Estimate the power required to ride at a given speed.
Aerodynamic drag scales with the cube of speed, so it dominates on the flat above about 25 kilometres per hour. On climbs gravity takes over, which is why aerodynamics matters little uphill and enormously on the flat. Doubling speed on the flat requires roughly eight times the power, which is why small aerodynamic improvements translate into meaningful speed gains.
Cycling Power
Power = ½ρ·CdA·v³ + Crr·m·g·v + m·g·gradient·v, plus drivetrain loss
These figures are estimates based on population-average formulas and are intended for training and recreational planning only. They are not medical advice. Consult a qualified health professional before starting or changing an exercise programme, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Power = ½ρ·CdA·v³ + Crr·m·g·v + m·g·gradient·v, plus drivetrain loss Aerodynamic drag scales with the cube of speed, so it dominates on the flat above about 25 kilometres per hour. On climbs gravity takes over, which is why aerodynamics matters little uphill and enormously on the flat.
Doubling speed on the flat requires roughly eight times the power, which is why small aerodynamic improvements translate into meaningful speed gains.
This calculator takes 6 inputs: Speed, Rider weight, Bike weight, Gradient, Drag area, Rolling resistance coefficient. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.