SPEED RECORDS

The bicycle is one of the fastest human-powered means of transportation ever developed. The maximum speed a cyclist can achieve depends on many factors, including the type of bicycle, terrain, gradient, aerodynamics, and the rules under which the record is attempted.

For this reason, bicycle speed records are classified into several different categories rather than being considered a single record.

Highest Speed Behind a Motor-Paced Wind Shield

The fastest officially recorded speed on land is 296.009 km/h (183.932 mph).

The record was set by Denise Mueller-KorenekonSeptember 16, 2018, at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, United States.

During the attempt, Mueller-Korenek rode behind a specially designed dragster that created a slipstream, dramatically reducing aerodynamic drag. She also used a purpose-built bicycle with an extremely high gear ratio designed specifically for this record attempt.

With this achievement, Denise Mueller-Korenek not only set a new women's world record but also surpassed the previous overall record of 268.831 km/h, established by Fred Rompelberg in 1995.

Highest Speed on Rollers

The highest speed ever achieved on bicycle rollers is 334.6 km/h (207.9 mph).

This record was set by British cyclist Bruce Bursfordin1996.

Since this attempt took place on a specially designed roller system rather than on an actual road, it is recognized as a separate category from land speed records.

Fastest Downhill Speed

One of the fastest downhill bicycle speeds was achieved by French cyclist Eric Barone.

On May 12, 2002, Barone reached 172 km/h (107 mph)while descendingCerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua.

Later, Austrian cyclist Markus Stöcklreached210 km/h (130 mph)on snow during a downhill speed attempt in2007, setting one of the fastest bicycle speeds ever recorded on snow.

Unpaced Human-Powered Speeds

Without the assistance of a motor vehicle creating a slipstream, cyclists reach considerably lower maximum speeds.

Professional track sprinters can reach approximately 70–80 km/h during sprint events.

Professional road cyclists may exceed 90–100 km/h on long mountain descents.

Specially designed fully faired human-powered vehicles (streamliners) have exceeded 140 km/h on level ground using only human power.

Factors Affecting Maximum Speed

The most important factors influencing a bicycle's maximum speed include:

• Aerodynamic drag
• Rider position
• Power output
• Bicycle aerodynamics
• Tire and road surface
• Gradient
• Wind conditions

Above approximately 30 km/h, aerodynamic drag becomes the dominant resistance force, meaning that most of the rider's energy is spent overcoming air resistance rather than rolling resistance.

Did You Know?

The bicycle used by Denise Mueller-Korenek featured an extremely large front chainring and a very small rear sprocket, allowing the bicycle to travel an extraordinary distance with each pedal revolution.

Before she began pedaling at full effort, the support vehicle accelerated both the cyclist and the bicycle to approximately 150 km/h, enabling the record attempt.

References

Guinness World Records

International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA)

Denise Mueller-Korenek official records

Cyclist Magazine

Human Power Journal