Convert Mach (SI Standard) (Ma) to Cycling Speed (cycle) instantly.
About these units
Mach (SI Standard) (Ma)
Mach is a dimensionless measure of speed relative to the speed of sound in a given medium. Mach 1 corresponds to the speed of sound, Mach 2 is twice that speed, and so on. Mach values change with temperature, atmospheric pressure, and altitude because the speed of sound changes with these conditions. Aircraft performance, supersonic flight, rocket design, and shockwave analysis all depend heavily on Mach numbers. Mach is more than just a speed measure—it categorizes aerodynamic regimes: Subsonic (Mach < 1), Transonic (Mach 0.8–1.2), Supersonic (Mach 1–5), Hypersonic (Mach > 5). Mach numbers therefore provide insight into aerodynamic behavior, not just velocity.
Cycling Speed (cycle)
Typical cycling speeds vary dramatically by context: Casual cycling (4–7 m/s or 15–25 km/h), Road cyclists (8–12 m/s or 30–45 km/h), Professional racing (12–15 m/s or 45–54 km/h), Sprint track cyclists (peaks of 20 m/s or 72 km/h or more). Cycling is highly efficient due to mechanical advantage and reduced ground friction. Aerodynamics becomes a dominant factor at higher speeds, shaping bicycle frame design, wheel geometry, and rider posture. Cycling speeds inform urban infrastructure (bike lanes, safety regulations), sports training, and commuter planning. As a hybrid of human physiology and mechanical engineering, cycling speed provides insight into how technology amplifies natural human motion.