Your average speed...
#29
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
14-16 mph on winter training rides around here. 18+ mph doing intervals in the summer (it's very hilly/windy here).
23 mph+ on training rides and in races. Which is the only time it matters.
23 mph+ on training rides and in races. Which is the only time it matters.
#30
Using this calculator:
https://www.analyticcycling.com/GearS...ence_Page.html
I have a 54t chain ring on the front (yes, 54t) and on a flat ride, I'd be pushing the 11t on the back. If I maintain a cadence of 80 rpm, I'll be doing 31 mph on a windless day while in the drops.
https://www.analyticcycling.com/GearS...ence_Page.html
I have a 54t chain ring on the front (yes, 54t) and on a flat ride, I'd be pushing the 11t on the back. If I maintain a cadence of 80 rpm, I'll be doing 31 mph on a windless day while in the drops.
#31
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
Likes: 32
From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
Using this calculator:
https://www.analyticcycling.com/GearS...ence_Page.html
I have a 54t chain ring on the front (yes, 54t) and on a flat ride, I'd be pushing the 11t on the back. If I maintain a cadence of 80 rpm, I'll be doing 31 mph on a windless day while in the drops.
https://www.analyticcycling.com/GearS...ence_Page.html
I have a 54t chain ring on the front (yes, 54t) and on a flat ride, I'd be pushing the 11t on the back. If I maintain a cadence of 80 rpm, I'll be doing 31 mph on a windless day while in the drops.
#32
Certifiable Bike "Expert"

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 1
Cateye quality with cadence: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Cyclocomputers
$35
My average speed on my last ride was 14 point something. It was hilly, windy, and cold.
$35
My average speed on my last ride was 14 point something. It was hilly, windy, and cold.
#33
KingoftheMountain wannabe
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 1
From: Independence, Oregon
Bikes: V.O. Pass Hunter & Specialized Hardrock
It all depends, really. If in a group, I can do 25+ mph on a flat, windless road for 2 hours......or at least I assume I could as I've never found a road like that yet.
If I'm doing it solo, I'd estimate going at it about 20-22mph depending on how I felt.
Most rides I do involve quite a bit of wind and a whole lot of hills. That and riding mostly solo means that I'm lucky to average 16 on most of my rides.
If I'm doing it solo, I'd estimate going at it about 20-22mph depending on how I felt.
Most rides I do involve quite a bit of wind and a whole lot of hills. That and riding mostly solo means that I'm lucky to average 16 on most of my rides.
#34
I have a ride file from the last Seagull Century (a.k.a., Assategue Century--pretty flat) where, for most of it, I led the Team BBC train. We finished the century at just a smidgeon under 21 mph.
#36
A Little Bent
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 0
From: Struggling up a hillside in Vermont, USA... ..........................................
It is a well known fact that average speed is SO variable...
Get a power meter and you will see how the slight change in enviornmental conditions changes your speed..
My power will be much higher with even the slightest wind but speed much lower...
My average speed....
Slower than I would like....
Get a power meter and you will see how the slight change in enviornmental conditions changes your speed..
My power will be much higher with even the slightest wind but speed much lower...
My average speed....
Slower than I would like....
__________________
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth
Bikes: Specialized, Moots, Bridgestone
solo flats, maybe 13-19 mph depending on the type of ride, stop-n-go, etc. hills, probably lower. Avg speed is so much a function of ride type (training/length/rest day), group/solo, hills, that the only answer w/meaning is "did I ride the same course faster than last week/month/year?"
#42
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,311
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
I averaged >26mph in a race last year, but that was only for 1:40.
Comparing your speed outside the context of a particular race is kind of a pointless exercise though.
Comparing your speed outside the context of a particular race is kind of a pointless exercise though.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#43
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,410
Likes: 188
From: Tariffville, CT
Bikes: Tsunami road bikes, Dolan DF4 track
photonick - you should invest in a computer with avg cadence if you can. It's one thing to spot check your cadence, it's another to see what the avg is over a whole ride. The slow bits really bring down your avg cadence.
I thought I spin okay but my avg cadence on some hillier rides is usually in the mid 60s (I typically maintain 80s and 90s on the flats). Flatter routes, mid 80s if I work on it. On the trainer, mid 90s for an hour or two. I used to be able to maintain 120 rpm for an hour or two on rollers but that's no longer the case.
As far as avg speed, based on going medium (135-137 avg heart rate) I go about 18 mph on a flatter route for 2 hours. Hillier riders are harder, I might avg 145-150 and avg 17 over a similar time. When I wasn't training as much as I am now, I'd go about 15 mph on flatter rides and avg 145 bpm. For me a hard ride is avg 155-158 bpm but inevitably I don't go much faster than 18 or 19 mph for some reason. Races I might avg 165-168, which is normally about my blow up bpm.
Add 2-3 mph avg for riding with 2-3 other people. Add 8-10 mph avg for racing.
cdr
I thought I spin okay but my avg cadence on some hillier rides is usually in the mid 60s (I typically maintain 80s and 90s on the flats). Flatter routes, mid 80s if I work on it. On the trainer, mid 90s for an hour or two. I used to be able to maintain 120 rpm for an hour or two on rollers but that's no longer the case.
As far as avg speed, based on going medium (135-137 avg heart rate) I go about 18 mph on a flatter route for 2 hours. Hillier riders are harder, I might avg 145-150 and avg 17 over a similar time. When I wasn't training as much as I am now, I'd go about 15 mph on flatter rides and avg 145 bpm. For me a hard ride is avg 155-158 bpm but inevitably I don't go much faster than 18 or 19 mph for some reason. Races I might avg 165-168, which is normally about my blow up bpm.
Add 2-3 mph avg for riding with 2-3 other people. Add 8-10 mph avg for racing.
cdr
#44
Elite Fred

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,953
Likes: 44
From: Edge City
Bikes: 2009 Spooky (cracked frame), 2006 Curtlo, 2002 Lemond (current race bike) Zurich, 1987 Serotta Colorado, 1986 Cannondale for commuting, a 1984 Cannondale on loan to my son
I start my rides at my back door and finish there. My average velocity on every ride is zero.
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis, MO
Bikes: Motobecane fixed conversion, Faggin fixed conversion, '86 Raleigh Grand Prix
Here's how I learned what 90-100rpm feels like:
Go to Sheldon's gear calculator, enter in your numbers, and calculate for both MPH @ 90rpm & MPH @ 100rpm. Either print the sheet out or remember the numbers. Then, when you're riding, take note of how fast you're going, and then switch to the gear that allows you to maintain that speed at 90-100rpm. After a little while, you'll start riding at that cadence naturally (if you aren't already).
Go to Sheldon's gear calculator, enter in your numbers, and calculate for both MPH @ 90rpm & MPH @ 100rpm. Either print the sheet out or remember the numbers. Then, when you're riding, take note of how fast you're going, and then switch to the gear that allows you to maintain that speed at 90-100rpm. After a little while, you'll start riding at that cadence naturally (if you aren't already).
#46
Making a kilometer blurry
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26,170
Likes: 93
From: Austin (near TX)
Bikes: rkwaki's porn collection
photonick - you should invest in a computer with avg cadence if you can. It's one thing to spot check your cadence, it's another to see what the avg is over a whole ride. The slow bits really bring down your avg cadence.
I thought I spin okay but my avg cadence on some hillier rides is usually in the mid 60s (I typically maintain 80s and 90s on the flats). Flatter routes, mid 80s if I work on it. On the trainer, mid 90s for an hour or two. I used to be able to maintain 120 rpm for an hour or two on rollers but that's no longer the case.
I thought I spin okay but my avg cadence on some hillier rides is usually in the mid 60s (I typically maintain 80s and 90s on the flats). Flatter routes, mid 80s if I work on it. On the trainer, mid 90s for an hour or two. I used to be able to maintain 120 rpm for an hour or two on rollers but that's no longer the case.
#50
OnTheRoad or AtTheBeach
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 0
From: Weston, FL
Bikes: Ridley Noah RS, Scott CR1 Pro
All flat down here, but always windy for at least 25% of the ride. I do a daily 20mi workout that I average around 20-21mph.
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS




