While buying a bike, it is crucial to consider your intended use and frequency, terrain being covered, and of course the appropriate size to fit you. There is one BIG question that is often overlooked and people only realize it once they start thinking about participating in races or transporting their bikes in their cars over long distances. That question is how much do bikes weigh?
The average weight of different categories of bikes generally ranges from about 17 lbs (7.7 kg) at the lower end to 80 lbs (36.2 kg) at the upper end. There are different factors at play (detailed below) that affect the weight, with specific tradeoffs that a buyer should consider before purchasing a bike.
Does Bike Weight Matter?
Let me be clear:
Bike weight has no direct impact on the safety, speed, or performance of the bike for most people.
However, for the slightly more serious cyclists, bike weight becomes one of the important factors alongside fitness level, intended use, skill and terrain being covered.
Elite riders or cyclists wanting to be part of various competitive programmes would prefer a lighter bike for better speed and performance and to be able to go fast.
People who have to regularly commute and lift their bikes would also prefer lighter versions since they require less energy and more comfort.
On the flip side, heavier bikes are more robust, stable, and provide better balance, and lighter bikes might prove too costly for the average commuter.
Not to forget, some bikes are also customised to accommodate their riders weight.
Factors That Influence Bike Weight
The overall weight of your bicycle is influenced by a lot of factors. Here are some of them to consider:
#1 Frame material: The material used in manufacturing the bike has an impact on how much it weighs.
Carbon fibre, steel, aluminium and titanium are some of the common materials bike manufacturers use. Steel is the heaviest, followed by aluminium, while carbon fibre and titanium frames are the lightest.
#2 Bike Components: The components used in your bike (specially the main components like wheels and frame) and the number of gears it has affects its weight.
- Bike Seat: The size of the seat adds to the weight of the bike. A large seat (generally men’s seats are wider) is generally more comfortable but is heavier as compared to a narrower bike seat.
- Rack: Generally speaking, a rack that is mounted on the front or end of the bike weighs around 1.5 lbs (0.6 KG). Most bikes won’t come with a rack attached though, unless you buy a commute bike.
- Tyre size: Bike tyres can weigh between 1 and 1.5 lbs (0.4-0.6 KG). However, this increases by a bit for larger fat bike tyres.
- Accessories: Additional accessories such as extra bike tubes, pumps, water bottles, etc add to the overall weight of the bike.
Another thing to think about is the weight ratio of your weight to the bike’s weight.
For example, a 20 lbs (9 KG) bike with 100 lbs (45.3 KG) of rider weight would move faster than a 20 lbs (9 KG) bike with 180 lbs (81.6 KG) of rider weight due to the first rider’s lighter bodyweight.
Thus, consider getting a mtb or a fat bike if you’re on the heavier side for better stability and balance.
Average Weight Of A Bike
Usually, road bikes are the lightest, weighing on 17-20 lbs (7-9 kg) on average.
Mountain bikes, Beach cruisers, and hybrids weigh 25 lbs (11 kg) on average, while e-bikes are the heaviest, weighing up to 80 lbs (36 kg).
By the way- quick fun fact, the world’s lightest road bike weighs just 5.4 kg!
Road Bike
Road bikes are easy to transport and manoeuvre and are meant to provide speed, so they have smaller tyres and carbon fibre frames and forks (at least the high end ones)s. They weigh on average around 17–18 lbs (7.7-8.1 KG) and can also weigh up to 27 lbs (12.2 KG).
Riders who are professionals generally avoid lighter bikes for safety reasons and because of the fewer accessory options available to them, while for an average commuter, especially going on flat terrain, it is too expensive and not worth it to save on weight since road bikes can cost thousands of dollars.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes have wider tyres, are generally made to be sturdier than road bikes and usually also include suspensions to improve ride quality and reduce vibrations. All this adds weight- including accessories such as cameras and water bottles.
A typical mountain bike can thus range from 20.9-28.6 lbs (9.5 to 13 KG), while a suspension or hardtail mountain bike weighs on average 21–28 lbs (9.5-12.7 KG), with most preferring 28–29 lbs (12.7-13.1 KG).
Hybrid Bikes
Because of their big, padded seats, tires with a width in the middle of the spectrum, and upright handlebars, hybrid bicycles are quite comfortable to ride. They are appropriate for biking about town or for shorter commuting distances. However, heavier hybrid bikes are not the best choice for extended rides and off-road mountain biking trails are typically considered to be too harsh to be covered by hybrid bikes.
Because they are a hybrid of mountain bikes and road bikes, their weight is very dependant on the type of bike, the terrain that it is intended for, and the use that it will be put to. The typical weight of a mountain bike styled hybrid bike is about 29 lbs (13.2KG) , whereas the weight of a road bike styled hybrid bike is roughly 26 lbs (11.8KG), and the weight of a cruiser styled hybrid bike is approximately 32 lbs (14.3Kg).
Fat Bikes
Most Fat bikes weigh between 25 to 45 lbs (11-20 kg) on average. Although some bikers like the look of the fat bike and use it as a commuter or a mountain bike, these bikes are actually made to ride on rugged and unstable terrain like snow, sand, or mud with ease.
They have larger, wider tyres, which provide better grip and traction, requiring sturdy frames as well as larger rim sizes to support them.
E-Bike
Most E-bikes range from 40 to 80 lbs (18.1-36.2KG). They weigh as much as a standard bike and also have a battery attached to them.
In most cases, E-bikes typically weigh between 39.4-55.1 lbs (17.9-25 kg). The battery’s weight begins at around 4.4 lbs (2 kg). The motorised parts of an e-bike add more weight.
The weight for your e-bike will differ depending on what you purchase. Foldable e-bikes are easier to transport as they are lighter at around 40 lbs (18.1KG).
This is all a range of course- there are heavy-duty mountain bikes on the market as well that will weigh closer to 80 lbs (36.2 KG).
Remember, an e-bike with heavy components slows you down and is difficult to control. However, some e-bikes have specially designed brakes to help you stop faster. Moreover, the batteries as well as the additional accessories might ease your riding experience with an e-bike.
Beach Cruisers
Beach cruisers are meant for long-distance touring and cruising and can withstand minor collisions. They are designed for comfort over speed and thus have larger handlebars, wider tyres, and, in some cases, a larger bike seat for the rider’s comfort and ease.
So, a beach cruiser can be quite heavy, i.e., the less money you pay, the heavier it will be, typically weighing around 35–40 lbs (15.8-18.1 KG).
Gravel Bike
Gravel bikes are heavier than road bikes. This is because they need to be more robust. The components of a gravel bike should be able to withstand more rigorous riding. The wheels on a mountain bike are heavier than those on a road bike.
In most cases, a gravel bike typically weighs between 17.8-23.1 lbs (8.1-10.5 kg).
However, to the average cyclist, this weight difference won’t be noticeable. This is because gravel bikes look similar to road bikes and have the same shape.
Many people believe they give the best value for money as, unlike road bikes, they are more adaptable as more accessories can be mounted on them compared to a road bike.
Fixie
A fixie typically has no gearing, and some braking components are absent. They are meant for city travel and are tough, but not built or meant for speed.
The weight of a fixie becomes important since if a person might have to pick it up dozens of times, they would prefer a lighter bike weight for ease. They have fewer components, so the bike weighs around 17.4-23.1 lbs (7.9-10.5 kg), which means less maintenance and is great to use regularly too since they are easy to transport and carry.
Single-Speed Bike
A single-speed bike has a simpler mechanism and gear system compared to other bikes. They have a more efficient drivetrain compared to other bikes. Lack of multiple chainrings, a straight chain line, ramps, pins, and chain drag contribute to the low weight.
On average, they typically weigh around 20 lbs (9Kg). Their weight depends on the type of material used for manufacturing the frame. Single-speed bikes as light as 13 lbs (5.8 KG) and as heavy as 30 lbs (13.6 kg) also exist.
City Bike
City bikes weigh between 20.7-28.2 lbs (9.4-12.8 kg) on average. A lot of the technology used to make lighter road bikes finds its way into this range.
Newer, less experienced cyclists appreciate the ease of pedalling it provides.
Kids’ Bike
On average, a bike for children aged 5-7 weighs around 24 lbs (10.8KG). This is heavier than an adult’s bike, which weighs 18–26 lbs (8.1-11.7 KG).
This is because of two reasons:
- The heavy weight of the bike aids stability. Children need the heavy weight to keep them grounded when they are learning to ride.
- Kids’ bikes are made of heavier material because they are more likely to crashes.
Some manufacturers are making lighter bikes too. However, the bike weight shouldn’t really matter if your child just wants to ride a bike around the neighbourhood. It is an important factor if they want to go bike racing, though.
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes on average a much lighter, weighing in between 16.3-26.6 lbs (7.4kg and 12.1 kg). People in London especially use them a lot, as they are easy to fold up and carry on the tube (public transport). It is understood by the manufacturers that their weight is one of the most important factors in riding them.
The hinge mechanism to keep the bike stiff requires extra strength which further influences the weight of these bikes.
Some high-end carbon fibre folding bikes weigh around 20 lbs (9 kg), but these are very expensive. While purchasing them, make sure you look at their weight, because this is what you’ll have to carry.
BMX Bikes
Grinding pegs (a rider can have maximum 4 of them) designed to help riders navigate trails and obstacles, increase the overall weight of a BMX bike, which normally weighs between 25 and 28 lbs (11.3-12.7KG).
The weight also relies on the material used to construct the bike; for example, titanium bikes are usually the lightest but also the most expensive.
Most BMX riders prefer lighter bikes because they are faster- although personal preferences may vary a little bit here and there.
Recumbent Bike
Recumbent bikes are unique bicycles that allow riders to pedal while lying back in a reclined position. It helps distribute their weight over a larger area, providing more comfort and ease. They generate less wind drag than upright bikes, providing more thrust, better acceleration, and a consistent high running speed. They are thus suitable for long touring rides because of the added comfort they provide.
They are heavier than traditional bikes, and weigh between 25-45 lbs (11.3-20.4 KG) due to their design, the technology used to make them, and the added features that they have.
Steel Bikes
The weight of a steel bike depends generally on it’s strength. a classic steel road bike weighs approximately 22-29.1 lbs (10-13.2kg) on an average.
Steel was at the forefront of bike-building materials for a very long time and continued to be used until aluminium and carbon fibre began to be used because of their lighter weight and easy manufacturing processes. Although their frames are not as strong as aluminium, titanium, or carbon frames, they provide a smooth and enjoyable ride. If you are mainly looking for a bike for weight loss and want a heavy machine, a steel road bike might be the best for you.