1. What is the Power vs Speed Equation?

The fundamental equation v = P/F relates cycling speed to power output and opposing forces. This simplified model helps cyclists understand how much power they need to maintain certain speeds against various resistances.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic physics equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Velocity in meters per second (m/s)
• \( P \) — Power output in watts (W)
• \( F \) — Total opposing force in newtons (N)

Explanation: The calculator divides your power output by the total force (including air resistance, rolling resistance, etc.) to determine your speed.

3. Factors Affecting Cycling Speed

Details: Total force (F) includes:

• Air resistance (dominant at higher speeds)
• Rolling resistance
• Gravity (on hills)
• Mechanical friction

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• For flat terrain, estimate F as 5-10N for casual cycling, 10-20N for road cycling
• Professional cyclists may exceed 400W during sprints
• Average recreational cyclists maintain 100-200W

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is my actual speed different from the calculation?
A: Real-world conditions include variables like wind, road surface, bike efficiency, and rider position that affect total force.

Q2: How can I estimate total force (F)?
A: Use specialized power meters or estimate based on known power outputs at certain speeds (F = P/v).

Q3: Does this account for hills?
A: This simplified version doesn't. For hills, you'd need to add the gravitational force component to F.

Q4: What's a good power-to-speed ratio?
A: Competitive cyclists aim for high speeds with relatively low power, indicating efficient power transfer and aerodynamics.

Q5: How does air resistance affect the calculation?
A: Air resistance increases with the square of velocity, becoming the dominant force at speeds above ~25 km/h.