roadbuzz

Coming in to the finish of todays Vuelta stage (17), Cyclingnews reported the peloton speed was up to 65k/h (40m/h). And the sprinters launched from that... so, how fast do they go?

RainmanP

I'm pretty sure I have read that it is not unusual for them to hit 80 kph.

brent_dube

My motorcycle can barely go that fast.

RacerX

For stage 17 of the Giro, Cipo's computer read 57mph max speed. Avg speed 26.5 mph over 122 miles.
Something like that anyway...check Specialized's site for pics of his computer.

Csson

Above 70kph for sure (a cadence of 80 in 53/11 gives about 84kph).

Considering the profile of that stage, I doubt that speed was for the final sprint .

/Csson

alcjphil

I am a 52 year old master. In a team training ride last fall, we were doing a practice sprint on a stretch of flat road with a light tailwind. I managed to pass one of our cat 3 senior racers in the sprint. I didn't see my computer, but he told me afterward that he was doing 68 kph when I passed him, so I was probably doing about 70 kph. I am sure that pro riders can do somewhat better that that.

knifun

I thought they use a 55/11 (or larger depending on the stage).

LngDistance

A 55 would seem way way to huge to push in a race. Don't quote me on that but I don't think its right, and as far as I know most guys dont necessaraly sprint in their highest gear

roadbuzz

They push those huge gears in TT stages.

knifun

roadbuzzz,
I know half a dozen or so cat 1 racers in SoCal that ALL use 55x11 on their road/race bikes. They use this gearing for most races. Cat 1s can push a 55x11, but a pro can't?

roadbuzz

How does 57mph (92kph) sound?

Mario's vuelta

Knifun:
What can I say! I don't know any Cat 1 racers.

meltable

Wow, I thought I was fast.

92 kph must have been Mario's top speed on a downhill, right?

Coppi51

LOL...what motorcycle are you talking about? i hope not a Hayabusa!


i'm with roadbuzz...i don't think pros EVER use a 55x11 on regular stage races...flat or not. they definately use it in a time trial, though

OldDog

There was an interview on OLN with Robbie McEwan during the TdF, and he said his preferred sprint gearing was 53/11. I remember seeing somewhere that during an all out sprint, these guys can crank up to 130-140 - which on a 53/11 would be 80-85 kph, or around 50 mph.

Somehow the 34 mph top speed I hit on my training TT looks pretty insignificant

webist

Don't believe that for a minute. If your goal is to join a pro team and do the tour, maybe your TT speed needs work. I think it's great. Fastest I've eveer ridden is 27 MPH and not for very long at that.

Compare your TT speed today with the speed you rode on your first ride. I bet it's super!

Every time I feel like I'm not making sufficiant progress, I do a review of things a year ago and compare. It's pretty inspiring to note how far I've come.

I want to do better. 34MPH is a goal of mine someday.

OldDog

You know - you're right. Thanks for the reality check . A year ago, I was 15 pounds heavier, hypertensive and had a resting heart rate around 75. Now the BP is almost down to normal and the resting heart rate (seated) is 58. Last year if somebody had said that by this time I'd be able to cruise 20-22 mph indefinately on the flats, and do it at a 130 HR, I'd have laughed.

I started keeping a training log in July - it'll be good to go back next summer and see how much progress I can make. My goal is to do the Team Evergreen Triple Bypass July 12 and the Bicycle Tour of Colorado July 19-26.

But (and just to return this to topic) I somehow doubt that unless I'm going down a wild-ass hill, I'll ever be able to turn 53/11 at 130 rpm

Alan Perkins

Other thing to consider is your muscle make up, what type of riding you do, and how long you've been riding.

Some of us have more fast twitch muscles, some slow twitch muscles. I'm a bigger guy and struggle up the hills with many, however I've got a pretty decent top end.

Chances if you're only a rec rider (not super hard core) you may not stress your muscles like someone who races does.

Additionally, if you've been riding a long, long time, you've built up a nice "base" and nothing can replace years of riding the bike. Ever been in a race or even a fun ride, and get passed by an old timer with downtube shifters and toe straps? I have.

peawee03

Ever been the new guy with the toe straps and downtube shifters and some old guy with a three-speed hub? I have. Nevermind I had been -seriously- cycling for a week, and this guy was on his aero bars (on a 3 speed).

He told me something: More gears make more yummy. Gears in themselves make it edible.