By the Numbers: How Losing Weight Improves Cycling Performance

You don’t have to ride fast to be a cyclist, but if you want to crush some speedy sections, slimming down can really help your cause.

“Any reduction in body weight can make a difference in performance, especially in events that resist ‘extra’ gravity,” says Chad Timmerman, head coach and co-founder of TrainerRoad, an online power-based training system.

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Situations where gravity favors the light include sustained climbs; short, steep, grunt-inducing hills; and criteriums where you sprint out of every corner.

But how much does weight matter, exactly? We were curious, so we calculated the benefits for a few scenarios; it turns out that hauling even just a tiny bit less junk in your trunk can translate to performance increases.

For these scenarios, we’ve based our calculations on a 180-pound rider who can sustain 200 watts on climbs. You can do the calculations for yourself using BikeCalculator.com’s handy online calculator.

A quick note of caution: Cyclists (and humans in general) can only lose so much weight before their health declines. Make sure you're targeting your ideal cycling weight when considering a weight-loss program to boost your riding.

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