Average speed for a newbie

[oliver]

ok so i have been cycling regulary for about a month now and i was wondering what a good average speed would be, i live in a relitivly hilly area (cotswolds), i'm quite fit and i am on a racing bike- so what is a good average for a 15mile ride?, and a 25 mile ride? (all i can manage with current winter time restraints)

 

[numbnuts]

If your a old fart like me anything over 13mph is a gift from God

 

[oliver]

i forgot to add, i'm 16 and only manages to get out on my bike about 2-3 times per week and my average for an 18 mile in 16mph and 25 mile is 15mph.

 

[brockers]

sounds pretty good to me for somebody in a lumpy area who's only been at it for a month or so. When I'm reasonably fit (takes me about 3 months) I'll average 17mph for a 45 mile loop around Kent and the North Downs. Or if I've been away for a week in the mountains, I can edge 19mph a week or so after returning and my legs have stopped hurting. At the moment though, from barely having been on a bike for 6 months (a few 30 minute runs during the week to maintain fitness), I'd be happy with 16mph. Being almost a stone overweight (~10% of my bodyweight) though, doesn't help.

A few blokes I know who race at 2nd Cat level (good amateur standard) seem to spend most of their time noodling around at 16-17mph average (and have absolutely no interest in average speeds), but can wind it up to 35mph for short bursts at the drop of a hat, simulating the change in pace you get when racing. Doing 'intervals' like this when you're fit is the most effective way to get faster if that's important to you.

Don't get too hung up on average speeds - this isn't Bikeradar!

 

[oliver]

Ok thanks, it was just a quik idea as 16 feels fast so i was just making sure it wasn't just me who is used to mtbs- i have heard that this short busrts is realy good for building up fitness, i may try it out next time i'm out.

 

[accountantpete]

It depends on the bike you are riding Oliver. If you are doing those times on an entry level road bike say then that's about what you would be expected to do. Get a good bike and they would be nearer 18 - 20mph straight away.

 

[oliver]

it's a specialized allez sport 2010- so an entry level bike but there was no point spending any more as i only use it for leasure runs and no racing.

 

[Cycling Naturalist]

It depends on the bike you are riding Oliver. If you are doing those times on an entry level road bike say then that's about what you would be expected to do. Get a good bike and they would be nearer 18 - 20mph straight away.

And also try cycling in the flatter parts of Cheshire.

 

[accountantpete]

And also try cycling in the flatter parts of Cheshire.

 

[Bill Gates]

Don't get too hung up on average speeds - this isn't Bikeradar!

I check this site out now and again and since I was banned the training section has become irrelevant and boring. This forum rocks!!

 

[jimboalee]

On another thread in this department ( the thread about measuring distances ) I mention Garmin's 'ETA at Destination' function.

Garmin, in their wisdom, use 12.5 mph as the average speed of a cyclist.

It's a reasonable speed for a circular ride ( starting and finishing at the same place ) in 'undulating' terrain.

It's the speed I aim to achieve on AUK rides up to 200 miles.


Use this as a 'benchmark'.

 

[Brahan]

I check this site out now and again and since I was banned the training section has become irrelevant and boring. This forum rocks!!

Banned for what?

 

[Bill Gates]

Banned for what?

Phew, well to be as objective as I can it went like this: -

A couple of cycle coaches (one works for the other) took exception to what was an admittedly an over aggressive defence of my own training and racing experiences, which contradicted their methods of coaching. Namely the role of high cadence and off the bike (core, upper body) exercises in the overall training programme for racing cyclists.

I particularly objected to their blatant advertising for business in their signatures and created my own signature:- "cycle coaching for numpties with more money than sense". They didn't like that overly.

Due to my being the sole voice I created some support in the form of additional members, who were in actual fact me! One other member in particular who hangs on every word of one such coach became embroiled in an exchange of views on one of the threads and ascertained correctly that instead of dealing with what was ostensibly three posters, they were all me.

When it came to light I apologised to him and others and all forgave except him and he campaigned against me with admin to get me banned. He even threatened to try and get me banned here, and to let admin here know all about me, which he probably has.

The admin of Bike Radar have therefore created an sanitised atmosphere where cranks like this "big girls blouse" who has and will never achieve anything on a bike can influence the moderators because he and they could never ever defeat me in debate over any such issues.

Now the forum is bereft of any passion and substance on any subject at all. Serves them right.

I've done a couple of searches and here's some examples:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12543677&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=80

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12573615&highlight=


This thread was a cracker. I am also cougar and rollerball and of course Mike Willcox. They don't get threads like this any more.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12551844&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

[jimboalee]

Were they the same guys who take two bottles of SIS and a box of gel packs on a 100km Brevet Populaire?

 

[oliver]

And also try cycling in the flatter parts of Cheshire.

you mean oxfordshire