Average speed

[derrick]

Been on the road bike a few months now, most trips are between 10 to 30 miles, average speed 15 mph, went out tonight for a quick blast before it got dark, only 5.4 miles so i thought i would push a bit harder than normal, averaged 16.8 mph, there seems to be a lot more work needed to keep up that pace, and now the nights are drawing in it's going to be hard getting out in the evenings, so it looks like i may need some sort of turbo trainer, was thinking more along the line of the roller ones, how many of you use them and are they worth the money, been looking at the one in the link below.
Cheers Del.


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31106

 

[ianrauk]

Why does the nights drawing in make it hard to go out on a bike?

 

[craven2354]

Why does the nights drawing in make it hard to go out on a bike?

Riding is dangerous during the day nevermind when it's pitch dark and all you have is a light on the front and light on the back I will never ride when it's dark

 

[JonnyBlade]

I use the turbo trainer as a last resort and if it's chucking it down. Otherwise it has to be Stan.

Having said that, the turbo is a great training aid and helps build good stamina. Having said that, there's nothing like riding the bike and that buzz you get trashes any performance on the turbo trainer IMO of course.
Besides, all that constant pedalling on the trainer destroys the arse somewhat lol

 

[lukesdad]

Why does the nights drawing in make it hard to go out on a bike?

I was thinking the same thing, dont let the dark nights deter you. I usually do more riding in winter than I do in the summer months.

 

[derrick]

I'am afraid of the dark, lol
It would cause a big row in the house, my wife does not like me riding in the dark,

 

[ianrauk]

Riding is dangerous during the day nevermind when it's pitch dark and all you have is a light on the front and light on the back I will never ride when it's dark

well, it's neither. But each to his own.

 

[HLaB]

Derrick, You only been at it a relatively short time don't despair on you average speed, it a good base. As to a turbo I've one but try no to use it, its boring I'd much rather be out there, even if its dark (there's a wonderful invention called the bicycle light) or chucking it down (as it was up here today) save the turbo boredum for when it ice or snow outside.

 

[HLaB]

Riding is dangerous during the day nevermind when it's pitch dark and all you have is a light on the front and light on the back I will never ride when it's dark

Riding is not dangerous and its even more safe at night, perhaps you should try it sometime

 

[totallyfixed]

Riding is not dangerous and its even more safe at night, perhaps you should try it sometime

Agreed. Cars always give me more room at night. Rural roads not sure if it's the same in the smoke.

 

[cyberknight]

Been on the road bike a few months now, most trips are between 10 to 30 miles, average speed 15 mph, went out tonight for a quick blast before it got dark, only 5.4 miles so i thought i would push a bit harder than normal, averaged 16.8 mph, there seems to be a lot more work needed to keep up that pace, and now the nights are drawing in it's going to be hard getting out in the evenings, so it looks like i may need some sort of turbo trainer,

The faster you go the more effort you need to overcome wind resistance , over 15 mph i think its 50 % of your energy is needed to over come it.

I find riding at night a lot safer as i find drivers give me more room , this is on unlit routes so i do use a number of lights + reflectives to give any drivers as much chance to see me as possible.

 

[madpensioner]

I will not be going out in winter (its too cold) and i most certainly wont be going out in the dark - from now on my bike is in the turbo trainer which i will be using 4 times per week - I will be training 5/6 days per week in my own gym (which is heated) - my winter training plan from now untill the end of feb involves - rowing,weights,swivel stepper,power stepper and turbo trainer - during march i will be out on the road putting in a good steady 600 miles prior to another season of training and sportives - there is no way i am going out suffering winter cold weather - for me cycling is a hobby and supposed to be enjoyable - there is nothing more enjoyable than coming out of a warm gym and settling down to a bottle of red wine

 

[gaz]

The winter is the best time of year to be cycling in my opinion. It rarely goes below zero and rarely frosts over where I am.
Put some nice warm layers on and get out there, love it!

Ok getting out of bed at 7am and getting on the bike is a bit of a pain when it's 0 degrees but once you are warmed up it's just like riding in the summer, but without loads of sweat.

 

[GTTTM]

The winter is the best time of year to be cycling in my opinion. It rarely goes below zero and rarely frosts over where I am.
Put some nice warm layers on and get out there, love it!

Ok getting out of bed at 7am and getting on the bike is a bit of a pain when it's 0 degrees but once you are warmed up it's just like riding in the summer, but without loads of sweat.

Barring snow and ice I'm looking forward to going out in the winter - I've been sweating farrrr to much the last week

 

[Hip Priest]

Your average speed will creep up. I hit 17mph average for the first time on yesterday's 33 miler. A few months back it was always 14-15mph, even on short rides.