How well can a cyclist keep up with a car? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

Yin · 01-04-2008, 04:26 AM

My partner, Kate and I have established a close friendship for a few years. I believe that she genuinely has a fascination in trying to keep up with my car, while she is on her bicycle. Well, I drive a 2002 Honda Civic DX, with a 1.7L, 115-horse power engine and a 4-Speed automatic transmission, which I guess is a decent car.

For example, we have a 12 miles commute (each way), which is 24 miles roundtrip. She often insists to ride her bicycle and tries to race against my car. I get exhausted just thinking about it. Because of this, I usually take the side road roads (45 mph zones, on a relatively flat terrain), where there were hardly any traffic. To prevent her from tailgating, I like to accelerate rather briskly, at about 4000 rpm to the desired speed, which is around 40 to 45 mph.

Does she stands a chance to keep up with me?

onlyme Mr G · 01-04-2008, 04:28 AM

Gawd, I was beginning to wonder what happened to Kate!!

One minute she was determined to draft you (despite warnings from us) then . . . . . . . . . . . Silence!

It's unlikely she could keep with you at that speed, glad to hear she's still around and not 'pushing up the daisies' !

.

Captain Brock · 01-04-2008, 04:51 AM

Sure, depends on the traffic, but jeez get out of your dumb little car and ride a bike with her!