Average speed for a newbie

[dodgy]

I now have some numerical idea of my average speed, approx 15.5-16mph over 6 mile.

Distance: 5.99 mile
Time taken: 23:40 (including a stop to pick up pet food)

Moving average, would have to be about 19-20mph (although my computer doesnt work this out, its from looking at the screen, if im moving im going between 17-22). I could probly maintain this for quite a way comfortably.

Looking at the screen tells you almost nothing.

It's amazing how much your overall average is affected by even momentary slow downs, like going up an incline that might only last a minute or so.

To get a fair approximation of your average speed you need to complete a circular route (or out and back - the important thing is to benefit from and fight against the wind and hills in the same ride). You also need to have a computer that calculates your average speed whilst moving, or to time yourself and work out average speed against the distance travelled when you get home.

 

[Rob3rt]

Looking at the screen tells you almost nothing.

It's amazing how much your overall average is affected by even momentary slow downs, like going up an incline that might only last a minute or so.

To get a fair approximation of your average speed you need to complete a circular route (or out and back - the important thing is to benefit from and fight against the wind and hills in the same ride). You also need to have a computer that calculates your average speed whilst moving, or to time yourself and work out average speed against the distance travelled when you get home.

Yup, I understand this, I work with averaging data all day most days so im all too familiar with the effect a couple of really low or null values can effect the average of a data set which is why I suggested it was a ballpark figure.

The actual average for a trip out and back over 6 mile is 15.2mph (as calculated by the computer). Not a moving average, an overall average, including a stop to pick up pet food (probly about a minute to a minute and a half - not sure, didnt time it).

 

[jimboalee]

Yup, I understand this, I work with averaging data all day most days so im all too familiar with the effect a couple of really low or null values can effect the average of a data set which is why I suggested it was a ballpark figure.

The actual average for a trip out and back over 6 mile is 15.2mph (as calculated by the computer). Not a moving average, an overall average, including a stop to pick up pet food (probly about a minute to a minute and a half - not sure, didnt time it).

Get a Garmin Edge. You can import the history file into Excel and play with it to yor heart's content.
You can knock out the outliers with a couple of =IF() statements.

 

[Rob3rt]

Get a Garmin Edge. You can import the history file into Excel and play with it to yor heart's content.
You can knock out the outliers with a couple of =IF() statements.

Thats the plan, to buy a Edge 500, eventually (i.e when not skint)! At the minute im running a cheapo computer (which has proven to be accurate in measuring distance against google maps for 4 different routes), mainly for timing/measuring the distance and average speed of my training rides and recording top speed for fun!

Just thought id bung in a rough average in the thread since previously, all I knew was I was faster than most people on my commute route, but get blazed by the guy form Harry Hall Cycles on his Dolan!

 

[beachcaster]

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.

I got a good bike but my speeds are just about the same as my older one...perhaps its something to do with the fact that Ive still got the same pair of legs !

barry

 

[scott s10]

I got a good bike but my speeds are just about the same as my older one...perhaps its something to do with the fact that Ive still got the same pair of legs !

barry

bike doesnt make a flying toss of difference. well the wheels might do.

 

[jimboalee]

bike doesnt make a flying toss of difference. well the wheels might do.

So what you're saying is that if you put a pair of SKS 45mm full mudguards ( or should I say "Air brakes" ) on your Scott S10 Speedster, it wouldn't make a flying toss of difference.

 

[scott s10]

So what you're saying is that if you put a pair of SKS 45mm full mudguards ( or should I say "Air brakes" ) on your Scott S10 Speedster, it wouldn't make a flying toss of difference.

a pair of mudgards , is not a bike

 

[CopperBrompton]

I average anything from 30-40mph.

(Averaging is done on downhill stretches with a following wind. This is for technical and mathemetical reasons.)

 

[carlfergy]

went out today did 40 miles out and back with an average of 18.2 Im 40 riding a old steel framed racer. Was a bit lumpy not to bad though and a few stops for roundabouts and lights, only been riding a few months

 

[scott s10]

do you mind me asking how old you are.

 

[Norm]

do you mind me asking how old you are.

I doubt it as he has already said he is 40.

 

[jimboalee]

When I was a "newbie", my little Triang tricycle had a 12" gear.

So I guess 4 1/2 mph is about the speed newbies ride.

 

[Chrisc]

I average anything from 30-40mph.

(Averaging is done on downhill stretches with a following wind. This is for technical and mathemetical reasons.)

 

[jimboalee]

A Newbie could average 20 - 25 mph...

For the first 1/4 mile....