HokuLoa

Oh personally, without a doubt because you actually know all the factors that play into the figure. But isn't this really more about people bandying about their AVGs w/ OTHER people? Obviously every metric is somewhat meaningful to the person capable of taking the entire context into consideration...

HokuLoa

Um, but what does one look at when whipping down a decent (or slow speed zone) in view of a LEO? I know some people look at tickets as a badge of honor but personally I'd rather scrub my speed.

TMonk

um... the road? ur surroundings?

iono.

AdelaaR

Talking about average speed with other people can be very usefull.
For instance ... if I want to join a group ride I will ask them to clarify 3 parameters:
-average speed
-total distance
-stopping to drink beer underway (Yes/No)
Taking these 3 parameters into consideration, I can then assess whether or not this group ride could be something for me.

ticktockpedal

i usually find there's a bunch of cows looking at me.

banerjek

I'd ease up on the descent, but put in extra effort on the flats. I've been trying to get a ticket for years. I have been sped directly in front of an LEO a number of times, but they won't even pull me over unless I break some other rule.

The closest I got to a speeding ticket was in 2005 when I got pulled over during the maiden voyage of my brand new racing bike. I was doing 31 in a 25 zone, but he told me I was stopped for failing to signal a left turn. Also that I looked too excited and he thought it would be safer if I calmed down. But no ticket or even a warning that I was speeding

HokuLoa

That is what I am looking at before noticing the cop. After I'm more likely to check speed and avoid the hassle of getting pulled over...

True if you know the intended route. There are plenty around here that would spell "no go" if I heard "our AVG speed is 17mph over 50miles." I'd opt for the other group doing the same distance in flats with a 20mph+ AVG as the former ride would crack me. Knowing the full details is everything which is my point that talking AVGs is usually useless unless there is a commonly understood reference.

denvertrout

It is really pretty simple. If a group/someone says they average 15mph, I am gonna pass on riding with them, if they say they average 20+, that is the group I want. All these other variables being talked about really don't come into play.

pallen

I'd rather they answer something like "well, average speed is a useless metric. We often cruise over 20mph for long stretches, come out and give it a try and see for yourself"

halfspeed

I'm guessing you don't do many group rides with different groups. Because I've been shelled on 20mph rides and been able to hang on 22mph rides. Even on similar terrains and for similar distances, the same average speed can result in vastly different types of rides. Group rides vary with what they are trying to accomplish and who happens to show up each time. A 20mph ride with a large group working together is completely different from a race simulation effort with lots of surges, attacks and counter attacks.

HokuLoa

Really? What if the route includes Flagstaff, Sunshine, Magnolia, Mt Evans, etc...? Doesn't matter?

Personally, those "other variables" matter a lot and only WITH them is AVG speed meaningful. I'd choose the 15mph group if it meant hitting 5000-10,000ft of climbing versus 20mph on a pancake. But, different strokes and all...

hueyhoolihan

haven't read any of the posts. just the title. but i'd say with less than 24 hours in, and three pages of responses, there is plenty!

jimmyw

average speed doesn't really mean anything to me because of the variability of it between different routes. 15 mph on a flat isn't really that fast but 15 mph on a alpine pass is crazy fast. Average wattage is a much better indicator of performance.... but I do understand that most people can't really afford power meters so that why they look at avg speed

the only time that average speed really means anything to me is either on a perfectly flat non stop time trial or an track race.

denvertrout

I have never been given the "full details" that you spoke of above prior to going on a ride. I am going to find the faster riders and ride with them. If I can't keep up, it will not be the first time nor the last that I am dropped. Being made way more complicated than it needs to be. Maybe that is just BF My ride this weekend with a group is approx 60miles, and 8000 vertical. That tells me what i need to know as well. I also use average speed on solo, repeat known routes to compare my progress during the season.

HokuLoa

I'm just being a bit of a playful pill with you. As a fellow Front Range res I figured you might see my position regarding AVGs and what is known/unknown. Even here in uber-athlete-ville people (primarily newer riders) love to toss around AVG as a comparative metric when experience shows it is only useful with other info. In Boulder County there can be a mind.., er..., leg/lung/heart-blowing difference between one group's 18mph AVG and another group's same 18mph AVG. The possible terrain and ride objective is far more varied here than in most other area as you well know

blamester

I don't bother with averages or any other measure of speed that don't take into account how i felt when i finished.
One day that average is gonna go down and never go back up.

bike56

I got sick of my average speed being so low,and added a extra magnet,now I'm hauling ass everywhere,and it feels good!

Doohickie

Sorry, I got here as soon as I could.

big john

I've been riding road bikes since around 1982, been a member of a large road club since 1989, and I've rarely ever heard anyone speak of average speed until I came to Bike Forums.
I stopped using a speedometer in 2002 but always ride with people who have all manner of electronics.
I've spoken to other bf members who I ride with and they also think the average speed talk is weird.

HokuLoa

It is the new cyclist/tech effect. Or the Strava effect. Something visible in big numbers for AVG cyclists to cling to as a measure of their cycling worth...