New cyclist average speed?
04-28-16, 06:53 PM
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New cyclist average speed?
I I have been cycling since last November. I am 22 and 150 pounds, fairly athletic. What average speed is "good" for a cyclist of my experience and description? I usually pull a 17 mph average on my 15.9 mile route, though today I managed a 18.3, and can stay at 25 mph on flat ground for about 2- 3 minutes. How does this measure up against a good experienced biker?
04-28-16, 07:15 PM
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Turn off your computer, and go enjoy the ride.
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04-28-16, 07:20 PM
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If you had fun, it was a great speed.
04-28-16, 07:22 PM
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Pros can average 30mph for 60 minutes in a time trial. A peloton can do even better.
04-28-16, 07:25 PM
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I'm 60 and average 16.1mph..... and i'm happy. Last year I was slower and next year, if i'm alive, i hope to be faster.
As already stated... enjoy the ride (unless you race).
As already stated... enjoy the ride (unless you race).
04-28-16, 07:29 PM
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When I was in my 30s, I could average 20 mph for 50 miles alone on flat ground with little wind. 35 years and a heart attack later, not so much. About 16.5 mph for 20 miles under those same conditions. It only gets better for a while.
04-28-16, 07:31 PM
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My average speed on my weekend warrior rides on a 29 lb Huffy road bike is 15.7 MPH and I only have 420 miles on this particular bike since I got it last summer. My average speed on my multispeed commuter is at 13.5 MPH for the last year and my single speed commuter is a recent build with an average of 11.3 MPH.
It all depends on your goals. I have more fun on the slower single speed to tell you the truth.
It all depends on your goals. I have more fun on the slower single speed to tell you the truth.
04-28-16, 07:32 PM
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04-28-16, 07:32 PM
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OP: in case you haven't figured it out, "average speed" is a bad word around here.
04-28-16, 07:34 PM
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Average speed means literally nothing. Everything in cycling is measured in watts (power). Go do an FTP test with a power meter or on zwift and then you'll have an idea of where you are, and why it takes 3 years before a rider starts to level off in ability.
For example, I did the same route today and yesterday. Almost the same average wattage output, but yesterday my average speed was like 1mph faster. The difference? 180 degree different wind direction. If I had cherry picked a route, I could have easily averaged over 20mph on either of those days (that's +4-5mph), at the same wattage output.
For example, I did the same route today and yesterday. Almost the same average wattage output, but yesterday my average speed was like 1mph faster. The difference? 180 degree different wind direction. If I had cherry picked a route, I could have easily averaged over 20mph on either of those days (that's +4-5mph), at the same wattage output.
04-28-16, 07:36 PM
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I forgot to mention that I am a non-athlete. Uncoordinated, overweight, in school the last guy to be picked for any ball game when choosing up sides. That is the beauty of cycling. Nearly anyone can do it well enough to really get something out of it.
04-28-16, 07:37 PM
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don't try this at home.
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Faster than a lot of riders, slower than some. (Of course.) That's not bad for a new rider. But averages really are affected by hills and stoplights, etc, "your mileage may vary."
If you enjoy seeing how you stack up against yourself from day to day, or against other riders, try strava.com. It's free. Or group rides--that's what keeps me motivated. I rarely work as hard when riding solo.
If you enjoy seeing how you stack up against yourself from day to day, or against other riders, try strava.com. It's free. Or group rides--that's what keeps me motivated. I rarely work as hard when riding solo.
04-28-16, 07:46 PM
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I agree that is a good speed for having only been riding for 5 months. At 22 if you keep up with it you should easily get faster.
04-28-16, 07:46 PM
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You're doing well.
Every mph more is now much more work than the previous one.
20 mph ave. is WAY more work than 18 mph ave..
Try some group rides- fun & instructive.
Every mph more is now much more work than the previous one.
20 mph ave. is WAY more work than 18 mph ave..
Try some group rides- fun & instructive.
04-28-16, 08:12 PM
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Just ride dude - measure your progress, for sure, but don't make these metrics the be all to end all...
Concenrate on form / technique and build up the miles in the legs.
cheers
Concenrate on form / technique and build up the miles in the legs.
cheers
04-28-16, 08:24 PM
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04-28-16, 08:29 PM
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04-28-16, 08:56 PM
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I I have been cycling since last November. I am 22 and 150 pounds, fairly athletic. What average speed is "good" for a cyclist of my experience and description? I usually pull a 17 mph average on my 15.9 mile route, though today I managed a 18.3, and can stay at 25 mph on flat ground for about 2- 3 minutes. How does this measure up against a good experienced biker?
Seems like about the 10th percentile. I think poor for an experienced cyclist. You are not experienced, but a 20s something year old to be good should hold about 23mph for about 30 min.
04-28-16, 09:31 PM
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Don't compare your average speed to others, unless they rode the same route at the same time. Average speed is only useful to gauge your progress on the same route.
If iyou ride the same route, with the same wind conditions regularly, and your average speed is improving, you might be getting stronger/faster.
If iyou ride the same route, with the same wind conditions regularly, and your average speed is improving, you might be getting stronger/faster.