stridercc
01-01-02, 07:36 PM
Hi, I was just woundering if there is a big diffrence in average speed when you're on a ride by yourself compared to when you are on a groupe ride (assuming same effort). Thanks in advance.
-Matt-
-Matt-
Road Cycling - Average Speed
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : Average Speed
velocipedio
01-01-02, 08:05 PM
Yes.
My usual average speed on a solo ride is about 26-28 km/h. With the same effort in a good sized group, I've had averages around 35 km/h. Cruising speeds in group ride usually bottom out at 30 km/h, and can go as high as 40-45 km/h for fairly long periods of time. You can't do that kind of speed on your own.
My usual average speed on a solo ride is about 26-28 km/h. With the same effort in a good sized group, I've had averages around 35 km/h. Cruising speeds in group ride usually bottom out at 30 km/h, and can go as high as 40-45 km/h for fairly long periods of time. You can't do that kind of speed on your own.
LightBoy
01-01-02, 08:39 PM
Average speed tends to be greater when riding in a group, especially if that group is riding in a pace line. When riding behind another rider, or drafting, the rider(s) in front act as a windblock, and the riders in back don't have to work as hard. The farther back in the line you are, the more efficient your pedaling becomes. Riding the lead position, or pulling, is quite taxing, and riders usually rotate every minute or two.
In any case, a large pack can reach and maintain speeds much greater than a single rider could, because of the increased efficiency the formation creates. It is not entirely unlike riding behind a semi-truck, minus the exhaust of course. In large groups, I've been able to hold a speed of 30-35 mph for several miles. On my own I'm usually about 10 mph less.
Besides, when you're by yourself, you don't have the benefit of other riders to encourage you when your motivation starts to slip.
In any case, a large pack can reach and maintain speeds much greater than a single rider could, because of the increased efficiency the formation creates. It is not entirely unlike riding behind a semi-truck, minus the exhaust of course. In large groups, I've been able to hold a speed of 30-35 mph for several miles. On my own I'm usually about 10 mph less.
Besides, when you're by yourself, you don't have the benefit of other riders to encourage you when your motivation starts to slip.
Captain Crunch
01-01-02, 08:49 PM
I could not agree more about riding in a pace line which will increase the average speed quite significantly.
I also want to say that Light Boy could not be more right about motivation pulling you along or pushing as the case may be. I entered my first triathlon this summer and although drafting is illegal the fact that there were other people cheering me on and other riders I was trying to catch really helped my average speed go up. I set a personal best time by almost 5 kmh. I was thrilled and can't wait to do it again.
I also want to say that Light Boy could not be more right about motivation pulling you along or pushing as the case may be. I entered my first triathlon this summer and although drafting is illegal the fact that there were other people cheering me on and other riders I was trying to catch really helped my average speed go up. I set a personal best time by almost 5 kmh. I was thrilled and can't wait to do it again.
sorebutt
01-02-02, 04:54 PM
My average speed according to my Cycleputer is 14mph, this is over a 6 month period using the bike for commuting and road riding over weekends (in a group). I would say I range from 15mph to 28mph based on the road inclination... :)