cyclist at sunset

Bike For The Burn! [How Many Calories Do You Burn Biking?]

on . Posted in Biking, Blog

Biking can be fun exercise. But how much of a calorie deficit will biking helping you achieve?

For that matter, what’s a calorie deficit?

Let’s take a look at these questions and more, so that you can optimize your health routine and shed those extra pounds!

In addition to providing the freedom of the open road and the joy of fresh air, biking is a popular form of exercise that is effective in burning calories and enhancing general health.

First Things First… What Is A Calorie Deficit?

One of the most basic rules of weight loss is that you need to burn more calories than you eat.

So, when you burn more calories through exercise and normal bodily processes than you take in through food and drink, you have a calorie deficit.

To optimize your weight loss goals, this caloric deficit should be monitored very strictly.

How Many Calories Do You Burn Biking?

So, how many calories does riding a bike burn exactly? 

Well, one quick way to find out is a calorie deficit calculator.

match burning

Whether it is a brisk spin class at the gym or a leisurely ride around the park, cycling can be crucial to reaching a calorie deficit, which is a necessary step in losing weight.

Calorie deficit calculators are extremely helpful for tracking how many calories you burn while biking. An online calculator like this will give an estimation of your calorie burn during biking so that you can be sure you are maintaining a calorie deficit.

This way, you can balance your bike rides with your meals (caloric intake) and customize your diet and exercise routine to achieve your weight-loss goals.

Although a calorie deficit calculator is a great tool to measure your calorie burn while biking, there are many determining factors.

So, let’s examine the mechanics of riding and how it relates to burning calories!



Factors Affecting Calories Burn While Biking

biker on the road

Your weight, how hard you exercise, how fast you go and the terrain are all factors that determine what your calorie burn will be when biking/cycling.

Several things affect how many calories you burn while biking. These include:

  • Your weight
  • How hard you bike
  • How fast you ride
  • Environment

When two people do the same exercise, the person who is heavier will often burn more calories because his/her body has to work harder to move their weight.

Similarly, the more intense the riding, the more calories are burned. Also maintaining a faster speed while biking will also increase calorie burn.

It takes more energy to walk uphill or on the rough ground than on the smooth ground, so more calories are burned. The same is true with biking.


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Biking and Calorie Counting Tools

It is recommended to use a biking calculator approximately 6 times, altering the effort and length, in order to acquire an average estimate of your calorie burn per biking session.

Calculating Energy Expended While Biking/Cycling:

  • Leisurely Riding: For people who are new to biking, a slow ride (less than 10 mph) is a good way to start. For someone weighing about 155 pounds, this kind of ride burns about 200 to 300 calories per hour.
  • Moderate Effort: Riding a bike at a moderate speed (10–14 mph) can burn between 300 and 600 calories an hour, based on your weight and the surface.
  • Biking Fast: If you ride your bike faster than 20 miles per hour, you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour, which is a lot for someone who weighs about 155 pounds.

Use a calorie deficit calculator to get an accurate estimate of the number of calories you will burn while biking. These types of handy tools take into account your weight, the duration of your bicycling session, and the intensity of your workout to predict calorie burn. 

Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. A calorie deficit calculator can help you get more accurate numbers for your specific situation.



How To Burn The Most Calories While Biking

Doing intervals, off-road riding, and consistency in your biking will help you burn more calories.

Do Intervals

Adding interval training to your riding routine can help you burn a lot more calories. Changing between short bursts of high intensity and rest times helps your body burn more calories during the workout and for hours afterward.



Get Off The Road

biker holding bike above head

Tougher terrain = greater burn when it comes to biking!

Most of the time, mountain biking or off-road biking burns more calories than street cycling because the terrain is more difficult and takes more physical effort to get through.

Be A “Regular Joe”

When you bike regularly, your stamina and muscle strength improve. This lets you perform better, which means you burn more calories because you can keep up higher intensities for longer.

Use Technology 

Cycling apps and gadgets that work with calorie deficit calculators can give you more accurate information that helps you keep track of and improve how many calories you burn.


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Cycling And Biking To Maintain A Calorie Deficit

women cycling

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a calorie deficit…

A single bike ride can certainly help you lose calories for the day.

But, to keep the weight off, you need to maintain a calorie deficit over time. Biking, eating well, and using a calorie deficit calculator on a daily basis can help you keep the calorie deficit you need to lose weight.

Remember that it’s best to lose weight slowly and not all at once, because a big calorie shortage can be unhealthy or impossible to maintain.




FAQs About Calorie Burn From Biking

How accurate are bike calorie loss calculators?

Although calorie deficit tools can give you a good idea, they aren’t always right because they can’t tell what your metabolism is like or how hard you are working. But, they are a good way to get a rough idea of how many calories you burn.

Is it possible to burn a lot of calories just by biking?

Indeed, biking can help you burn a lot of calories, especially when you do it regularly and combine it with a healthy diet. The important thing is to bike at a speed and distance that will result in burning more calories.

How often should I ride my bike to maintain my calorie deficit?

How often you bike should depend on your fitness level, your goals, and your routine.

Most standards say that to stay healthy and help with weight loss, you should do moderate-intensity cardio for at least 150 minutes or vigorous-intensity cardio for 75 minutes per week.

Does riding a bike burn more calories than walking?

Biking is usually a better way to burn calories than walking because it’s more active. However, walking can indeed burn a lot of calories, especially if you do it for a long time.



Final Thoughts On Biking For Calorie Burn

Biking is not only a fun activity, but it can also help you lose weight and keep it off.

To burn the most calories, use a calorie deficit calculator and make sure your bike routine is right for your fitness level. 

man-on-bike-in-the-mountains

Biking is great for leisure, exercise and calorie burn, and sight seeing… safe biking!

You can reach your calorie-burning goals by biking in a variety of ways, from slow rides in the country to fast rides on difficult terrain.

So, have fun on your bike ride and remember that biking is good for your mental and physical health in many ways!

e-bike vs regular bike

E-Bikes vs. Regular Bikes: What’s The Difference And Which Is Better?

on . Posted in Biking, Blog

Are you planning to buy a bike? When purchasing a new bike, you’ll have two main categories to choose from: an electric bike or a regular bike.

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, works similarly to a motorcycle, but it doesn’t run on gas. Instead, as the name suggests, its primary power source is electricity, which makes it more sustainable and eco-friendly.

rambo electric hunting bike

So, what’s the difference between an electric bike like this and a regular bike? Well, keep reading!

On the other hand, a regular bike is the traditional pedal-assisted bike that has been rolling on for a couple of centuries. It has two built-in pedals that require continuous forward rotation to move. It’s popular for use in fitness goals, sporting events, and recreational riding.

Price is not the only factor to consider when choosing between a regular bike and an e-bike. This article will guide you to help you decide which bike is better for you and your riding purposes. 

When choosing between an electric or regular pedal-assisted bike, price is probably one of the first things you’ll consider.

Electric bikes are more expensive than regular bikes, but that doesn’t mean you have to be rich to pay for them. You can check out out your local bike stores for an affordable electric bike fit for your budget.

What Are The Differences Between Electric Bikes And Regular Bikes?

Aside from the price, there are many things you should consider before deciding which one is better. We’ll cover these below…

Bike Parts

The most common difference you’ll probably notice between an electric and regular bike is their parts and mechanisms.

Unlike regular bikes, electric bikes have more complex parts and features, including a motor, battery, controls, sensors, and display.

  • Motor: This part provides additional power to boost your pedaling.
  • Battery: This is the main power source of an electric bike. If it drains, its features won’t work. Luckily, it’s easy to charge. All you need to do is remove the battery from its casing and charge it using the socket.
  • Controls: These may include small buttons usually found on the handlebars that enable you to adjust your bike’s power levels and functions.
  • Sensors: These provide instructions to the motor if you need assistance when pedaling.
  • Display: This shows important details regarding your electric bike, including the battery levels, distance traveled, speed, etc.  
buzz centris electronic controller

An example of an e-bike display.

buzz centris thumb throttle

An example of an e-bike thumb throttle.

buzz centris rear hub motor

An example of an e-bike hub motor.

Some parts and features may be different, depending on the brand and type of electric bike you choose. For example, on some advanced electric bikes, the controls can be integrated into the display bar.




Bike Maintenance And Repairs

Some of the maintenance and repairs that may apply to e-bikes is the same for traditional bikes. Components such as handlebars, body, chains, wheels, bike seat, and brakes tend to be similar, if not the same on both electric bicycles and traditional bikes. Also, the cost of maintaining and repairing these parts may be the same.

bicycle chain

Certain components of both e-bikes and regular bikes are similar or the same, such as the chain.

However, when it comes to maintenance and repairs, an electric bike may yield more issues than a regular bike. It has multiple mechanisms and complex components needed to maintain and repair (if necessary), unlike most traditional bikes. 

bike handlebars

While items such as handlebars are similar and fairly easy to maintain and repair on both e-bikes and regular bikes, screen displays and other electronic components can be costly to replace/repair and may require the expertise of a professional.

If there’s something wrong with the electric motor system of your e-bike, you’ll need a professional e-bike specialist to fix the damage, which can be expensive. But, as long as you take good care of an electric bike, you’ll be able to prevent most of these types of headaches.


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Riding Experience

Now, you may be wondering, how is riding an electric bike different from a regular bike, and how does it feel?

Well, using an electric bike is almost the same as your ordinary bike. However, many believe that it’s more fun to ride one than any other bike and that fun starts when you get that pedal moving!

man riding e-bike

Pedaling is the same on an e-bike as on a traditional bike… just much easier!

When you start pedaling an e-bike, the sensors and motor system will begin functioning. At first, you wouldn’t notice any change until everything seems to become a bit relaxed.

Also, electric bikes don’t change how biking works. Instead, it makes the process of pedaling much easier to perform. 

An electric bike allows you to move along without exerting much effort and force on the pedals. This limits the amount of exertion needed to get to your destination. You’ll be able to reach the tops of the hills without feeling excessively tired, exhausted, or out of breath.


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man on electric bike on mountain top

The pedal assistance provided by electric bikes reduces the amount of exertion it can take to reach your destination.

Electric bikes also have adjustable pedal assistance. If you change the support to low, pedaling may require more effort. It’ll be more tiring and exhausting than usual. But if you set the settings to maximum, the pedaling will be much quicker and easier, and you’ll never be tired.




Speed

Because of the e-bikes’ powerful pedal assistance, does it mean that they can go much faster you’re your traditional bikes? The answer depends on the type of electric bike you’ll use. 

The average maximum speed of most electric bikes is 25 km per hour (15.5 mi per hour).

man riding e-bike in sand

The top speed of an e-bike is dependent on motor power, rider weight and riding surface.

Some electric bikes, depending on the makeup and steepness of the riding surface, can reach speeds of 20+ MPH.

Going faster than this on most e-bikes will make the internal motor system stop functioning, and you’ll have no choice but to rely on pedaling alone to make it run. But, it doesn’t mean it’s broken.

The electric motor system of an e-bike is programmed to stop once it senses that you’re going too fast.

Nevertheless, an electric bike may provide more speed in normal circumstances, such as riding a bike to work or for leisure and quality time. Also, it helps you get back to your speed once you stop, making your travel time shorter.



Which Is Better? E-Bike or Regular Bike?

The better option between electric and regular bikes is the one that suits your needs most.

If you plan on using a bike for your daily work commute, an electric bike may be the better option. With its pedal assistance, you’ll be able to maintain a constant speed even after making numerous brakes and stops. 

man on mountain with bike

If you’re looking for higher intensity riding and typically a lower price tag, a regular bike will be the way to go.

But, if your goal is to pump your adrenaline and get a good work out, a regular bike may be best for you. It doesn’t have any support and will only rely on pure pedal power to work, which means you’ll be working harder. 

Also, if you’re tight on budget, it’d be best to go for a regular bike instead. It doesn’t have an electrical system, which may help you save tons of money in the long run. And you can likely make basic repairs yourself without the need for a professional bike specialist.



Final Thoughts On E-Bikes vs. Regular Bikes

When choosing a bike, you’re often left with two options; electric and regular bikes.

As mentioned above, the right choice highly depends on your needs. If you don’t have to enter or participate in any fitness event, an electric bike may be a good option.

If fitness is your primary objective, a regular bike might be the best choice.

Regardless of which one you choose, get out there and bike and enjoy creation!

buzz centris folding e-bike

What’s All The Buzz about? [BUZZ Centris Folding E-Bike Review]

Looking for a fat tire e-bike to do some off-road riding?

And how about one that folds up as well? [Bonus!]

Well, in that case, let’s take a look at the Buzz Centris FAT Tire E-Bike!

buzz-centris-folding-e-bike-1
The Buzz Centris fat-tire folding e-bike

This Buzz Centris model launched in January 2022 and is the newest edition of Buzz’s FAT e-bikes. But, before we dive into all the features of the Buzz Centris, let’s tell you a little bit about Buzz…

About Buzz Bicycles

The Buzz Bikes team believes that the freedom of riding should be fun and accessible for riders of all skill levels, regardless of what outdoor adventure you may be on, so that you can “buzz” through life!

buzz bikes ohio

Buzz e-bikes are designed in Dayton, Ohio by passionate team of bike enthusiasts who have a goal of delivering ultimate transportation solutions at a great value.

The unboxing of the Buzz Centris Folding E-Bike

Right out of the box, one of the positive features of the Buzz Centris is how easy it is to put together.

Buzz Centris folded up 1

So, here is a look at the Buzz Centris in its folded position. And, this is really pretty much what it looked like right out of the box, less the foam padding and packaging that we removed.

Once we took it out of the box and took the safety packaging/padding off, it literally took less than 60 seconds to put the whole bike together and have ride ready.

buzz centris folded up 2

The Centris folds up nicely, making it much more compact. so, if you’re going to put it in the back of a truck, inside a vehicle or an RV, it definitely makes storage a lot easier.

Now, the Centris does weigh 67 pounds, so it’s not exactly light. But, because it folds up so well, you can store in some tighter spaces and take it with you if you’re going to be on the road.

man assembling buzz ebike wearing N1 Outdoors shirt

The Centris was super simple to assemble. We didn’t even have to really look at the manual very long to figure any of that out.




Key Features Of The Centris

So, let’s take a look at the key features of the Buzz Centris…

Tires, suspension, motor and brakes

The tires of the Centris are fat (4 inches fat, to be exact!).

buzz centris 4-inch tires

The Centris has 4″ wide tires, which are great for trail riding and on various types of surfaces.

The Centris also has front fork suspension which aims to be helpful when riding in off-road situations and more rugged terrain than your typical road ride. It’s even a great option for if you’re hunting on public lands where gas-powered vehicles are not allowed.

buzz centris front fork suspension

The front fork suspension gives extra shock absorbency to off-road terrains.

It has a 16” step-over height. It sports a 500-watt peak level rear hub motor.

buzz centris rear hub motor

Here’s a look at the rear hub motor of the the Centris.

It has 5 levels of power assist and a 6-speed Shimano Tourney Derailleur that provides precision shifting.

gear shifter on buzz centris

Here’s a look at the handle bar gear shifter.




shimano tourney derailleur on buzz centris e bike

Here’s a look at the Shimano Tourney Derailleur.



disc brakes on buzz centris

The Centris has front and rear disc brakes.



Electronics

The Centris has a thumb throttle for non-pedaling power. So, if you decide you need a breather during your ride, you can use the thumb throttle and it will take over and you will be riding all-electric.

buzz centris thumb throttle

Once pedaling has begun, the thumb throttle can be engaged and the bike will run strictly off electric power (no pedaling!)

Buzz claims that the Centris can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour when not pedaling.



Now, you should take into account that the 20 MPH number is assuming a flat riding surface and also depends on the terrain you are riding (smooth, rough, etc) as well as the weight of the rider. (We’ll provide the results of our findings in this area a little later on in this review).

front basket rack of buzz centris

Front basket rack…

It also has front and rear racks for carrying things… like maybe a big buck or a big bass! (Well, maybe not, but you could carry a duffle bag or a backpack or utility pack in the basket!)

buzz centris rear rack

… and the rear rackk.

The Centris also has an LCD screen that displays your speed, battery life, and the electronic pedal assist level.

buzz centris electronic controller

The controller shows the speed assist level as well as the current battery charge, mph and odometer readings.

It also has an adjustable seat height.

buzz centris adjustable seat

The seat of the Centris has multiple adjustments.

It’s got a removable lock-in battery with battery cover, and inside is a 48-volt rechargeable battery, that according to Buzz, will give you up to 40 miles per charge and recharge within 2-6 hours.

Again, you want to keep in mind that these are estimates and they are going to be based on things like rider weight and also the type of terrain that you’re riding on.

buzz centris rear rack

The Centris’ battery is 48-volts and locks in place.

Another neat feature is that is also has a headlight.

buzz centris headlight

The headlight is easily assembled and is controlled by the LCD screen display buttons.



Warranty of the Buzz Centris

The Buzz Centris sports a 2-year limited warranty on the electronics and it has a 10-year warranty on the aluminum frame. And, the Centris is UL-tested.

buzz centris bell

And one very, very important feature… a powerful little bell (OK, so we’re not huge fans of the bell, but it is mandatory in some states.)

You can get the Buzz Centris fat-rie E-Bike, with all its features, for $1199, which includes free shipping to your doorstep!



Test Ride

We got the Centris charged up and ready to go. Then, it was time for the fun part… we took it for a spin!

What we learned

After a 3-mile test ride we can tell you… the Buzz Centris is a ton of fun!

We rode it on a flat surface to test the speed and then went straight into the woods and rode trails that had both inclines and declines.

buzz centris riding on the road

The Buzz Centris, with a 180-lb rider, reached a top-speed of 20.1 mph while using only the controller (no pedaling).

Over the course of the 3-mile ride, the battery stayed on the fully charged indicator! So, the battery life seems to do very well.

riding buzz centris in the woods

We rode the Centris off-road through wooded trails and it did well.

We also did a speed test on the road to see if it would in fact go 20 miles per hour, as the specs stated.

It actually reached a top speed of 20.1 miles per hour, using only the all-electric thumb throttle (no pedaling)! So, the top speed of 20 mph is as advertised!



Improvements

The one thing that we’d like to see improved would be the suspension. During the off-road trail riding, the suspension bottomed out pretty hard a few times as I went over some rougher parts of the trail.




Final Thoughts on the Buzz Centris

All in all, the Buzz Centris is a great ride. And man, what a ton of fun!

And, it was actually pretty actually quiet. The motor does make just a little bit of noise, but nothing real significant.

So, if you’re looking for an electric folding bicycle to enjoy in the woods and on off-road trails, this is a great option for the money!

We are excited to get to do some more testing of the Buzz Centris fat tire electric bike. We hope you enjoyed the review. Ride safely!