Avg MPH question
 

What is a true MPH average based on? When people talk about a XX MPH average are they talking about the total time of the ride or the total time while moving? My computer shows my avg MPH while moving but Im just wondering what this is compared to others.

Yes.

Thanks!

I agree with the above. For me, I use the average as an indicator of how ( and if) I'm improving.

In this forum, average is usually moving time but some people set their computer to ignore speeds under 17 mph to boost their average.

No, it does not refer to average moving speed over a total ride. It has always been clear that statements about average speed usually mean, "the speed I think I can maintain when warmed up, but fresh, for more than a minute over flat , smooth asphalt on a windless day," unless specifically indicated otherwise. In any case, it's always exaggerated and/or inaccurate, so if there's not an accompanying Strava file, it didn't happen.

my computer and tracking app have auto-stop feature. so my definition of avg is total elapsed moving speed. which is a hair under total elapsed speed (red lights, 5 minute snack break, etc). which is of course a few mph off "sustained flat terrain pace"

This must be why I'm finding that on those "45-mile B15-17" rides I've been on, I don't get back home for about 5 hours. I was wondering why the math wasn't working.

I usually report the highest speed I achieved at the steepest descent as I feel that is what best represents my abilities.

Can someone actually do that? How lame.

BF Average speed = (Moving time avg) * 1.237

Lmao!

I thought it meant my average top speed..

My cyclocomputer indicate two average speeds: i) a total one and ii) a moving average speed.
i) average_speed = total_distance / total_time
ii) average_moving_speed = total_distance / total_moving_time

Average Speed =distance ridden / time riding.

I'm developing a new app which will ensure more consistency in reported average speeds- I call it The Average Speed Internet Exaggerator.

That's perfect!!! I've been looking for exactly that. Combined with the 17 minimum I should be Cat 1 fast really soon.

Do you include the stops (when speed=0) as part of time ridding?

A decent bike computer (or at least what I consider to be a minimum requirement) is one that automatically pauses when you stop and resumes when you ride. Bonus points if it allows you to set thresholds, for example I have my Garmin set to consider myself "stopped" at anything below 2.5 MPH.

No, my computer stops when the bike stops. So, I get miles ridden and total time riding.

I do. If I stop for a train or a water break or whatever, I want that time included in the elapsed time. I can't find an inexpensive new computer that will keep score that way, but I have a couple old Cateyes that do.

That's my preference, other people disagree, and that's all ok.

I never include time stopped. Two of the guys I ride with compute speed including stops, but none of the other riders care and aren't interested in the numbers. The important point is to be consistent when calculating average so that the values are comparable.

My Garmin 910XT has Total Time Average and Moving Time Average. It also has Total Time Out and Total Moving Time. Automatically pauses moving time and moving average speed when GPS recognition is stationary.

Stopping and resting for fifty minutes every ten minutes does wonders for your moving average MPH.

Basic physics, do your own math and forget about your apps and cyclometer:

Total ride distance (in miles) / total length of ride (including breaks) in hours = total avg speed in mph
Total ride distance (in miles) / length of ride (excluding breaks) in hours = avg speed in mph while in motion only