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ACFT Bike Standards 2024

ACFT Bike Standards
ACFT Bike Standards

The ACFT bike event is an alternate aerobic test designed to assess a soldier’s cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. 

  • This test is an alternative for soldiers who might be unable to participate in the default 2-mile run due to medical conditions or other reasons.
  • Proper preparation and familiarity with the bike’s adjustments can significantly enhance performance.

ACFT Alternate Events

In addition to the primary events, alternate aerobic events are available for those who cannot perform the standard 2-mile run. These alternate events include:

  • 5,000-Meter Row: Soldiers must complete a 5,000-meter row on a stationary rowing machine within a specific timeframe.
  • 12,000-meter Bike: The Army requires soldiers to bike 12,000 meters on a stationary cycle ergometer within a specified time.
  • 2.5-mile Walk: Soldiers must complete a 2.5-mile walk within a certain time frame.
  • 1,000-Meter Swim: In this event, soldiers swim a distance of 1,000 meters in a specified time frame to evaluate their cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance in water.

Each alternate aerobic event has specific minimum requirements and scoring systems based on the soldier’s age, gender, and other factors.

ACFT 12 km Bike Alternate Event Standards 2024

  • To pass the ACFT Bike event, the soldier must complete 12,000 meters within a specified time for their age and gender.

The following are the ACFT bike standards for both male and female soldiers of different age groups:

Age RangeMale 12 km Bike (MM: SS)Female 12 km Bike (MM:SS)
17-2126:2528:58
22-2626:1228:31
27-3126:0028:07
32-3626:1228:31
37-4126:2528:58
42-4626:2528:58
47-5127:1629:50
52-5627:1629:50
57-6128:0730:41
Over 6228:0730:41
ACFT Bike Standards

Note: This table provides the required completion times for the 12-kilometer bike event based on age and gender to meet the ACFT standards. Soldiers must complete the distance in the time provided or less to pass.

Scoring:

  • Points are awarded based on the time taken to complete the 12,000 meters. 
  • Faster times result in higher scores. 
  • Soldiers need to be aware of the scoring benchmarks for their age and gender to aim for optimal performance.

Standards:

  • The ACFT bike standards are adjusted based on the soldier’s age and gender.
  • It’s essential to familiarize oneself with the standards chart to understand the required times for passing and optimal scores.

12,000-Meter ACFT Bike Instructions:

Equipment and Setup:

  • Use a stationary cycle ergometer equipped with an odometer.
  • Soldiers can adjust resistance as they see fit.
  • Ensure the bike’s seat and handlebars are adjustable.
  • The U.S. Army does not endorse any particular brand.

Procedure:

  • The NCOIC should ensure the 12,000-meter bike test starts within 10 minutes, or as soon as possible, following the Sprint Drag Carry test event.
  • The OIC or NCOIC must inspect the bike to ensure it’s functional and the odometer is working correctly.
  • Soldiers will adjust the seat and handlebars for comfort.
  • On the command “go”, the clock starts, and the soldier begins pedaling.
  • Soldiers can take short breaks but must not dismount.
  • The test concludes when the soldier reaches 12,000 meters or the time cap.

Performance Standards: 

To pass the ACFT bike event:

  • Soldiers must complete 12,000 meters (12 km) in a specified time for their age and gender
  • The Army awards points based on completion time, with faster times earning more points.

Important Notes:

  • Resting: Soldiers can pause but must remain on the bike.
  • Updates: There might be periodic announcements about the distance covered or time left.
  • Finish: After completing 12,000 meters, the NCOIC or OIC records your time.

Post-Event:

  • After the test, the soldier’s performance is analyzed based on the ACFT scoring chart for the bike event, accounting for the soldier’s age and gender.

ACFT Bike Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the ACFT bike event provides a comprehensive measure of a soldier’s aerobic fitness and is a testament to the soldier’s endurance and stamina. 
  • Regular training and familiarization with the equipment are key to achieving a good score in this event.
George N.

SSG Kinney, Paul

Monday 22nd of April 2024

At this time, having just taken the ACFT there is NO reading scale. Alternative cardio events are still go/no go with 60 points awarded for a fo regardless of what time you finish the event as long as you finish in the alloted time. Currently, there is no point incentive to finish faster

jakara

Saturday 6th of April 2024

How does one improve at this event other than pedaling faster?

Reno

Tuesday 11th of June 2024

@jakara, - you need to practice with the equipment you'll be testing on. You simply don't "pedal faster". You need to understand your RPM speed and resistance and how they work together (e.g. if it's very easy to pedal, you have to spin as ah higher cadence, yes, pedal faster. The higher your resistance, the farther you will go with each turn of the crank. Find a steady cadence to maximize your energy. You also have the option to use cycling shoes with clips that also will make you way more efficient. But if you go in without having trained, and think it's "easy", you'll most likely fail.

Ol' Crusty

Friday 3rd of May 2024

@jakara, I've been doing the bike event for two years. Have your unit help you to identify which types of bikes are available to train on and then try all of them. Find out which type of bike is the most comfortable for you and stick with it. Increasing the resistance increases the distance traveled per revolution of the pedals (in most cases) so aside from pedaling faster, practice with variable resistances. Also, use your heart rate as a guide to build yourself up. You have to take time every week to exercise on the bike which you will use for your ACFT.

Tierra

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

For the bike age and time, they both say female?

George N.

Saturday 7th of October 2023

Thank you for that. I have made the correction

Tony Haggerty

Thursday 6th of April 2023

There is contradiction within this reading. At the top it says you have to ride the bike 15KM and at the bottom it says 12KM

James Payne

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Is the Bike event 15k or 12k? This site says both !