What is a good speed?
06-07-14, 02:55 PM
#76
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@JoeyBike, you are one monster cyclist!
I don't like that kind of music except in your videos. I love your videos.
I cannot get used to using a flashing headlight. It distracts me, reflecting off stuff. That's just a matter of taste. If I die because my headlight doesn't flash, so be it.
Are you using some kind of software that displays your speed in the video automatically? I imagine GoPro could do that, but I don't know if they do.
I don't like that kind of music except in your videos. I love your videos.
I cannot get used to using a flashing headlight. It distracts me, reflecting off stuff. That's just a matter of taste. If I die because my headlight doesn't flash, so be it.
Are you using some kind of software that displays your speed in the video automatically? I imagine GoPro could do that, but I don't know if they do.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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06-07-14, 05:09 PM
#77
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I use Strava every time I ride. People set up "segments" and whenever you ride one of these segments, it shows you how you did in relation to everyone else. When I first started riding I was near or at the bottom of every segment I rode. I felt ridiculously slow. But I decided to take it as a challenge.
Now I often place in the middle of the pack, rather than the bottom. Speed will come. Just get out and ride. The more you ride, the faster you'll get. But either way, you're still faster than the people who are sitting in a car for the ride to work!
06-07-14, 10:33 PM
#79
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I am glad you are entertained by some of the videos. Thanks for the kudos!
06-07-14, 11:27 PM
#80
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06-08-14, 12:22 AM
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06-08-14, 07:09 AM
#82
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When I returned to the bike shop they checked the speedometer high speed. 40.0 mph! No one made fun of me. I gave the Turbo five stars.
20mph over the speed limit used to warrant a felony charge in Louisiana. Might still be in effect but i can't find Internet evidence. So I am happy I didn't get stopped.
Last edited by JoeyBike; 06-08-14 at 07:15 AM.
06-08-14, 07:30 AM
#83
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Here is the vid. The incident I mentioned is the second one in the video.
Otherwise the daytime flashing headlight has made a huge difference in my safety. I think many motorists assume I am a cop or something because crossing traffic literally freeze like the proverbial "deer in headlights". I also use a Dinotti flashing tail light that can be seen from outer space even during daylight hours. The Dinotti is my answer to overtaking cars with distracted (on the phone) motorists. Both lights have been very effective.
06-09-14, 06:05 AM
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It will be interesting to see if the specialized turbo makes any splash in the market.
I made one myself (for 1/10th of the price). It is tons of fun and addictive. Unlike the poster above, I find it a problem averaging 25mph, as cars are constantly pulling out in front of me with a look of surprise that all the sudden I'm there. I can do 25 on my road bike (with a tail wind!) but usually cruise at 20 - don't seem to have nearly the issue of cars pulling out in front of me at that speed.
I made one myself (for 1/10th of the price). It is tons of fun and addictive. Unlike the poster above, I find it a problem averaging 25mph, as cars are constantly pulling out in front of me with a look of surprise that all the sudden I'm there. I can do 25 on my road bike (with a tail wind!) but usually cruise at 20 - don't seem to have nearly the issue of cars pulling out in front of me at that speed.
06-09-14, 06:16 AM
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Joey,
You are a strong biker. Keep up the good work! Commuting daily can do wonders to get you in shape.
I find that I can accelerate as fast as the typical car up to about 20+ mph. Maybe 25+ if I'm drafting them, the slipstream does make a difference. Strava clocked me at 30 (in front of the traffic) on a couple of sprints commuting last week, but that did send my heart rate through the roof!
You are a strong biker. Keep up the good work! Commuting daily can do wonders to get you in shape.
I find that I can accelerate as fast as the typical car up to about 20+ mph. Maybe 25+ if I'm drafting them, the slipstream does make a difference. Strava clocked me at 30 (in front of the traffic) on a couple of sprints commuting last week, but that did send my heart rate through the roof!
06-09-14, 07:35 AM
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When I go on a "road ride" where there are few stops, I can average 17-18mph with decent climbing (500-600' per 10 miles). If I'm in a race I can average 20.
Commuting to work there are more hills than home (380' vs 250' over 7 miles). To I average anywhere from 11 to 14. Home 15-17.
Commuting to work there are more hills than home (380' vs 250' over 7 miles). To I average anywhere from 11 to 14. Home 15-17.
06-09-14, 07:58 AM
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I apologize if this has been said, but the right speed is that which gets you there comfortably. Whatever average speed you achieve is fine if it meets that goal. You could probably ride faster, but you'll arrive sweated up, and probably continue to sweat for a while when you arrive.
That, the mos efficient way to ride is similar to the rules for saving gas in a car. Be patient and accelerate slowly except for initially starting from a stop. Climb hills steadily trying to carry your momentum to the top. On longer hills settle into a comfortable sustainable gear and work it so you're not shot when you reach the top.
Also, try to ride as much of the time at or near your average speed. The wind resistance is proportional to the square of speed, so riding faster has a big penalty in energy needed. Someone who does half the trip at 10mph and the other half at 20mph, works much harder overall than someone doing the whole trip at 15mph.
So use hills to advantage, especially long shallow grades, but otherwise work on getting your slow speed faster, rather than trying to see how fast you can go for short stretches.
That, the mos efficient way to ride is similar to the rules for saving gas in a car. Be patient and accelerate slowly except for initially starting from a stop. Climb hills steadily trying to carry your momentum to the top. On longer hills settle into a comfortable sustainable gear and work it so you're not shot when you reach the top.
Also, try to ride as much of the time at or near your average speed. The wind resistance is proportional to the square of speed, so riding faster has a big penalty in energy needed. Someone who does half the trip at 10mph and the other half at 20mph, works much harder overall than someone doing the whole trip at 15mph.
So use hills to advantage, especially long shallow grades, but otherwise work on getting your slow speed faster, rather than trying to see how fast you can go for short stretches.
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06-09-14, 08:38 AM
#89
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You don't think 30mph effects my heart rate? And try hitting 30 on a day that is 95* and 90% humidity, then catch a red light in direct sunlight. One of the many reasons I don't stop for many red lights if the coast is clear.
06-09-14, 08:50 AM
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Getting in better shape is one piece of the puzzle. A bike that fits you properly is a huge piece. Technique is also large. I see so many strong, in shape riders grinding the wrong gears at the wrong times. Once you get all of that stuff accomplished then perhaps a pair of dedicated cycling shoes for better efficiency of your new-found fitness and technique. You don't really need to train like a racer, just ride a lot.
ALL of this is on flat land:
- On cross country bike tours with loaded panniers and wide open spaces I average 13mph. I am not in a rush when on vacation.
- On city streets I try to stay at or above 20mph as I find motorists treat me more like "one of them" if I can stay above 20. I have cut across town for 7 miles at 23mph average - by far my best time ever catching mostly green lights and running a red or two.
- Twice a year I do a 150 mile day ride. My average speed is 16 mph. So I assume this is a fair guess at how I would act if I were not keeping up with cars in the city grid. 16-18mph - depending on wind direction - is very comfy for me.
Here is a short video shot from a handlebar cam that illustrates my sprint from stop in traffic. If I just made claims in words somebody here would call B.S. and I would have to post the vid anyway.
ALL of this is on flat land:
- On cross country bike tours with loaded panniers and wide open spaces I average 13mph. I am not in a rush when on vacation.
- On city streets I try to stay at or above 20mph as I find motorists treat me more like "one of them" if I can stay above 20. I have cut across town for 7 miles at 23mph average - by far my best time ever catching mostly green lights and running a red or two.
- Twice a year I do a 150 mile day ride. My average speed is 16 mph. So I assume this is a fair guess at how I would act if I were not keeping up with cars in the city grid. 16-18mph - depending on wind direction - is very comfy for me.
Here is a short video shot from a handlebar cam that illustrates my sprint from stop in traffic. If I just made claims in words somebody here would call B.S. and I would have to post the vid anyway.
Just guessing on the average speed, though 26 seems reasonable.
I was kinda disappointed you didn't try to pass that pickup truck when he braked.
06-09-14, 09:02 AM
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...
Also, try to ride as much of the time at or near your average speed. The wind resistance is proportional to the square of speed, so riding faster has a big penalty in energy needed. Someone who does half the trip at 10mph and the other half at 20mph, works much harder overall than someone doing the whole trip at 15mph...
Also, try to ride as much of the time at or near your average speed. The wind resistance is proportional to the square of speed, so riding faster has a big penalty in energy needed. Someone who does half the trip at 10mph and the other half at 20mph, works much harder overall than someone doing the whole trip at 15mph...
06-09-14, 09:24 AM
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Yes, that's essentially what I said in the last sentence of the post you partly quoted.
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WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-09-14, 09:33 AM
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I have a short 5.5 mile, flat, with very little traffic, and no red light commute. On a good day, on my road bike, I can average 17 driveway to driveway. My record is 18.1 but even averaging 17 hurts my legs as I don't get to warm up and I seem to need that. My top speed on level ground is 30 but I can't hold it any longer than to see it on my Garmin.
06-09-14, 10:01 AM
#94
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A general nice thing to say when leaving some one you met Wishing you Have .. Good Speed ..
maybe a derivation of "GodSpeed "..
But in General if you arrive on Time, when you Get there in the Morning ,
Ready to do as tour job requires, then you are doing good, speed wise.
maybe a derivation of "GodSpeed "..
But in General if you arrive on Time, when you Get there in the Morning ,
Ready to do as tour job requires, then you are doing good, speed wise.
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-27-14 at 03:01 PM.
06-09-14, 03:09 PM
#98
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JoeyBike, you are a good man for admitting fault in that near-accident.
For the time being, I will keep my lights in steady mode. I am open to a mind change.
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06-09-14, 03:31 PM
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Otherwise the daytime flashing headlight has made a huge difference in my safety. I think many motorists assume I am a cop or something because crossing traffic literally freeze like the proverbial "deer in headlights". I also use a Dinotti flashing tail light that can be seen from outer space even during daylight hours. The Dinotti is my answer to overtaking cars with distracted (on the phone) motorists. Both lights have been very effective.
06-09-14, 03:39 PM
#100
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That makes it sound like a bad idea.
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