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li10up
04-25-2007, 05:39 AM
I was watching a show on tv last week that was really interesting.

What do you think the speed record is on a bicycle?

Those of you who already know don't reply yet. I want to see what the guesses are.
mimitabby
04-25-2007, 05:55 AM
80 mph?
TsPoet
04-25-2007, 06:15 AM
drafting, non-drafting? Hour long, or max speed?
li10up
04-25-2007, 06:22 AM
Drafting/Motor pacing. Max Speed. Held at the salt flats in Utah.

No cheating...don't look it up. :)
Blueberry
04-25-2007, 07:12 AM
I did, so I won't answer. Thanks for the interesting lead, though:)
roguedog
04-25-2007, 07:20 AM
63 mph..

just a weird off the cuff guess
alpinerabbit
04-25-2007, 08:18 AM
I believe I heard it somewhere, around 120 mph or over...?
li10up
04-25-2007, 08:32 AM
I would have guessed about 80mph.

The answer is 166.9 mph. Set by Fred Rompelberg in 1995.

They actually start out by towing the guy behind a dragster that has a tail fairing that protects the rider, ensuring virtually no wind resistance. He then releases himself when up to speed and continues pedaling. That speed is the speed he can maintain on his own.

I was totally shocked - shows what a great machine the bicycle is.
7rider
04-25-2007, 09:18 AM
Sounds like it really shows what fun you can have when you are versed in aerodynamics!
Offthegrid
04-25-2007, 09:19 AM
How long did he have to maintain that speed? It is impressive.
li10up
04-25-2007, 12:12 PM
I think he was timed over the course of a mile. Here's a link with some info about it.
http://www.fredrompelberg.com/en/html/default.asp
Mr. Bloom
04-25-2007, 02:28 PM
I was totally shocked - shows what a great machine the bicycle is.

OR, it shows what a maniac Fred Rompelberg is:D :D :D

Although, I will admit being thoroughly impressed - but not motivated to follow suit!
HillSlugger
04-25-2007, 05:55 PM
It says he did it on a Brooks saddle!
RoadRaven
04-26-2007, 11:03 AM
I was totally shocked - shows what a great machine the bicycle is.

Amazing speed, huh?

The bike may be a great machine, but remember it goes nowhere without the engine!
CyclaSutra
04-26-2007, 03:49 PM
I can testify to the max speed that a 185-pound woman can achieve on a 4-mile-long 10 percent grade mountain pass: 47 mph. Skinny boss on same ride had to draft off of me. Ha, mass triumphs again...
mountainchick
04-26-2007, 05:01 PM
I can testify to the max speed that a 185-pound woman can achieve on a 4-mile-long 10 percent grade mountain pass: 47 mph. Skinny boss on same ride had to draft off of me. Ha, mass triumphs again...

Hahahaha...that totally made me smile!