Originally Posted by
briney11
I have usually been having an average speed in the 10-12 m.p.h. range on my rides. I have been going between 3-6 miles. My fastest speed so far is on a flat stretch after turning a corner. I have been coming to the stop sign and then turning on the flat road and seeing how fast I can go. My top speed is 25 m.p.h. I think that I might be able to go faster, but I don't like how the bike wobbles when I hit the cracks in the road. I am just a noob when it comes to riding. So I know that I'll get better as I get into better shape. What do you guys average for speed on your rides? What's the fastest you go on a flat from a stop?
You gotta brace up over those spots, and keep your handlebars from moving. If you're turning over such pavement, you gotta force the handlebar to stay where you want it.
Around here there are a lot of areas with distorted pavement from heavy vehicles braking or turning. Also there are fissures between where the paving machine made each run on some wider areas, as in a big long split right under or next to the lane dividers or shoulder line. These are more caused by seasonal ground shifting vs flexibility of road with ambient temperature but vehicle weight plays as roll as well.
I simply keep the front wheel straight, even if i'm riding along one of these fissures for 20-30 feet. Can't be helped, it's not like i have a road grinder, asphalt mixer, paving machine and steam roller laying around
Do not let these minor road imperfections detract from focusing on your chosen travel path. Over time you'll learn to not fear these things & let the bike take the bumps for you by raising up out of seat a bit as you pedal.
- Andy