Average Mountain Bike Speed: How Fast Can a Mountain Bike Go?

Mountain bikes offer a unique experience when compared to other types of bicycles. They provide an opportunity to explore off-road trails and terrain that would be inaccessible with other bikes. And, because mountain biking can be a bit more strenuous than other cycling activities, it’s crucial to understand how fast your mountain bike can go so you can choose the appropriate route and gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

The average mountain bike speed is 21.51 miles per hour (34.62 kilometers per hour). This speed varies based on a rider’s strength and skills, environment, nature of the terrain, and the type of mountain bike being ridden.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the average speeds of mountain bikes on different terrains and the factors that affect this speed. I’ll also cover how to increase your mountain bike’s speed. Stay tuned!

Average Speed of a Mountain Bike on a Road

A mountain bike will not display the same speed throughout a given road due to slope variations. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, slopes on roads vary in steepness due to:

• Horizontal and vertical alignment.
• Curve widening.
• Vertical alignment.

The variation in the steepness of these slopes affects the speed at which a mountain bike can travel.

Gravity will act on you and the bike when riding on a road with a negative slope, causing a deceleration. Conversely, gravity will help you maintain your speed or even accelerate when riding on a road with a positive slope.

The average mountain bike speeds on a road are as follows:

• 24.68 miles per hour (39.72 kph) on a flat paved road.
• 34.25 miles per hour (55.12 kph) on downhill sections.
• 17.65 miles per hour (28.4 kph) along uphill sections.

Average Mountain Bike Speed on a Single Track

Single tracks are narrower than roads and usually have more turns. They also tend to be rougher, with obstacles that can make pedaling more difficult. These factors affect the average mountain bike speed on a single track.

On a single track, the average mountain bike speeds are:

• 9.86 miles per hour (15.87 kph) along flat sections.
• 13 miles per hour (20.92 kph) downhill.
• 7 miles per hour (11.27 kph) uphill.

Average Mountain Bike Speed Downhill

Riding a mountain bike downhill is easier and fastest due to gravity. The gravitational force pulls you with the bike forward, acting as an accelerator. However, your speed may vary depending on the slope’s steepness and the terrain.

The average mountain bike speeds downhill are:

• 37.20 miles per hour (59.87 kph) on a mild slope.
• 44.80 miles per hour (72.10 kph) on a moderate slope.
• 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) on a steep slope.

Factors That Affect the Speed of a Mountain Bike

As you ride your mountain bike, you’ll notice that the speed varies from one moment to the next. This is due to several factors discussed below:

Aerodynamics

The aerodynamics of cycling refers to the science of how air interacts with you and your bike while in motion. When riding a mountain bike, you create drag as you move through the air. The faster you go, the more drag you create.

According to Princeton University, aerodynamic drag in bicycles is made up of:

• Air pressure drag.
• Direct friction drag.
• Induced drag.

The first two types of drag result from the bike and rider pushing against the air to move forward. On the other hand, induced drag is created by air movement around the cyclist and the bike.

ResearchGate reveals that air resistance due to cycling aerodynamics is the primary energy cost factor at high speeds. This aerodynamic resistance accounts for more than 90% of the resistance encountered when a bike attains more than 18.64 mph (30 kph) speeds. Therefore, the more the resistance, the more energy is required to pedal, and the slower the average mountain bike speed.

Bike Weight

Mountain bikes come in different weights, with most weighing between 28 and 32 pounds (12.7 and 14.52 kilograms). It’s worth knowing that your bike’s weight affects how fast you can move.

A heavier bike takes more energy to move and therefore has a lower average speed than a lighter bike. Getting a heavyweight mountain bike from 0 to 5 miles per hour (0 to 8.05 kph) will require more energy than getting a lightweight bike up to that speed.

But, once you’re moving, it takes less energy to keep a heavier bike going than a lighter one. This is because momentum affects how much effort you need to pedal.

The relationship between bike weight and average mountain bike speed is complex. But, in general, a lighter bike will help you go faster.

Pedaling Efficiency

Your pedaling efficiency is the amount of energy you put into pedaling divided by the resulting speed. In other words, it’s a measure of how much power you put out compared to how fast you’re moving.

The factors that affect pedaling efficiency include:

• Cycling technique.
• Pedal fit.
• The type of bike you’re riding.

For example, if you’re using the wrong cycling technique, you might be putting more energy into pedaling than necessary. This would lower your pedaling efficiency and average mountain bike speed.

Similarly, ill-fitting pedals can cause you to pedal inefficiently. Such pedals can reduce your power output and make it challenging to maintain an excellent pedaling technique.

The bike you’re riding affects your pedaling efficiency due to suspensions. A mountain bike with full suspension will typically be less efficient than a hardtail mountain bike with only front suspension. A full suspension absorbs some of the energy you put into pedaling, making it difficult to transfer all your power to the wheels.

As shown by the following table, mountain bike speed is directly proportional to the cycling power: 

Cycling Power (W)	Average Speed (mph)	Average Speed (kph)
100	15.07	24.2
140	17.2	27.6
150	17.7	28.5
180	19	30.5
200	19.8	31.8
240	21.2	34.1

Table 1: Average speed based on pedaling power

Terrain

Riding on a flat or mildly inclined surface is much easier than riding on a steep hill. You don’t have to overcome gravity as much when pedaling on a flat or mild incline. As a result, you can pedal faster and cover more distance in less time.

On the other hand, riding on a steep hill requires you to use more energy to pedal. You have to overcome gravity, which makes it challenging to maintain a high average mountain bike speed. The harder you pedal, the faster you’ll go, but you’ll also tire out more quickly.

Rider’s Weight

A heavier rider typically has a lower average speed than a lighter one. Such a rider requires more energy to pedal and avoid the aerodynamic drag. Additionally, a heavier rider will have more momentum, which makes it difficult to accelerate.

It’s worth mentioning that the more weight you exert on your bicycle wheels and other components, the higher the inertia force. This force slows your rate of acceleration.

Wind Conditions

Wind conditions can have a significant impact on average mountain bike speed.

A headwind, for example, slows a cyclist’s speed by half its speed, making pedaling more challenging. The consequence is that you’ll have to use more energy to maintain the same average speed.

On the other hand, a tailwind can help a cyclist pedal faster by reducing the energy required to overcome air resistance.

The effect of wind conditions is most pronounced when riding at high speeds. However, even a gentle breeze can affect your average mountain bike speed.

Tire Pressure

Mountain bike tires typically have lower pressure than road bike tires. The lower pressure makes the tires grip the ground better, which is essential for riding on rough terrains.

However, lower tire pressure also decreases a mountain bike’s average speed. This is because low-pressure tires create rolling resistance, which makes pedaling challenging.

It’s essential to find the right balance between traction and speed. If you’re primarily riding on smooth surfaces, you might want to pump up your tires to a higher pressure. This will help you go faster.

However, you’ll want to lower your tire pressure if you’re riding on rough terrain. This will help the bike grip the ground better and avoid flats.

Type of Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes come in different styles, each with features that can affect speed. For example, a cross-country mountain bike is suitable for riding on relatively smooth trails. These bikes are typically lightweight and have suspension tuned for speed.

On the other hand, a downhill mountain bike is suitable for riding on rough, steep terrain. These bikes are the heaviest (weighing 35 pounds or 15.88 kilograms) and have full suspensions tuned for stability. These factors make downhill mountain bikes slower than their cross-country counterparts.

The lighter and more efficient a mountain bike is, the faster it will be.

How To Increase the Speed of Your Mountain Bike

Increasing the speed of your mountain bike is mostly a matter of making adjustments to the bike itself and improving your riding technique.

Here are a few things you can do to increase the speed of your mountain bike:

Counter Aerodynamics

Countering aerodynamics is the science of reducing air resistance. The faster you ride, the more aerodynamic drag you’ll experience.

You can reduce aerodynamics by:

• Riding in a tuck position.
• Using narrower handlebars.
• Installing a fairing.
• Wearing tight-fitting clothes.
• Keeping your arms close to your sides.

These changes will help you reduce the energy you need to pedal, which will help you go faster.

Adjust Your Suspension

If your mountain bike has suspensions, you can adjust them to make it faster. For example, you can:

• Reduce the travel in your suspension.
• Increase the air pressure in your forks.
• Use stiffer springs.

Adjusting your suspension will help you increase your pedaling efficiency. As a result, you’ll use less energy to pedal for an increased speed.

Choose the Right Gear Ratio

The gear ratio is the number of teeth on the front sprocket divided by the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.

A higher gear ratio (a smaller front sprocket and a larger rear sprocket) will make it easier to pedal, but you’ll go slower.

On the other hand, a lower gear ratio (a larger front sprocket and a smaller rear sprocket) will make it harder to pedal, but you’ll go faster.

You’ll want to experiment with different gear ratios to find the one that’s right for you. The ideal gear ratio will depend on factors like:

• Your weight.
• The terrain.
• Your riding style.

Use a Lighter Bike

A heavier bike requires more energy to pedal as weight increases inertia. If you want to go faster, it’s essential to use a lighter bike.

You can make your bike lighter by:

• Using a lighter frame material.
• Using thinner tires.
• Removing unnecessary attachments.

Making these changes will help you reduce the weight of your bike, which will reduce the inertia force and help you go faster.

Use Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals attach to your shoes, increasing the efficiency of your pedaling. You can pull up and down on the pedal easily when you use clipless pedals. This creates a smoother pedaling motion that helps you transfer more power to the bike.

Practice Good Riding Techniques

In addition to making adjustments to your bike, you can increase your speed by improving your riding technique. Here are a few things you can do:

• Stand when pedaling uphill.
• Shift your weight to the rear of the bike when going downhill.
• Use your momentum to help you pedal.

Pump Up Your Tires

You should reduce the rolling resistance as much as possible if you want to go faster. One way to do this is to pump up your tires.

It’s worth checking your tire pressure before every ride. The ideal pressure will depend on the terrain you’ll be riding on. For example, higher pressure is necessary for paved roads and lower pressure for off-road trails.

It’s crucial to note that excessive tire pressure can make your ride uncomfortable and increase the risk of flats. The recommended tire pressure for road tires is between 80 and 120 PSI. Apart from terrain, you should also consider your weight when adding pressure to your bike.

Brake Less

If you want to go faster, it’s essential to brake less. Every time you brake, you’re wasting energy that could be used to thrust your bike forward.

Of course, you need to brake when necessary. But if you can avoid braking, you’ll be able to ride faster.

One way to do this is by planning your route before starting the ride. This way, you’ll know when to slow down and when to speed up.

Another way to avoid braking is by using your momentum. For example, you can use gravity to help pick up speed instead of braking when going downhill.

Keep Fit

It’ll be challenging to go fast if you’re an overweight rider. That’s because carrying extra weight makes it harder to pedal.

It’s essential to keep fit if you want to ride at high speeds. This means regular exercise and a healthy diet.

You’ll have more energy to pedal when you’re fit, which will help you go faster. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes three to four days a week, will reduce your weight, making it easier for you to ride.

You can improve your fitness by:

• Riding regularly.
• Doing strength training exercises.
• Eating a healthy diet by minimizing high-calorie foods.

The better shape you’re in, the easier it’ll be to ride at high speeds.

How To Identify a Fast Mountain Bike

If you’re in love with fast mountain bikes, you may want to purchase one for yourself. But how can you identify a fast bike?

Here are a few things to look for:

Frame

The frame plays a central role in the speed of a mountain bike. A lightweight frame is essential if you want to go fast.

You should be guided by the material of the frame when looking for a lighter option. For example, carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer than aluminum, which makes it a good choice for racing bikes.

Wheels

Wheels are the contact point between your bike and the ground. They play a significant role in how fast your bike can go.

Larger wheels will help you cover more ground with each revolution, which means you’ll be able to go faster. However, larger wheels are also heavier, which can offset their speed advantage.

You should also consider the width of the wheel. A wider wheel will provide more traction, which is essential when riding on rough terrain.

However, a wide wheel is also heavier and can make it challenging to maneuver your bike. The parting shot is to go for thinner tires that have less rolling resistance.

Pedals

Clipless pedals are always the best option for bikers who want speed. These pedals will help you transfer more power to the bike by increasing your cycling efficiency.

Clipless pedals are also easier to use than clip pedals, which makes them a good choice for beginners.

Components

The quality of the bike’s features will also affect its speed. For example, a bike with higher-quality bearings will roll faster than one with lower-quality bearings.

It’s important to note that higher-quality components are usually more expensive. However, they offer better performance and durability, which makes them a good investment for serious cyclists.

Wrapping Up

The speed of a mountain bike depends mainly on terrain, the rider’s weight, and the bike’s condition. The nature of the terrain, which can be rough, smooth, steep, or gentle slope, determines how fast your bike will move. For example, due to gravitational pull, bikes move faster on steep slopes than on flat surfaces. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider where you’ll be riding the bike before judging its speed.