Melin-y-Wig: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Melin-y-Wig

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

North out of Melin-y-Wig, this short ascent leaves the village's wooded valley setting for higher ground. The change of height matters more than the distance: there is no long approach within the recorded climb to ease you into the work. Its 1.4 kilometres gain about 95 metres, with most of that rise concentrated in the lower and middle portions. The road's profile makes it a more insistent effort than the modest total might suggest.

The opening asks for steady pressure, and the next stretch maintains that demand rather than offering a useful break. Only later does the gradient begin to relent. By the final portion, the rate of climbing has dropped noticeably, allowing a quicker cadence without the abrupt transition of a sharp summit. The surrounding valley gives this little climb a strong sense of place. Its appeal lies in that clear change from an engaging lower bank to a gentler finish.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 236 m · Summit 331 m

Gradient by distance1.42 km / 95 m gain

0 km0.3 km0.6 km0.8 km1.1 km1.4 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.42 km
Elevation gain: 95 m
Average gradient: 6.7%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 236 m
Summit elevation: 331 m

Current weather

At the climb start

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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: 12.6 km/h

Based on the 1.42 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