On my 7.5 mile one way commute, back in the days when I rode 82 gear inches, I averaged 19.7 mph, including random stoplights.

I have since geared down, for various reasons, to 60 gear inches.

At first, at 60 gear inches, I averaged about 15 mph.

Now that I have learned to spin I average 17.3 mph.

At 60 gear inches I have fantastic acceleration and easy braking (without skidding), and I feel in super control at all times.

I fear no hill and I have given up only 2.4 mph.

Yes, it took a while to learn to spin at my present rate, but I have no bounce and I don't even think about it.