Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/)
-   -   The Truth? (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1077036-truth.html)

BlazingPedals 08-19-16 09:08 AM


Originally Posted by jefnvk (Post 18996080)
https://www.strava.com/activities/680984391

Does it actually show a graph of the instantaneous speed anywhere? I am just going off the stats at the top of the ride page. Genuinely curious, I was trying to figure out where it recorded that to figure out why I always have some oddball high speed.

If you click "Analysis" over on the left, you'll get graphs of speed and estimated power (or real power if you've got the right equipment.)

jefnvk 08-19-16 09:14 AM


Originally Posted by BlazingPedals (Post 18996142)
If you click "Analysis" over on the left, you'll get graphs of speed and estimated power (or real power if you've got the right equipment.)

Ugh, thanks. I was looking for it by the graph, like the segments have, that is not an intuitive place for it!

jefnvk 08-19-16 10:05 AM


Originally Posted by DrIsotope (Post 18996114)
On the Analysis page. Is there like a tiny little steep incline in the trail for no reason? Coming up from under the highway, maybe? Because you're going along ~17mph, then suddenly 7.2mph, then accelerating to a peak of 31.8mph, then right back to 17mph. Even on the graph, the "hill" looks like a pimple. The climb (if it is such a thing) looks like it's about 400ft long.

It is a slight hill that runs under a bridge, now that I see where the problem is happening. I am assuming that my GPS loses signal under there (it is eight lanes of highway, takes a couple seconds to pass under), and when I get out on the other side, some sort of averaging takes over that gives me the goofy numbers.

Glad to have that sorted out!

chaadster 08-19-16 10:13 AM


Originally Posted by jefnvk (Post 18996162)
Ugh, thanks. I was looking for it by the graph, like the segments have, that is not an intuitive place for it!

Yeah, looking at that data, it looks like you were having GPS dropouts all over the place, so yeah, the top speed could be an abberation.

However, at mile 5.3, it does look like you've got a solid section of data down a similar incline that put you at 29.1mph, so quite close to the 31.8mph, suggesting to me that you could very well have peaked at 31.8mph at some other point.

So much for the guarantee you were "nowhere close to that"... :p

Just for reference, here's a grab of a ride I did downtown Detroit, where it's pancake flat as you probably know, and you can clearly see that the indicated 31.8mph max is clearly not a blip or GPS wackiness; the speed ramps up, and is sustained in the 30mph range for around .2mi, and is followed by another short sprint showing a similar, continuous ramp-up to +30mph:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8183/2...b62930c4_b.jpg

https://www.strava.com/activities/358355859/overview

bulldog1935 08-19-16 10:19 AM

I'm back...didn't time it, but I was kicking butt. Had to deal with work as soon as I got off the bike. Happy with my performance for 4 days off
Especially on common routes, you know what gears you're using compared to times past, and you have a general feel for what kind of watts you're putting out, even if it's only qualitative.

Fred was there - he stopped on a bridge in front of me and turned sideways (because there was a siren on the overpass). I of course stopped as I was ringing my bell 8 times, and said, dude, you're not supposed to stop on a bridge.

jefnvk 08-19-16 10:21 AM


Originally Posted by chaadster (Post 18996334)
However, at mile 5.3, it does look like you've got a solid section of data down a similar incline that put you at 29.1mph, so quite close to the 31.8mph, suggesting to me that you could very well have peaked at 31.8mph at some other point.

So much for the guarantee you were "nowhere close to that"... :p

Well, I guess if others are going to tell me I'm doing better than I want to admit, maybe I'll post it more :D

But yeah, that one I'd be more likely to believe, its a slight downhill that I like to do my best impression of pounding out. Interesting how much smoother yours is, though, do you have the actual Strava app? I'm wondering if a lot of my jaggedness is because I have a third party app that uploads my data to Strava in GPX form.

Really, I just like it for YTD mileages and general trends in improvements as the season progresses. I know I'm not winning any KOMs. It was cool to log the actual route of my tour, too.

kevindsingleton 08-19-16 10:28 AM

Here's our regular burger run. We stop at about the 7.5 mile mark at a little diner, then meander home. That 45.2 mph is probably right on the money. It's a pretty steep downhill.

https://www.strava.com/activities/667056192

Symtex 08-19-16 10:31 AM

If you lie, you are only lying to yourself.

chaadster 08-19-16 10:35 AM


Originally Posted by jefnvk (Post 18996362)
Well, I guess if others are going to tell me I'm doing better than I want to admit, maybe I'll post it more :D

But yeah, that one I'd be more likely to believe, its a slight downhill that I like to do my best impression of pounding out. Interesting how much smoother yours is, though, do you have the actual Strava app? I'm wondering if a lot of my jaggedness is because I have a third party app that uploads my data to Strava in GPX form.

Really, I just like it for YTD mileages and general trends in improvements as the season progresses. I know I'm not winning any KOMs. It was cool to log the actual route of my tour, too.

I was recording straight to the Strava app on my phone, but I think the issue you're having is not the 3rd party app, but the quality of the GPS connection. As I said, it looks like typical dropouts, and there's nothing an app is going to do about that.

Thanks for posting the data, though, because it turned out to be a perfect illustration of my point: you weren't lying about anything, but yet the data revealed an incomplete understanding behind what you were trying to say.

Trust, but verify!

Hypno Toad 08-19-16 10:54 AM


Originally Posted by gringomojado (Post 18994962)
How many riders post their true speeds and distances without padding? Are riders like weight lifters,runners,fishermen and lovers?

I have nobody to impress, just working at my person goals for distance, speed, elevation... etc.

I've used GPS tracking for years, and I'm more concerned about over reporting than padded my stats. My 2016 Almanzo 100 ride was showing too much elevation in Strava (tracked with my Garmin 510), so I use a tool in Strava to 'fix' it.... it over corrected and the ride stands with 2,000 ft less elevation gain than is reported by the race organizers. Oh well.

Coming home from the 2015 Westside Dirty Benjamin, I was a few miles short of 150 miles and I wanted to brag about my 150-mile day. So I biked past the house and round the neighborhood to hit the round number. Funny part, Lisa was sitting on the deck and saw me go past and couldn't figure out why I rode past the house. She quickly guessed, she knows that I'm a stats-geek.

Most people I've encountered that exaggerate their stats are using non-GPS devices (ie Cateye), and haven't put in the correct wheel diameter. So they don't believe they are exaggerating, they just don't know they have bad data.

Beyond that, why would anybody want exaggerate their stats? You think you'll get a sponsor to pay to ride :roflmao2:

ab antiquo 08-19-16 10:57 AM


Originally Posted by one4smoke (Post 18995294)
LOL.. At least I'm hot.

Why does he deserve a wisecrack?

Ask a silly question, get a silly response. He only has himself to blame.

hot mess
nounUSinformal

noun: hot mess; plural noun: hot messes
  1. a person or thing that is spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered.
    "this outfit is definitely a hot mess"




Milton Keynes 08-19-16 01:00 PM

I'm not going to lie because I don't have anything to prove to anybody. I'm just a guy who enjoys riding a bike, and it's not like I'm going to break any speed records on my hybrid, anyway. As far as distance and endurance, I'm basically just starting out from last August so I'm not going to impress anybody with the distances I've ridden. I just have to be better than myself.

idiotekniQues 08-19-16 01:49 PM


Originally Posted by bulldog1935 (Post 18995331)
actually, it's a question that puts everyone on the defensive - there really isn't a legitimate answer - it may not be a legitimate question, because no one can answer for anyone except themselves, and that includes the OP.

I'm only casually interested in speed, never clock mine. Keep up with my miles, which is the goal I set for myself. And I guess I gauge myself by taking 10 min off a standard ride (32mi has become common for me - I have a couple of routes laid out). My real goal is I get off the bike and go, ahh, this is the way I'm supposed to feel.

Occasionally will ask my buddy what he's clocking for us, especially when I'm chasing their tandem.
Or like last weekend, when Tad was leading and setting the group pace on a '36 Rollfast balloon tire bike.
It was a hoot that he set a pace of 17-18 mph. There were four of us in the lead group, we added two more to the lead group in the back half, and it was fun to be part of it. Yes, Tad is an animal.
But, intended or not, the OP is purely rhetorical and pretty much calls everyone a liar.
Answering rhetorical questions? well...

I'm happy with a 17-18 mph average on the flats with a steel hybrid rolling on 28's. Forget a balloon tire bike lol

locolobo13 08-19-16 03:59 PM


Originally Posted by gringomojado (Post 18994962)
How many riders post their true speeds and distances without padding? Are riders like weight lifters,runners,fishermen and lovers?

Do you mean are riders like people?

I could tell you I lie when I post my speeds and distances. But then I might be lying.

On how reliable Strava is; wasn't there some threads on impossible mileages logged on Strava a few months ago? A few years ago I was tracking a hike on Endomondo. Forgot to turn it off when done. Got in the car and drove off. I was hiking 60mph for a few minutes. :lol:

rob214 08-19-16 04:27 PM

only been at this for a couple of weeks not sure why i would lie about a 14.6 mph over 20 miles but i was really happy with myself for doing it on my first 20 mile ride, i've been riding this week without the bike computer just trying to learn to pedal properly so i have no idea of my speed or time. i'm in this for fun and fitness and there is a bit of a learning process to proper technique, so i'm not proud and you guys encourage me to get better.
no need for fish stories as i have nothing to prove to anyone but myself.

rob

Rollfast 08-19-16 05:26 PM

I'm happy to get there.

ltxi 08-19-16 06:04 PM

The only times I lie about performance, especially on the internet, is when I'm trying to appear modest.

Average mph speeds:
- 13 smelling the roses
- 14 normal daily
- 15 laying it on

Normally 10-15 miles/day

smarkinson 08-19-16 06:21 PM

Everyone pumps up their avg speed. It's so common in cycling that it's like saying we have to have air in our tyres or we have to have water in our bottles.

I looked up the definition of cheating and the definition is "to gain an advantage on a rival or foe". I do not view inflating my avg speed that way. I view it as a level playing field.

Rowan 08-19-16 06:35 PM


Originally Posted by chaadster (Post 18995660)
in the same way everyone in this thread seems only capable of talking about average speed inflation, I think most people don't understand how to discern the important elements of speed reporting, and so whether they're truthful or exaggerating, they're usually not communicating what needs to be expressed, so I wish they'd just post the ride data file from Strava or somewhere and let the numbers do the talking. That shuts down all the haters who think it's impossible for humans to pedal beyond 32mph or whatever random speed they can't acheive themselves, and also seems to effectively shortcut all the flakes who want to argue dumb points like elapsed time vs. ride time, as if anyone cares if they stop to toilet or how long it takes for them to pinch off a loaf.

I prefer to trust but verify, so essentially I'm like, "Strava, or it didn't happen."

What a shame the efforts of all those people who did amazing, and not-so-amazing things on bikes since the bicycle was invented just don't exist... because they didn't post it on Strava.

Of course, Strava can never be doped, can it? :rolleyes:

Rowan 08-19-16 06:40 PM


Originally Posted by wphamilton (Post 18995755)
Average speed tells me how long it's going to take to get there, knowing the distance. Or how long a training ride will take if I schedule a certain number of miles. So it's probably my number one metric. But I think that's a different average than what people tend to talk/brag about.

This. And it's a moving target depending on the type of riding, and terrain, and weather. Nominating an average speed using the conditions available is useful for things such as a day's touring, or commuting to and from work, or fitting in a ride at lunchtime.

For mine, the only average that I have to worry about is 15km/h, not even a paltry 10mph. That's the minimum average speed to complete a randonnee or brevet on sealed roads up to 600km. Anything faster than that is a bonus.

cyclodrome 08-19-16 06:58 PM


Originally Posted by Rowan (Post 18997435)
Of course, Strava can never be doped, can it? :rolleyes:

Sadly, digitalepo.com is no longer. It was awesome while it lasted though.

one4smoke 08-19-16 07:19 PM


Originally Posted by ab antiquo (Post 18996449)
Ask a silly question, get a silly response. He only has himself to blame.

hot mess
nounUSinformal

noun: hot mess; plural noun: hot messes
  1. a person or thing that is spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered.
    "this outfit is definitely a hot mess"

Silly question? More like intriguing.

Holier-than-thou type, are ya?

NYMXer 08-19-16 07:29 PM


Originally Posted by one4smoke (Post 18997503)
Holier-than-thou type, are ya?

No, he is the unholier banned type. I'm surprised it took 30 hours and 14 or so post with all the name calling and arguments he tried to start.
I won't miss trolls like that and glad our moderators throw out the trash when need be.

Zukoda 08-19-16 07:48 PM

I track my distance, average speed, and heart rate just to see if there is a trend over a specific period of of time and to satisfy my need to know how I'm doing. I doubt I will ever share the information with others and if I do, it will be with complete honesty as I could care less what others think about me...

rekmeyata 08-19-16 07:49 PM

The truth? Since when does anyone in America care about the truth?


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:10 AM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.