beng1

I timed myself over a local circuit I am very familiar with and my average speed came out at 17.3mph. This was with 52/20 sprockets. The cadence works out to be about 83 I think. Since this I have switched to a 50t front chainwheel so the bike will be a bit slower, but this is working out to be very good gearing for general use in my town, I usually don't have to go up any grades steeper than 5%-6%. This is with a coaster-braked bike, and the coaster brake is supposed to have some friction drag compared to other hubs, which I think is true, but it does not seem to be noticeable especially after getting a few hundred miles on the bike and breaking things in a bit.

momoman

64 yr old guy here. I ride my Waterford SS occasionally. Back in August I rode about the same speed as you. I averaged 17.6 mph over 14.33 miles with -2% to 2% grades.

I’m currently set up with a 49x20 and averaged 91 rpm on that ride. This 65” gearing allows me to ride 4-5% grades. I had a 49x18 on the bike but the 72” gearing was a bit tough on the 4%+ inclines.

beng1

I don't think I will ever spin higher than the mid-eighties for any distance. Being about 6'3" and over 200 pounds might have something to do with it, also have chronic cardiac problems I can't antagonize that are getting worse with age. Hopefully I will be able to at least hold my current fitness level this year fingers-crossed.