Cycling Calories

petemain
petemain Posts: 4 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Two days ago I did a 105 minute bike ride (48miles) at an average speed of 14.6mph. The database says I used 2750 calories, my Garmin GPS says 1173 calories. This is a huge difference, which one is correct, does anyone know? My inclination is to believe the Garmin or maybe the answer lies somewher in between.

Replies

  • capperboy
    capperboy Posts: 99 Member
    On a 49 km bike ride average speed 24 kmph Garmin shows 935 calories burnt this to me appears reasonable.
    MFP shows 1168 for two hours the setting I use is moderate 12-14 mph both these figures are pretty much within reason.
  • pearsy67
    pearsy67 Posts: 104 Member
    Hey Munro,
    I had the same issue, I choose to use the data from my Garmin 500 over the MFP figures. Same with gym work where I use a Polar HRM. I am guessing that uses an fairly basic equation to generate the calories figures for exercise, these are usually not too bad for short bursts but don't take into account the amount of coasting we do. Where as the Garmin is judging our efforts based on actual Heart Rate, distance, elevation etc. So Go the low one, it is easier to eat a bit more if you are too hungry after a ride rather that than try and loose the extra if you eat back too many calories.

    On the flip side, if you have a Garmin unit, are you on Strava? www.strava.com, there are a bunch of use just formed an MFP group. It is a free site that you can upload your rides to, map and compare etc.

    Anyway Good to say hello,
    Cheers
    Pearsy
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    It certainly sounds like the MFP estimate is high. I looked over some of my log files and my bike commute (round trip) is close to your ride and at 200lbs my Garmin was showing about 700 cal each way.
  • AWME
    AWME Posts: 12
    I use the HRM with my Garmin 110, and it always gives me fewer calories than MFP for cycling and running. I go with the Garmin's data, since MFP doesn't figure in hills, heart rate, exertion, etc.
  • petemain
    petemain Posts: 4 Member
    Many thanks for your advice. Yes I am on Strava and woll look up & join the MFP group.
  • petemain
    petemain Posts: 4 Member
    Can't find the MFP group on Strava, is this because I'm not paid up?
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