Edge Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Edge Hill

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Edge Hill climbs south-east on the B4086 near Radway, north-west of Banbury. The ridge is reached by about 1.1 kilometres of road, with an average gradient close to ten per cent. Its appeal is in that sustained pitch: the hill asks for a firm effort without needing a succession of spectacular ramps to establish its character. Once the climbing is under way, the slope becomes the main measure of progress.

The relatively consistent gradient gives the ascent a coherent shape. You can settle into the work, but the short distance should not be confused with a light demand; gaining the ridge still takes a proper spell of climbing. The road's south-easterly course makes the height gained feel direct, with little distraction from a complicated sequence of turns or changes in direction. Edge Hill is a compact ridge ascent whose steadiness is as memorable as its steepness.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 115 m · Summit 222 m

Gradient by distance1.12 km / 107 m gain

0 km0.2 km0.4 km0.7 km0.9 km1.1 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.12 km
Elevation gain: 107 m
Average gradient: 9.6%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 115 m
Summit elevation: 222 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

03 / Your effort

How long would it take?

Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.

Advanced settings

Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

7 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 9.4 km/h

Based on the 1.12 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.

The science behind the calculation

For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.

Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses

The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.

It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.

04 / On the ground