View Poll Results: How fast are you?
<12 mph
8
5.23%
12-14 mph
18
11.76%
15-17 mph
65
42.48%
18-20 mph
41
26.80%
21+ mph
21
13.73%
Voters: 153. You may not vote on this poll
How fast are you?
#77
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What's your W/kg is the more important measure of fitness. I can average 30+mph if it's from the top of the mountain to the bottom...
#78
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#80
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Good question!
I know I can ride a lot faster than I usually do, but I suspect a lot of folks ride closer to their limit more often, especially those who describe their typical rides as spirited or "hammerfests."
Before I moved to the suburbs, I started riding with groups whose average pace was 20. I was pushing myself, but I was doing such rides often, and they were typically fairly short - about 24 miles tops. In contrast, I looked back at all the rides I've done so far this year, and only a couple have been in the 20-30 mile range. I've done as many in the 50-80 mile range, but LOTS AND LOTS of rides of 1-6 miles, and a couple of others in the teens. And they have all, invariably, been slow. Either very hilly or lazy or in traffic.
I know I can ride a lot faster than I usually do, but I suspect a lot of folks ride closer to their limit more often, especially those who describe their typical rides as spirited or "hammerfests."
Before I moved to the suburbs, I started riding with groups whose average pace was 20. I was pushing myself, but I was doing such rides often, and they were typically fairly short - about 24 miles tops. In contrast, I looked back at all the rides I've done so far this year, and only a couple have been in the 20-30 mile range. I've done as many in the 50-80 mile range, but LOTS AND LOTS of rides of 1-6 miles, and a couple of others in the teens. And they have all, invariably, been slow. Either very hilly or lazy or in traffic.
#81
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Serious racers often skip weekly group rides because they are too fast. Even more these days, folks recognize the benefit of Z1/Z2 training. Not so many do Z1 over 21 mph.
#83
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#85
Senior Member
#86
Senior Member
There are so many external factors (wind, drafting, grade...) affecting mph. How about watts and power to weight ratio?
mph can be misleading, particularly when descending. Over than skills and strength, higher avg/max speed during descent could also mean foolishness and overweight.
mph can be misleading, particularly when descending. Over than skills and strength, higher avg/max speed during descent could also mean foolishness and overweight.
#87
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I checked 15 - 17 because that's my usual solo average speed, but with a group it's closer to 18 - 20.
#88
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230 pound rider.
Solo century.......... 17.5 MPH
45 mile ride with 2 buddies....... 19.4 MPH
8 mile solo TT........22.9 MPH
Timed climbing event 100 miles with 10,000 ft gain ...13.9 MPH
Solo century.......... 17.5 MPH
45 mile ride with 2 buddies....... 19.4 MPH
8 mile solo TT........22.9 MPH
Timed climbing event 100 miles with 10,000 ft gain ...13.9 MPH
#90
Senior Member
Uphill, downhill, or flat? Uphill I have a lot of extra weight, more than those I ride with and I'm left in the dust. Speed isn't the fastest uphill but I climb a lot of hills. I might be slower, but chances are I'll be passing you up when you stop halfway up the hill.
Downhill, that extra weight translates to faster. I'll sit side by side with a skinny buddy on his road bike while he's hunkered down trying to get as aero as he can while I'm sitting next to him sitting straight upright no hands with my arms stretched out enjoying the wind. When I grab the handlebars again and bend over myself, I blast past like a rocket as the weight drags me down the hill.
Downhill, that extra weight translates to faster. I'll sit side by side with a skinny buddy on his road bike while he's hunkered down trying to get as aero as he can while I'm sitting next to him sitting straight upright no hands with my arms stretched out enjoying the wind. When I grab the handlebars again and bend over myself, I blast past like a rocket as the weight drags me down the hill.
#91
Woman make me faster
I'm pretty good at climbing and pass a lot of people on hills but I'm in no way fast. Fast is something I will never be because no matter the number it's not good enough. Part of why I like cycling is I feel like there is always improvement to be made and it keeps me young in my mind and active in my heart. I'll just stay the slow guy with lots of potential and continuous growth on the horizon. My bike is fast but it's motor needs some work. There is always a faster rider but some days it gets to be my turn, I can live with that.
#92
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I'm pretty good at climbing and pass a lot of people on hills but I'm in no way fast. Fast is something I will never be because no matter the number it's not good enough. Part of why I like cycling is I feel like there is always improvement to be made and it keeps me young in my mind and active in my heart. I'll just stay the slow guy with lots of potential and continuous growth on the horizon. My bike is fast but it's motor needs some work. There is always a faster rider but some days it gets to be my turn, I can live with that.
#93
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Q: How fast are you?
A: Yes
A: Yes