We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Bikes are among the most energy efficient vehicles we have.

NorthCascades
NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Somebody at work just told me the energy content of a gallon of gasoline is equal to about 36,000 kCal. That gets me about 30 miles down the highway in my car.

I had tacos for dinner last night. They came to about 1,000 kCal. Those tacos get me about 30 miles on my gravel road bike.

Cycling is a fantastic way to build fitness, and it's great fun, but the actual/real calorie burns are surprisingly low.

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Mr.Money Mustache is a huge fan of the bike. it really is a good way to get around.

    I hate biking honestly (well my motorcycle is different) - but biking through Trenton to work isn't high on my priority list- but I have considered it- it's good to get around for sure and fuel efficient.
  • Macy9336
    Macy9336 Posts: 694 Member
    Yes. Cycling is ten times more efficient than running. So a century bike ride is equivalent to a ten mile run. This was measured on a road though, not off road. Mountain biking/trail running haven't been measured that I know of.
    Cycling is great for low impact exercise...running can be hard on your back and joints.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    I had tacos for dinner last night. They came to about 1,000 kCal. Those tacos get me about 30 miles on my gravel road bike.

    Carrying this a little further, I get about 5 miles per taco.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    And as much as people love to hate on them, E-bikes are damn efficient as well.
  • Barbs2222
    Barbs2222 Posts: 433 Member
    I don't know how many calories you'd burn on this thing but I think it's was cool.shbqbyqm9w2h.jpg
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »
    And as much as people love to hate on them, E-bikes are damn efficient as well.

    I'm one of the many-e-bike haters.......I probably wouldn't so much if the people riding them would stay on the road where they belong. Our multi-use paths have a speed limit of 20 km/h and e-bikes have a top speed of 32 km/h and are silent. I've had more than a few close calls while out running.....

    OP - not only are bikes efficient they're environmentally friendly.
  • Lizarking
    Lizarking Posts: 507 Member
    Gasoline is cheaper than tacos.

    How much gasoline do I need to drink to go 30 miles on a road bike?
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Lizarking wrote: »
    Gasoline is cheaper than tacos.

    Tacos are definitely tastier...... B)

  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    OP - not only are bikes efficient they're environmentally friendly.

    And one of the very few things we've invented for convenience, that has the side effect of making us healthier. :smile:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories