Biketoworkday is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

How Much Does a Bike Weigh? – Weight of Each Bike Type


Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

how much does a bike weigh

Before making your purchase, the weight of the bike should be your topmost considerations. The weight has a direct impact on how efficiently you can ride your bike. A lighter bicycle is faster and accelerates better than a heavy one.

Heavier bikes, on one side, are robust and steadier than light ones. You can be more confident on highways when riding heavy bikes.

So, how much does a bike weigh?

The weight of your bike can range from 17lbs to 80lbs depending on the type and material used. If you prefer using lighter ones, you can choose road bikes that average around 17lbs. However, if you want to go for more stable ones, try MTBs that weigh approximately 25lbs or hybrid bikes with 80lbs.

build-a-mountain-bike-ramp

Factors That Affect Your Bike’s Weight

average-weight-of-a-bike

Different factors directly impact and influence the bicycle weight. Here are some of the determinants that you should consider before choosing your bike:

1. User’s body weight

Before your purchase, you should assess your weight first. Your body weight is an important factor to consider that can directly affect the manner of your riding. If you are skinny and light, you should get a heavier bike.

It will keep your ride more balanced and stable. Heavier bikes can complement light users because they will distribute the weight evenly when riding.

However, if you are larger in size, you should look for a machine with an average weight of a bicycle or lighter ones. In this way, there is not much gravity that pulls you down when on the road. Lighter bikes for heavy users also allow you to accelerate better in hills and higher slopes.

2. Accessories you use when riding.

Another factor to consider is the accessories you use when biking. If you are the type to wear a lot of bike accessories, it is recommended to get lighter bikes. The accessories like suspension, rims, helmets, and brakes can also add weight when riding.

3. Weight of wheels

Some bikers love to customize the wheels of their bicycles. The wheels can load extra weight into the overall structure of your bike. The heavier the wheels you choose, the more weight they can add.

4. Materials used

The materials used when manufacturing a bike also impact how the product weighs. There are heavy-duty materials that provide more weight to the overall structure of the product, while there are some that keep the weight to a minimum.

Here are the common materials used for bikes:

  • Carbon fiber is a strong material normally used in bike manufacturing. It is lightweight and bendable, making it durable and powerful. It provides strength to the construction of bicycles.
  • Carbon steel is more common than carbon fiber. It is a high-tensile material that is cheap yet very strong. The steel is mostly used in making bike frames and can last for a prolonged Compared to carbon fiber, carbon steel tends to be heavier.
  • Aluminum is both cheap and light. Since it is less expensive, this material is widely used today for the manufacturing of bikes. Aside from these features, it provides solid rides to users.
  • Titanium is expensive but gives a strong and light component to the structure of your bike. Compared to steel, it is lighter as well.

How Much Does a Bike Weigh

bicycle-weight

The weight of your bike highly depends on its type. Some bikes are heavier compared to others because they are for rough roads and more challenging environments.

To know more, here are the different types of bikes and their corresponding weight:

1. Weight of a road bike

If you own a typical road bike, the average weight of a bike would be 18lbs. It already considered the weight of the pedals and cages of the bike. The weight of the road bike will vary depending on the material used.

The frame and the frame size will impact the bike’s weight. For a road bike, the materials used are lighter to help riders navigate paved roads at a considerable speed. You will notice that the tires and wheels of road bikes are smaller and smoother as well.

Since it is more lightweight, road bikes like lightweight cruiser bicycles will not be able to support heavy loads compared to larger bikes.

2. Weight of a hybrid bike weight

A hybrid bike is heavier because it combines both road and mountain bikes. It has an average bike weight of 29lbs due to its style and design. The road bike-style hybrid bikes weigh 26lbs while cruiser-style hybrid bikes come in 32lbs.

Most hybrid bikes have big paddled seats, average-width tires, and straightforward handlebars to make riding more comfortable. You can use hybrid bikes for casual riding, going around your community, and going out for coffee within your town.

But compared to road bicycle weights, hybrid bikes are less efficient to use on paved and unpaved roads. You cannot also use hybrid bikes on rough off-road bike trails.

3. Weight of a mountain bike

Mountain bikes are one of the heaviest kinds. They can weigh up to 28lbs because of the extra gears that come with them. They are engineered to navigate through rough and rugged roads, so they should be more robust and stable.

The weight of the material used for MTBs also contributes to the weight. They must be heavy-duty, sturdy, and rigid to withstand more challenging environmental conditions.

Another accessory that makes MTBs heavier is the suspension. It adds weight to the structure but ensures a smooth and top-quality ride. The suspension can both be front suspension or rear suspension, depending on your preference.

4. Weight of a carbon road bike

The carbon road bike also weighs at an average. The bike components like frame size, material, wheels, gears, and accessories add weight to the entire structure. Compared to other bikes, carbon road bikes are lighter but more expensive.

The material used also ensures a smoother and convenient ride. It offers durability and strength that can last for a long time. Speed and lightweight bikes are guaranteed with this type of bike.

5. Weight steel road bike

The steel road bike is one of the heaviest types of bike. It can weigh at a maximum weight of 29lbs and has been the ultimate material used in bikes for a long time. Steel frames are heavy but not as strong and durable as carbon frames, titanium, and aluminum.

If you prefer a bike that can be used for weight loss and exercise, it is recommended that you choose steel road bikes. It is a heavy machine that can help you burn fat faster.

Read more: How much weight of an electric bike or a peloton bike?

Conclusion

As a responsible biker, it is important to know the weight of the bike you are buying. You must assess your activities and needs first before purchasing the machine. If you are always on off-road travels, you need something more durable and heavy.

On the other side, if you prefer better acceleration and need to transport your bike from one place to another, lighter ones are your best choice.

May this post on how much does a bike weigh help you with choosing your next bike. We have provided the necessary information to assist you in your buying decision.

5/5 - (3 votes)