How quick to do 3.3 miles on a folding bike?

July 14th, 2009

I am considering taking a bike to work and 3.3 miles is the distance to the nearest train station. The ride is uphill but only slightly so, the elevation changes 2000 feet during the 3 mile journey but very gradually. I definately I don't want to ride so hard that I get all sweaty.
In addition, some specs about my bike, it's 20" wheels and has seven gears.

you should ride at 10 mph so it is not so hard. then this means it should take you about 20 minutes

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2000 ft elevation change over 3.3 miles? This is a 9% average grade–not slightly uphill. Assuming it's flat with no significant elevation change, and you don't want to ride hard, 20 minutes seems right.

BTW, congrats on getting out of the 4-wheel petroleum-burning cage.
Are you certain of your numbers? 9% grade is pretty steep!

Actually we can guess how long it will take you, but you should really ride it on an off work day and test your ability. That is the only real way to know. Folding bikes aren't the lightest things out there to ride, so my opinion with experience of riding road bikes wouldn't help — it would be a guess.

The ride home will be a breeze — 1/4 the time going down a 9% grade!
Why don't you just ride it and find out?
I'll join the guys that know hills in questioning the elevation. On a bike that is no slight slope that's very hard work. 3 things:
1. Check your elevation #
2. If the elevation is correct you don't want to commute. You will be hard pressed to complete the ride it let alone not sweat. If you can do it you will be drenched in sweat.
3. Simply do the ride on your day off and see what happens.

Unless your in very good shape I don't think you could even complete the ride or even a mile of it, especially on a 20" wheeled 7 speed. Even in a car that kind of grade is very noticeable. Honestly, I see people all the time that can't ride a 7-10% grade for 250 yards on a MTB!