Question for 20+ mph avg commuters
05-30-18, 02:50 PM
#26
GATC
Distance slowing down to a stop and distance getting back up to speed will wallop your moving average though.
Last edited by HardyWeinberg; 05-31-18 at 01:05 PM.
05-30-18, 03:01 PM
#27
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That's my goal for the year.
And, May 30 is day 150, and I'm up to 3391 miles, or 22.6 miles per day average
With most of it being commuting, errands, and utility cycling of one sort or another. I will admit that the rides towing 400 pounds or so... the average was significantly less than 20 MPH.
I do need to work on my speed a bit. I have done half-commutes in the range of 17 or 18 MPH, but those are pushing pretty hard. Still, I typically ride much slower for my return trips.
My typical daily ride is 30 to 40 miles, with a couple of stops.
I think a 7 mile (one-way) commute would be a lot easier to keep the speed over 20 MPH, but I still might be pretty drained when I got to the destination. My goal is to still be able to walk when I get off the bike.
And, May 30 is day 150, and I'm up to 3391 miles, or 22.6 miles per day average
With most of it being commuting, errands, and utility cycling of one sort or another. I will admit that the rides towing 400 pounds or so... the average was significantly less than 20 MPH.
I do need to work on my speed a bit. I have done half-commutes in the range of 17 or 18 MPH, but those are pushing pretty hard. Still, I typically ride much slower for my return trips.
My typical daily ride is 30 to 40 miles, with a couple of stops.
I think a 7 mile (one-way) commute would be a lot easier to keep the speed over 20 MPH, but I still might be pretty drained when I got to the destination. My goal is to still be able to walk when I get off the bike.
05-30-18, 03:03 PM
#28
meh
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Thank you all for replying! My lack of posts make me ineligible to reply with quotes so I will just write here.
It matches my experience that it's very hard to go over 15 mph commuting into a city. But Hypno toad's estimated average of 300w ?? wow
I will stop worrying about average speed. Just enjoy the ride.
It matches my experience that it's very hard to go over 15 mph commuting into a city. But Hypno toad's estimated average of 300w ?? wow
I will stop worrying about average speed. Just enjoy the ride.
(don't believe Strava power est, my indoor trainer has power and 300w for over 20 minutes would be MUCH higher than anything I've ever recorded)
05-30-18, 03:35 PM
#29
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When I say I commute at 20mph, I'm talking about cruising speed, which is different from average speed.
I cruise ~20mph
I average ~17-18mph depending on stoplights warm up/cooldown, etc...
I make Strava segments so I can see my average speed, and how it changes over the season (and year to year).
From this morning: 1.26 miles at 21.5mph. My average speed for the commute was 17.7 avg
Good idea. Personally I take as many detours through parks and gravel roads as I can on my commute. While I like to go fast, I also like to enjoy the ride.
I cruise ~20mph
I average ~17-18mph depending on stoplights warm up/cooldown, etc...
I make Strava segments so I can see my average speed, and how it changes over the season (and year to year).
From this morning: 1.26 miles at 21.5mph. My average speed for the commute was 17.7 avg
Good idea. Personally I take as many detours through parks and gravel roads as I can on my commute. While I like to go fast, I also like to enjoy the ride.
05-30-18, 05:41 PM
#30
Portland Fred
20mph is not possible in the city.
For over a decade I had over a 40 mile RT commute. When I was at my peak, a 20mph RT average on one of my fast bikes was a disappointment though I had to work hard for it. However, that ride also had a 19 mile stretch with no stoplights, signs, or turns to slow me down and it was pretty flat.
I live in Portland now. Even if I'm only going a couple miles and it's downhill, I never get anywhere near 20 -- I'm lucky to break 16. It's just not possible with all the turns, signs, etc.
For over a decade I had over a 40 mile RT commute. When I was at my peak, a 20mph RT average on one of my fast bikes was a disappointment though I had to work hard for it. However, that ride also had a 19 mile stretch with no stoplights, signs, or turns to slow me down and it was pretty flat.
I live in Portland now. Even if I'm only going a couple miles and it's downhill, I never get anywhere near 20 -- I'm lucky to break 16. It's just not possible with all the turns, signs, etc.
05-30-18, 06:12 PM
#31
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Also things such as wind direction and hills have a lot to do with speed averages....20+++ mph averages are only possible on internet forums and not in the real world.
The truth has never been spoken so succinctly.
Look -- I shaved off one "+" and set a new world record for succinct truthiness!
05-30-18, 06:37 PM
#32
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Today`s ride was clocked at 25.8 kph (16.3 mph), which was a tad faster than yesterday's 15.7 mph. I'd say my cruising speed was consistently between 28--32 kph, but tons of stop lights and stop signs, which I couldn't blow through at speed, but maybe rolling through them at 15 kph. Still, those stops and slow downs lowered the average by quite a few km's. Total round trip distance of 40 km.
05-30-18, 07:29 PM
#33
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I certainly wouldn't be one to say that anything is "impossible".
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown
, then 5 MPH for the return trip 
Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown
, then 5 MPH for the return trip Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.
05-30-18, 10:44 PM
#34
Non omnino gravis
Traffic and intersections are absolute murder. I will have average moving speeds, over fairly long distances, of 22-24mph, but having to come to a complete stop every half/quarter/eighth of a mile will readily bring that ride's average waaaayyyy down.
Now if the greenway started right by your house and ended right where you worked... sure.
Now if the greenway started right by your house and ended right where you worked... sure.
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05-31-18, 04:38 AM
#35
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I certainly wouldn't be one to say that anything is "impossible".
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown, then 5 MPH for the return trip Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown
, then 5 MPH for the return trip Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.a stop at every 2-3 miles! I probably had 5 lights in a mile haha
05-31-18, 04:39 AM
#36
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I certainly wouldn't be one to say that anything is "impossible".
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown, then 5 MPH for the return trip Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.
Here I am 50+
Hard to say what a strong 20 or 30 year old could do.
I think I could pretty easily hold 20 MPH through town for 5 miles or so, depending on routes.
Averaging that for 20 miles would be tough for me, but no doubt there would be some people who can do it.
Hmmm
Headed through town, many of my rides have a few stops and lights, but I think I often average maybe one stop/light every 2-3 miles.
Still, a few places are tricky to negotiate at high speed. I don't like going much over 15 or so on the bike paths, and slow a lot for pedestrians. But, even with that, there are a few places where one can fly on the bike paths.
Anyway, one can survive a few accelerations, if one cruises at maybe 2 MPH higher than one's target.
Portland commutes are unique... I don't think I've kept it to 20 MPH there either, but Downtown, west side is lower than just about anything around there, with a lot of good arterials with bike lanes feeding the downtown area. So, I could imagine holding 30 MPH heading downtown
, then 5 MPH for the return trip Of course, the traffic lights, bus lanes, and tram lanes are a nightmare, so I can pretty easily keep up with the lights (coasting) heading into town, but they're a pain climbing back out.20mph is not possible in the city.
For over a decade I had over a 40 mile RT commute. When I was at my peak, a 20mph RT average on one of my fast bikes was a disappointment though I had to work hard for it. However, that ride also had a 19 mile stretch with no stoplights, signs, or turns to slow me down and it was pretty flat.
I live in Portland now. Even if I'm only going a couple miles and it's downhill, I never get anywhere near 20 -- I'm lucky to break 16. It's just not possible with all the turns, signs, etc.
For over a decade I had over a 40 mile RT commute. When I was at my peak, a 20mph RT average on one of my fast bikes was a disappointment though I had to work hard for it. However, that ride also had a 19 mile stretch with no stoplights, signs, or turns to slow me down and it was pretty flat.
I live in Portland now. Even if I'm only going a couple miles and it's downhill, I never get anywhere near 20 -- I'm lucky to break 16. It's just not possible with all the turns, signs, etc.
05-31-18, 05:19 AM
#37
☢
Now if the greenway started right by your house and ended right where you worked... sure.
05-31-18, 07:18 AM
#38
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05-31-18, 07:27 AM
#39
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This quote reminds me how good we have it in Minneapolis, our greenways are amazing for commuting. Weekends can still be a s..tshow with the space-out greenway users, but for rush hour, it's like a bike freeway. In fact, the Cedar Lake Trail is America's first bike freeway. I frequently use the the Cedar Trail or Midtown Greenway to get to club rides Wednesdays after work, I can safely hold speeds over 20 mph, and pick up some fast commuters as drafting partners along the way.
05-31-18, 07:57 AM
#40
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05-31-18, 08:09 AM
#41
Senior Member
Or, I don't even have a bike computer or track the commute. I just enjoy the ride.
05-31-18, 08:42 AM
#43
Senior Member
05-31-18, 09:54 AM
#44
Senior Member
05-31-18, 09:58 AM
#45
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Maybe it's because I'm newer to BikeForums than some, but who actually claims to commute at a 20+ MPH average? As in, names.
05-31-18, 11:19 AM
#46
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Scott, That is just it - we don't average 20mph with stops, we cruise at 20mph+. The semantics make a large difference. I cruise around 20, but my averages are about 2-3mph below my cruising speed.
Here is an example I found from my 3 commutes Tuesday. Average speeds of 17.5, 16.7, 20.2mph (the last one for ~40 miles)
Lap 1 - morning commute. average 17.7. Cruising around 20.
Lap 2 - afternoon commute with a stop. I was way ahead of schedule, so took it pretty easy the last couple of miles.
Lap 3 - Evening commute. I was in the mood for a workout and a hammer fest. Cruising speed was well over 20 on the way home. (yeah, technically the 3rd commute averaged over 20 I guess, but 17-18 is more typical).
I do find it odd here when people can't imagine someone else's commute may have different parameters than theirs. Its a big would out there guys...
Here is an example I found from my 3 commutes Tuesday. Average speeds of 17.5, 16.7, 20.2mph (the last one for ~40 miles)
Lap 1 - morning commute. average 17.7. Cruising around 20.
Lap 2 - afternoon commute with a stop. I was way ahead of schedule, so took it pretty easy the last couple of miles.
Lap 3 - Evening commute. I was in the mood for a workout and a hammer fest. Cruising speed was well over 20 on the way home. (yeah, technically the 3rd commute averaged over 20 I guess, but 17-18 is more typical).
I do find it odd here when people can't imagine someone else's commute may have different parameters than theirs. Its a big would out there guys...
Last edited by chas58; 05-31-18 at 11:26 AM.
05-31-18, 12:00 PM
#48
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Hmm I don't remember the names but when I frequented the forum a lot more often as a lurker, I remember seeing them. There was a guy who posted videos of him passing triathletes in his commuter bike but I don't think he is around any more. Hypno toad is right here in this thread.
05-31-18, 12:28 PM
#49
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Hmm I don't remember the names but when I frequented the forum a lot more often as a lurker, I remember seeing them. There was a guy who posted videos of him passing triathletes in his commuter bike but I don't think he is around any more. Hypno toad is right here in this thread.
I'm sure JoeyBike is a strong rider himself, if he's so successful on his geek-hunts. Maybe his commuting situation really does allow 20+mph true average, maybe he also just means 20+mph typical/cruising speed.
05-31-18, 12:42 PM
#50
meh
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Hmm I don't remember the names but when I frequented the forum a lot more often as a lurker, I remember seeing them. There was a guy who posted videos of him passing triathletes in his commuter bike but I don't think he is around any more. Hypno toad is right here in this thread.
I did post about passing a TT rider on a commuter bike (no video). But I posted (or at least I should've posted), TT rider could have been warming up, cooling down, recovering, getting used to a new bike .... I ride fast on my Globe Daily, but not fast enough to pass a strong rider on a TT bike, or a good road bike. I can hold onto a B-group club ride with my Globe, but only on the flat roads and only hold on, not take a pull.
Footnote: I'm not a typically rider, I'm into endurance gravel riding; like I did an unsupported, solo, 140-mile gravel ride on a fatbike ... just for fun.