The weight of the bike also contributes to the overall performance of the bike such as when braking and turning to corners. Heavy bikes usually have excellent brake reactions however they’re not very great at making turns. On the other hand, light bikes are great at making turns however they can be hard to manage when making brakes or sudden stops.
Thus, we can say that making sure that the weight of the bike is just right for your needs is very important.
So How Much Does An Adult Bike Weigh?
To answer this question, let us consider the types of bikes available and their particular recommended weight.
Road Bike
On average, the weight of a basic road bike without any added accessories or attachments is 18 lbs. since these bikes are designed for speed, they are usually light and easy to carry around for storing and for carrying toward a racing event. A huge contributing factor to its lightweight is the material used for its frame which is usually aluminum or carbon alloy. Furthermore, the wheels are slimmer and thinner as compared to the ordinary wheels of bikes. If you are looking to buy a road bike, you’ll want to go as light as possible for optimum speeds and efficiency of the bike while on a paved or smooth road surface.
Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes are the most popular type of bike which can be used for almost all kinds of ground surfaces for any kind of purpose. The average weight of a mountain bike ranges from 21 pounds to 29 pounds. Depending on the size of the bike. Going for a mountain bike that is much lighter or heavier than the average weight range can already cause unfavorable effects on the bikes’ overall performance.
These bikes are usually heavy because they are designed with a range of speed gears, as well as thick and large wheels. Likewise, they are heavier than a road bikes because they are designed to handle impact as well as vibrations and shock without breaking.
Single-Speed Bikes
These are simple and basic bikes having only a single-speed setting. These bikes are used for general use such as strolling in the park, picking up groceries, or simply traveling short distances without the need to speed up. Single-speed bikes as its name suggest only uses a one-speed setting, and it usually has an average weight of 20 lbs without adding any accessories. At times when a single-speed bike is lighter or heavier than its average weight, it is usually because of the material used for its frame.
Beach Cruiser
Probably the heaviest type of bike is the beach cruiser. These bikes are designed for long rides without using too much speed as the road bike. The beach cruiser is built for endurance rides without breaking along the way. It is because beach cruisers are built to endure a long journey that’s why they are a bit heavier than most types of bikes.
The average beach cruiser weighs 25 to 40 lbs and maybe even more depending on the size and material used for the frame of the bike. These bikes are heavy because it has thicker and wider components and parts as compared with other bikes. Furthermore, the tires or wheels are usually thick or fat for better shock and vibration absorption from the ground.
Our Final Thoughts
The weight of a bike dictates how a certain bike functions and how it is used. While a light bike seems to be a good choice because it is easy and convenient to carry around, it means that it lacks a few factors such as power and durability. On the other hand, having a bike that is too heavy also has its downsides such as poor portability and low speed.
However, you can manage these shortcomings of each weight by knowing the recommended or ideal weight for the particular bike. Also, with the information mentioned in this article, you’ll have a good idea of where the excess or shortage of weight from the bike is coming from. Furthermore, you will know the factors that affect the weight of the bike, and what impact or effect can the weight bring to the overall functionality and performance of the bike.
With the recommended weights per type of bike that is mentioned in this article, you’ll be more confident to find the right bike weight that suits your needs.