Advantage shift : cyclist to runner - what gradient

[Ian-Ross]

As a runner and cyclist, I don't wish to take sides, but there is little more pleasing than running past a carbon mounted gladiator covered with every imaginable trendy brand name. 

 

While mamils (especially Specialized mounted) are a prime source of entertainment, I was wondering if there is any research out there that shows at what % of gradient the advantage shifts from cyclist to runner?

 

I have not doubt, that a man on foot is the fastest  method to cover say the Otter Trail, but how much easier must the terrain become before it shifts to the man in lycra?

 

On an easier route, say from the bottom to the top of Sani Pass, who would be quicker?

 

 

 

 

 

[TopFuel]

I think that mechanical advantage will win the day here. If you had to put runner me going up Southern Cross drive vs. cyclist me going up Southern Cross drive, there would only be one winner.

 

The Otter Trail is only going to be won by a runner because the technicality makes it difficult/impossible for a cyclist to complete. But your Sani pass comparison, I think the cyclist will win.

 

Note: anecdotal evidence, and a bit of educated guess-work

[PietSnot]

I think that mechanical advantage will win the day here. If you had to put runner me going up Southern Cross drive vs. cyclist me going up Southern Cross drive, there would only be one winner.

 

The Otter Trail is only going to be won by a runner because the technicality makes it difficult/impossible for a cyclist to complete. But your Sani pass comparison, I think the cyclist will win.

 

Note: anecdotal evidence, and a bit of educated guess-work

The Mast Challenge at the Tokai Mast tests exactly this. Every year the cyclists have won ... that was until 2014 where the first one up was a runner.

[Pappa Bear]

There was a "test" a couple of years ago in on of the UK mtb magazines. The trail runner won just, faster on the tech uphills but slower on the downs

[johanpre44]

I remember riding up the nasty hill about 4km from the parking at Northern farms passing a couple of the Absa Sponsored MTB Academy cyclists (who was running at the time). The moment I pulled up next to them the race was on! Was a great bit of fun (and I was stuffed afterwards). Was very surprised that the runners stayed right on my wheel.

 

To be more scientific, I think a fit runner can easily run at 12km/h (thats 5 min per km). I find that on steep gradients (8% and up) I struggle to keep my speed up, even at 12km/h its hard work. So on short sprints a runner will probably be the fastest (especially if the terrain becomes tricky), but if the time increases the cyclist will probably win (I don't see a regular runner keeping the pace up on an 8% average gradient for 30 minutes).

[PietSnot]

But they start from different places. Runners from the hut and cyclists from the ticket office. So not really fair by any means.

Yup, 900m of flat tarred road over a 10km stretch. Anyway, I ran up 10min quicker than my cycle, but prob says more about my cycling skills than anything else

[Spoke101]

For me it running will only win when it becomes to steep to ride and this is only because of the sheer amount of energy needed to keep the front wheel on the ground.

So extended climbs over 30%

[TopFuel]

There was a "test" a couple of years ago in on of the UK mtb magazines. The trail runner won just, faster on the tech uphills but slower on the downs

That's the thing for me. Technicality is what pushes it in the runners favour I think. But on a simple road uphill, I think a cyclist would win, because of gears and what not.

[steveO:K]

I do both.

 

At magik forrest runtime from parking lot to first beacon is around 14min ride time is around 12 min.

 

All uphill all jeeptrack.