Calories Burnt

[Deleted member 4366]

I've been on several different health/cycling sites with Calorie calculators for cyling. They all say that if I average about 14 mph, I burn about 310 calories for 20 minutes cycling. Multiply by 3 to get an hour and 1.162 to convert to Wh and it comes to round about 1000Wh for an hour, which would mean 1000 Watts. Obviously, I can't produce that much power. A little bit of research shows that a human body like mine is only about 20% efficient, so on my road bike I can average 200W for about 25 minutes.

What this means is that a 1 hour ride on a non-assisted bike allows you to have a rather nice dessert with your dinner without you having to feel guilty.

I got my road bike a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't use it at first because I trod on some glass, which made my foot go septic. I thought I was reasonably pedal-fit because I do quite a lot of miles on my electric bike; however, I've been logging my rides this week on the road bike. I do one 5.5 mile hilly lap each night and this is how they compare:

1. 28.38 mins
2. 24.33 mins
3. 24.52 mins
4. 23.25 mins

That's a 18% reduction in the time already. My average speed has gone from 12.9 to 14.3 mph. It just goes to show what a diffrence it makes whn you have to pedal hard. Yesterday, I did 27 hilly miles and it was hard at the end, where I have a 2 mile climb. I didn't half wish I had a motor! I started thinking about the reason I started with electric bikes.

 

[RobF]

Many miles over a couple of years on Bosch bikes got me a bit fitter, but I was disappointed it didn't do a bit more.

Contrast that with the last few weeks when I've mostly been using my Cannondale.

I am noticeably stronger for cycling.

The Rose now feels like a different bike, mostly due I reckon to the torque sensor.

My increased effort through the pedals is multiplied by the system, giving a feeling of bionic legs which is quite addictive.

I can fly up some hills in a higher gear than I could previously, even using only eco or tour assist levels.

I don't do figures, but I've always thought some of the calorie burn estimates are over estimated.

I've lost a bit of weight, but I'm sure that's more down to strict control of diet than it is cycling, assisted or otherwise.

Don't get me wrong, the cycling's great and attacks the problem at both ends.

But weight loss is 80 per cent or more about diet.

 

[Nealh]

Which bike did you get and are you going to kit it or is it going to be lycra d8ve .

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Its a Whyte Kings Cross. I bought it because it has disc brakes. I might keep it as it is for a bit to see how I get on. Bottom gear is too high for our steep hills, so I have to plan my routes carefully. Even then, I still puff a bit on the hills. If that doesn't improve, a motor will fix it.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I have turned my assistance back down to 27 kph. Most times I am riding at about 32-35 on the flat so I am providing the extra watts to get there. When I get back from a long ride I do feel it my legs.

I feel that the bike can still be ridden to keep fit. If I want to go somewhere without sweating I have learned to turn the pedals and use assistance level 4 or 5 otherwise I am most times providing more watts than the motor on the flat. Hills are another story.

My new test hill is on the right, the road that goes up behind the cemetery, about 7-8% most of the way up

 

[JamesW]

I have turned my assistance back down to 27 kph. Most times I am riding at about 32-35 on the flat so I am providing the extra watts to get there. When I get back from a long ride I do feel it my legs.

I feel that the bike can still be ridden to keep fit. If I want to go somewhere without sweating I have learned to turn the pedals and use assistance level 4 or 5 otherwise I am most times providing more watts than the motor on the flat. Hills are another story.

My new test hill is on the right, the road that goes up behind the cemetery, about 7-8% most of the way up

Not the one in the background of the picture

 

[anotherkiwi]

That is Larrun, a Basque "mountain" which would be a good spot for all that are into m-pedelecs. Bring big batteries! 900 odd metres to climb. There is a MTB route around the base.

Send a PM before coming and I will set up where to eat lunch and where to eat pintxo and drink wine after...

 

[JamesW]

I should think the first thing most of us would need after cycling to the Basque region from the UK would be a battery recharge.

I would say what beautiful scenery - but that would somehow suggest that I was not content with my location and scenery (which I am!) Glad you have somewhere nice to ride.