You’ll need to be sure you can carry and tote your bicycle around with you when you travel. Your bicycle’s weight must be something you can handle. But every bike weighs differently from one another, with some being substantially heavier than others.

What Weights Can You Expect?

Bicycles can weigh from about 20 to 40 pounds on average. The weight will vary surrounding the design of the bike and its intention. There’s no specific standard for what a bicycle should weigh, but the 20 to 40-pound range should be enough for most people.

Bike TypeWeight Range
Road Bike10-20 pounds
Hybrid Bike15-20 pounds
Track Bike20-23 pounds
Mountain Bike25-30 pounds
BMX Bike25-30 pounds
Folding Bike30-35 pounds
Commuter BikeUp to 45 pounds
Beach Cruiser45-50 pounds
Recumbent Bike45-50 pounds
Tandem Bike55-60 pounds

Does Weight Matter?

There are many sure why the weight of your bicycle matters:

  • Some lightweight bicycles might not handle excess weight. Most bicycles can handle weights of up to 220 pounds. The warranty on a bicycle may not be valid if the rider weighs more than this total.
  • A bicycle might be slower if it weighs more. A lightweight model will run faster, although not by much. A light model can go about 5 to 10 percent faster than a heavier one on average.
  • The gears and other components on a bicycle can influence its weight. A more elaborate bicycle that uses more weights and other items to reinforce its body will weigh more.
  • Heavier bicycles do well in inclement and rough conditions. They have sturdier bodies with additional reinforcements to keep them safe for use while in the toughest environments.

You can use these points to figure out what bicycle you should ride. You can find many useful choices that fit whatever interests or needs you hold.

Lightweight Bikes

You can find many lightweight bicycles that weigh less than 25 pounds on average. These bicycles are for general riding purposes :

  • Road Bike: A road bike features slim tires and small handlebars, helping it weigh about 18 to 20 pounds. The thin tires are necessary for going around smooth payment surfaces.
  • Hybrid Bike: Also known as a comfort bike, a hybrid bike has a design similar to a road bike, but it has slightly larger tires. It can work well on smooth dirt surfaces. The bike can weigh a few more pounds than a road bike.
  • Track Bike: A track bike is also called a fixed-gear bike. It features one gear, thus keeping the mechanisms in the bike from being too extensive. A track bike can weigh about 20 to 23 pounds.

Middleweight Bikes

A middleweight bicycle can weigh around 25 to 35 pounds. These are for more intense purposes:

  • Mountain Bike: Mountain bikes can weigh from 25 to 30 pounds on average. A mountain bike features a thicker body with wide wheels. The design can handle rocky road conditions. The bicycle can also feature more gears for different road conditions and riding situations .
  • BMX Bike: A BMX bike is a model you’ll find on dirt racing tracks or skate parks. The bike weighs around 30 pounds and has a reinforced frame. The added weight in the frame supports the body to ensure the bike can handle various jumps and other hits without breaking apart.
  • Folding Bike: As convenient as a folding bike can be, it will weigh at least 30 pounds. The added weight comes from the locking and securing mechanisms that help you fold the bike and put it together when you’re ready to ride.

Heavyweight Bikes

The heaviest bicycles will weigh at least 35 pounds. These bikes need extra weight to help them handle intense conditions. But some of these bikes focus on unique or specific riding activities. Here are some of the bikes you can look for:

  • Commuter Bike: A commuter bike can weigh close to 45 pounds. The design can feature lights, locks, racks, and holders for bags and various other items for commuting purposes. The bicycle is for urban environments and does well for business travelers who need to carry various things around.
  • Beach Cruiser: A beach cruiser may be for relaxed conditions and short distances, but it can weigh 40 pounds or more. A beach cruiser will feature more massive handlebars, fenders on the front and back, and a chain guard. These features ensure the beach cruiser stays functional and won’t be harmed, but they add to its mass.
  • Recumbent Bike: A recumbent bike features a slightly flat body that keeps the rider closer to the ground. It produces a stable ride, as it features three wheels. But the extra wheel and multiple gears will produce a weight of about 45 to 50 pounds on average.
  • Tandem Bike: The tandem bike is the heaviest bicycle around, as it can weigh about 60 pounds. The bicycle is for two riders. The bike needs all that mass to handle the weight of two riders.

What About Bikes For Kids?

You might be surprised to find that bicycles for kids are relatively heavy. While they might be scaled-down versions of bikes for adults, bikes for kids will still weigh about 25 to 30 pounds on average. These bikes are sturdier and thicker, plus they have larger handrails to help the rider stay on the bicycle. Training wheels will also add a few pounds if they’re in use.

Kids are often a little more reckless when riding their bicycles, so they need models that are sturdy enough to handle everything they do with their bikes. Others might need something easy to control, especially as they start learning how to ride a bicycle without their training wheels. These bikes will be heavier on average.

Conclusion

Be sure when looking for a bicycle that you know what it will weigh. You can find a quality bicycle that fits your riding needs, but you must know what to expect when carrying it around. Every model is unique and features different qualities that can influence its weight.

You can find a lighter choice for basic needs, or you can stick with something heavier if you want something that lasts a while or has more functions. But whatever you choose, you must find something that you can handle.