Boardman Hybrid compo 2011- Any experience?

[Gbola]

I have had a boardman hybrid compo 2011 for the past 5 weeks and I have been doing at least about 60- 80 miles per week. I have commuted about 6 miles in less than 30 mins and my fastest recorded speed was 17.6 miles/hour. I find middle front gear and the 3rd lowest rear gear comfortable. My major problem is that I tend to forget to gear down while stopping. Considering I took up biking less than 8 weeks ago. Am I utilising the potentials of the bike well. What was the fastest speed anybody here had done on the bike? And how did you achieve it?

 

[The Jogger]

I have had a boardman hybrid compo 2011 for the past 5 weeks and I have been doing at least about 60- 80 miles per week. I have commuted about 6 miles in less than 30 mins and my fastest recorded speed was 17.6 miles/hour. I find middle front gear and the 3rd lowest rear gear comfortable. My major problem is that I tend to forget to gear down while stopping. Considering I took up biking less than 8 weeks ago. Am I utilising the potentials of the bike well. What was the fastest speed anybody here had done on the bike? And how did you achieve it?

Hi and welcome to CC Boardman is a great brand, excellent value and components . Is your route hilly or flat? You speed will improve as your mileage increases, although your commute time is fine. If the gear feels comfortable you are probably in the right gear but I'm no expert.

 

[SquareDaff]

I have had a boardman hybrid compo 2011 for the past 5 weeks and I have been doing at least about 60- 80 miles per week. I have commuted about 6 miles in less than 30 mins and my fastest recorded speed was 17.6 miles/hour. I find middle front gear and the 3rd lowest rear gear comfortable. My major problem is that I tend to forget to gear down while stopping. Considering I took up biking less than 8 weeks ago. Am I utilising the potentials of the bike well. What was the fastest speed anybody here had done on the bike? And how did you achieve it?

I do similar commute distances - around 100 miles / week - on a Boardman Hybrid Pro. All I'll say is don't get obsessed with speed. There's always someone out there faster and slower than you. Concentrate more on your pedalling technique, gear selections and your riding position - then the speed will come over time. For guidance, if you can measure cadence (the number of turns of the pedal in a minute) then you should be aiming for somewhere in the region of 80. Pick your gear(s) to try and obtain this. One last tip - don't get gear bound. I try and vary the way I ride to avoid this - but riding the same route every day it's very easy to get into the "I use this gear at this point every day" mentality. Unfortunately your body doesn't feel the same way every day! Always base your gear selection on how you feel at that moment.

Having said all that - a 12mph ish average on a commuting run is OK.

 

[Gbola]

That means I am not doing too badly then. Many thanks.

 

[Scoosh]

As SquareDaff has said, cadence is key

.

Use your legs to keep the pedals turning at as near to 80 rpm as you can - and change gear to keep the cadence at that level.

Try to develop the habit of changing down (at least) a couple of gears as you are slowing down; it makes the take-off much less embarrassing effort and it soon becomes second nature.

Then, when you 'go clipless'

, you add that to the slowing/stopping routine and you'll be well on the way

to cycling heaven*

!!!



* the place where all slopes go downward

, the wind is always from behind you

, the sun shines

, it's just the right temperature

, drivers are courteous .......