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?
The endless stopping in busy urban areas will destroy your average speeds - partly because of the time spent stopped and partly because of the time spent slowing and speeding up again.
The fastest I've ever been was 43mph, freewheeling down a 14% hill. The fastest I've ever hit on the flats under my own steam alone was 29mph. I think it surprised the van behind me because I turned a corner and decided to *** it to see how fast I could go.
Normally I try and maintain a moving average of 15mph but the overall average can drop significantly if I'm going into town proper, simply because of all the lights and junctions.