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How Many Calories Does Your Ride Really Need? CycleBuddy Does the Maths

CycleBuddy Team · Cycling & Community · 27 July 2026
How Many Calories Does Your Ride Really Need? CycleBuddy Does the Maths

Every cyclist bonks exactly once memorably — the shaking, the empty legs, the petrol station sandwich that tasted like salvation. It's almost always a maths error. CycleBuddy does the maths for you.

Personalised, not generic

Calorie burn depends on your weight, pace and time in the saddle. CycleBuddy uses the MET formula with your actual profile data, so a 90 kg rider and a 60 kg rider get different, correct numbers for the same route.

Carbs per hour, not vibes

The plan recommends 30–60 g of carbs per hour depending on pace and duration — the difference between finishing strong and surviving. It tells you before the ride, when you can still pack accordingly.

Food stops on the route

Knowing you need 400 calories at km 60 is useless if there's nothing there. The planner finds real cafés and restaurants within 1.5 km of each long break, with ratings and whether they're open.

Fuel like the pros, free

Your first three ride plans — full fuel and water output included — are free. Never improvise fuelling again.

Never ride alone again 🚴

CycleBuddy is free — find riders, join group rides and track every ride without paying a cent.

Get CycleBuddy on the App Store