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Average biking speeds?
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 2009-06-08 9:05 AM |
 569  |  Subject: Average biking speeds?Yesterday I decided to push it just a little bit. I wanted to see how fast I could ride over rolling hills for a hour. I came in at 17.1 MPH, average. How fast are you guys normally biking? |
| 2009-06-08 9:25 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290   The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? In training, anywhere from 16-22mph depending on a multitude of factors: the bike I'm riding, the terrain, the prevailing winds, the effort I'm putting out for that training session, the quality of sleep I got the night before, how hot I think I look in my cycling clothes, and so on. Really, you shouldn't worry how fast you're going in training, but rather focus on putting in the proper effort for the right duration according to your training schedule. |
| 2009-06-08 9:26 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
Champion 11989 Philly 'burbs | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? It really depends on terrain, distance, weather, goals for specific workout, etc. That being said, the average for my last 25 rides in TC is 16.1 mph |
| 2009-06-08 9:26 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Master 1963 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? That's a tough one to answer. I did one ride this week where I averaged 20 and another significantly more hills ride where I averaged 17.3. Speed generally isn't considered a good measure of fitness. If you really wanted...you could get a power tap then you could blindly compare with other people  I would do that course again you mentioned in a month as a time trial and seeing how you've improved. |
| 2009-06-08 9:42 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
| 569 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? I know speed is not the best indicator of fitness. But I am new to this sport I always ride alnoe and I have my first sprint coming up this summer. I figured if I ride the same routh for the same amount of time I can get some indicator at to my fitness over a period of time. Over the past season I can safely say that my average has increased at least 1 mph. How else can I monitor my progress? |
| 2009-06-08 9:46 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Veteran 288 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Its hilly where I live and my fastest training ride was 18.5 mph most are in the 16 - 17 range. I did my first sprint a few weeks ago on a very flat course and was over 21 mph. You can only go by comparing the same course under similiar conditions. |
| 2009-06-08 9:51 AM in reply to: #2201768 |
| Davenport, IA | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Thaitri - 2009-06-08 9:42 AM I know speed is not the best indicator of fitness. But I am new to this sport I always ride alnoe and I have my first sprint coming up this summer. I figured if I ride the same routh for the same amount of time I can get some indicator at to my fitness over a period of time. Over the past season I can safely say that my average has increased at least 1 mph. How else can I monitor my progress? When I first got involved with triathlon I judged my progress by speed. Lately I've basically thrown speed out the window. Too many variables. Now I look at a few things: RPE (rating or perceived exertion): How hard do I feel like I'm working. In training last year vs this year I could do the same course at the same speed. Difference: this year I don't feel like I'm about to die at the end of a ride, I could continue on for more miles if I wanted. Hills have become easier, etc... Heart Rate: I can tell that my fitness is improving because of how much quicker it will drop to a lower rate after a big effort (climb, sprint, etc...) New skills developed: Last year I couldn't get out of the saddle to climb, I would get all out of coordination and have to sit back down to get back in control. Definitely doing better (by a lot) now. That's just an example of what I look at in my own performance. I'm sure as you get more experience you'll find similar things that mean a lot to you. |
| 2009-06-08 9:52 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
Extreme Veteran 417 Davidson | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? In general, 17.1mph on a hilly course doesn't sound too bad. How many miles did you go? As others have said, there are a lot of factors including the biggie and that is rolling hills can carry a lot of different interpretations. One person's 'rolling hill' may be another person' 'mountians'. I consider myself at the back end of MOP and my typical ride lately has been 50-65 miles over terrain that I would say is hilly and I averaged 17.6 on my last ride going solo on my tri bike. I recently averaged 18.1 on my roadie for 72 miles riding in a group for about 2/3 of the time over many of the same roads as going solo at 17.6. The point is, there are lots of variables and the best way to track your improvement is to lay out a route you like and record your stats like average speed and average heart rate. Do it again periodically and you will get a feeling for how your are improving. If you want to know how you compare to other riders, do a triathlon! You can make all sorts of comparisons all day long. Greg |
| 2009-06-08 9:58 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
Expert 830 Chesapeake, VA | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Well this is what I have learned, The more time you spend on the saddle the more liklihood your average will go up. As it was stated in earliar posts, many factors will affect the overall average but if you are looking to increase average bike regularly and try to hook up with a group you know to be fast than you, that way you will be pushed to go faster each time. |
| 2009-06-08 10:09 AM in reply to: #2201714 |
Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? merlin2375 - 2009-06-08 8:26 AM Speed generally isn't considered a good measure of fitness. I respectfully disagee about speed not being a good indicator of fitness considering that we race for speed. IMO, it just depends on how well you are able to consider the variables such as wind, stops, fatigue condition, RPE, etc. Here in the mountains, we don't have many roads so I ride the same routes every day. I have about ten local cycling PRs that I keep track of on varying distances. For me, my PR records over the years on those courses are great indicators of my fitness improvements and I actually care more about them than race results. I can ride speeds comfortably now on those routes that a couple years ago I'd have thought were impossible for me at any effort. To answer the OP, the last time I pushed my shortest, flatest course (30 miles / 1670' climbing), I averaged 22.8 mph which was a PR for me. Yesterday I rode 75m+ with 6,000+ feet of climbing, at a comfortable effort in rain/snow/sleet/wind, and I averaged 19.1 mph. Having said all that I recognize that you said, "generally" and that your context is most likely "comparing your training speeds with others riding different courses, conditions, RPE, etc", with which I strongly agree. Lastly, I also agree that training with a power meter is probably ideal but I don't have one because I'm gadget averse. |
 2009-06-08 10:22 AM in reply to: #2201625 |
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| 2009-06-08 12:25 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Expert 1053 Culpeper, VA | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? It depends, most of my rides are between 15 - 20 mph as I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If the ride is relatively flat, cruising at 20mph + is no problem. I tend to focus on my effort, heat rate, etc. Speed and average are something I use on specific routes to see if I'm improving or not. Otherwise average speed in my experience has enough variables so comparing my average speed with yours for instance means nothing. I would use your 17.1 mph average as a level to surpass on that route in your training. |
| 2009-06-08 12:37 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Pro 5011 Twin Cities | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Depends on where I'm riding, what the point of the ride is, the weather conditions, the bike I'm on, what I ate beforehand, if my shorts are too tight, what I... Do you see what I'm getting at here? ;-) |
| 2009-06-08 12:41 PM in reply to: #2201872 |
Elite 4048 Gilbert, Az. | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? breckview - 2009-06-08 8:09 AM merlin2375 - 2009-06-08 8:26 AM Speed generally isn't considered a good measure of fitness. I respectfully disagee about speed not being a good indicator of fitness considering that we race for speed. IMO, it just depends on how well you are able to consider the variables such as wind, stops, fatigue condition, RPE, etc. Here in the mountains, we don't have many roads so I ride the same routes every day. I have about ten local cycling PRs that I keep track of on varying distances. For me, my PR records over the years on those courses are great indicators of my fitness improvements and I actually care more about them than race results. I can ride speeds comfortably now on those routes that a couple years ago I'd have thought were impossible for me at any effort. To answer the OP, the last time I pushed my shortest, flatest course (30 miles / 1670' climbing), I averaged 22.8 mph which was a PR for me. Yesterday I rode 75m+ with 6,000+ feet of climbing, at a comfortable effort in rain/snow/sleet/wind, and I averaged 19.1 mph. Having said all that I recognize that you said, "generally" and that your context is most likely "comparing your training speeds with others riding different courses, conditions, RPE, etc", with which I strongly agree. Lastly, I also agree that training with a power meter is probably ideal but I don't have one because I'm gadget averse. Three numbers you want to know. VO2 max (Ok, this isn't really a must know, but...) - This is a measure of efficiency of the cardio system. vVO2 - Speed at which you achieve VO2 max. Tlim vVo2 - Time you can spend at vVO2. If your average speed at VO2 max is 22, that's pretty good, but if you can only do that for 5 minutes, that's bad.  John |
| 2009-06-08 12:45 PM in reply to: #2202567 |
| Veteran 151 Oxford | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? tkd.teacher - 2009-06-08 1:41 PM breckview - 2009-06-08 8:09 AM merlin2375 - 2009-06-08 8:26 AM Speed generally isn't considered a good measure of fitness. I respectfully disagee about speed not being a good indicator of fitness considering that we race for speed. IMO, it just depends on how well you are able to consider the variables such as wind, stops, fatigue condition, RPE, etc. Here in the mountains, we don't have many roads so I ride the same routes every day. I have about ten local cycling PRs that I keep track of on varying distances. For me, my PR records over the years on those courses are great indicators of my fitness improvements and I actually care more about them than race results. I can ride speeds comfortably now on those routes that a couple years ago I'd have thought were impossible for me at any effort. To answer the OP, the last time I pushed my shortest, flatest course (30 miles / 1670' climbing), I averaged 22.8 mph which was a PR for me. Yesterday I rode 75m+ with 6,000+ feet of climbing, at a comfortable effort in rain/snow/sleet/wind, and I averaged 19.1 mph. Having said all that I recognize that you said, "generally" and that your context is most likely "comparing your training speeds with others riding different courses, conditions, RPE, etc", with which I strongly agree. Lastly, I also agree that training with a power meter is probably ideal but I don't have one because I'm gadget averse. Three numbers you want to know. VO2 max (Ok, this isn't really a must know, but...) - This is a measure of efficiency of the cardio system. vVO2 - Speed at which you achieve VO2 max. Tlim vVo2 - Time you can spend at vVO2. If your average speed at VO2 max is 22, that's pretty good, but if you can only do that for 5 minutes, that's bad. John Ok, how does one approximate those numbers without metabolic testing? |
| 2009-06-08 1:16 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Extreme Veteran 657 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? It's so windy around here it is tough to use speed as an indicator of fitness. It's like never blowing less than 20mph when I can ride. I mean never. Arrrrgh. With the usual 20mph wind I can push about 18 into the wind and 28 back. This averages out to about 22mph. (Not 23 like you'd think) |
| 2009-06-08 1:29 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Veteran 351 Bucks County | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? almost all races have been on flat courses - slowest has been 19.6 mph and best time has been 21.6mph. |
| 2009-06-08 1:46 PM in reply to: #2201768 |
Champion 10018 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Comparing your own times on the same course is a great way to monitor your progress. Comparing yourself to others is futile, esp in this environment. Some of us would beat you, some of us would trail behind. I regularly out cycle my training partners, but I fall off the back in group rides with my tri club. Boy was that a bummer the first time... If you really want to compare to others, find a regular group ride (same-ish group of folks, same course) and go periodically throughout the summer. Not only is this a good test (although the factors mentioned above by mrocker still apply), but the group will also push you. Thaitri - 2009-06-08 9:42 AM I know speed is not the best indicator of fitness. But I am new to this sport I always ride alnoe and I have my first sprint coming up this summer. I figured if I ride the same routh for the same amount of time I can get some indicator at to my fitness over a period of time. Over the past season I can safely say that my average has increased at least 1 mph. How else can I monitor my progress? |
| 2009-06-08 5:18 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? Almost all of my routes are rolling. My averages go from 19.5 - 22 depending on the bike (whether I'm on my roadie or TT bike) and my mood. My paces are pretty much the same whether I'm out riding a 100 mile ride or a 20 mile one. It just becomes harder to hold the average as I go longer. |
| 2009-06-08 5:56 PM in reply to: #2202588 |
| Elite 4048 Gilbert, Az. | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? BubbaK - 2009-06-08 10:45 AM tkd.teacher - 2009-06-08 1:41 PM breckview - 2009-06-08 8:09 AM merlin2375 - 2009-06-08 8:26 AM Speed generally isn't considered a good measure of fitness. I respectfully disagee about speed not being a good indicator of fitness considering that we race for speed. IMO, it just depends on how well you are able to consider the variables such as wind, stops, fatigue condition, RPE, etc. Here in the mountains, we don't have many roads so I ride the same routes every day. I have about ten local cycling PRs that I keep track of on varying distances. For me, my PR records over the years on those courses are great indicators of my fitness improvements and I actually care more about them than race results. I can ride speeds comfortably now on those routes that a couple years ago I'd have thought were impossible for me at any effort. To answer the OP, the last time I pushed my shortest, flatest course (30 miles / 1670' climbing), I averaged 22.8 mph which was a PR for me. Yesterday I rode 75m+ with 6,000+ feet of climbing, at a comfortable effort in rain/snow/sleet/wind, and I averaged 19.1 mph. Having said all that I recognize that you said, "generally" and that your context is most likely "comparing your training speeds with others riding different courses, conditions, RPE, etc", with which I strongly agree. Lastly, I also agree that training with a power meter is probably ideal but I don't have one because I'm gadget averse. Three numbers you want to know. VO2 max (Ok, this isn't really a must know, but...) - This is a measure of efficiency of the cardio system. vVO2 - Speed at which you achieve VO2 max. Tlim vVo2 - Time you can spend at vVO2. If your average speed at VO2 max is 22, that's pretty good, but if you can only do that for 5 minutes, that's bad. John Ok, how does one approximate those numbers without metabolic testing? There's quite a few "field" tests for VO2 max, depending on if you want to use biking or running. Pick one, and it will give you a decent approximation of your VO2, and the others you should be able to get from the test itself. http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2max.htm That site is a bit dated, but still some good info. John |
| 2009-06-08 6:12 PM in reply to: #2202567 |
| Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? tkd.teacher - 2009-06-08 11:41 AM Three numbers you want to know... I don't want to know any of those numbers but thanks anyway. |
| 2009-06-08 6:51 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Extreme Veteran 387 Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? It really depends on the terrain you ride. I live in a hilly, technical area so very few of my rides break 18 MPH, but I can hold 21 in races. Speeds also depend on weather conditions and how many stops you make. Nice job on the average by the way! |
| 2009-06-08 7:37 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Expert 1123 Falls Church, VA | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? I can make everyone feel good about their average speeds.. hehe.. for a little while I was getting all worried comparing my speed to finishing times in races to see how they'd compare, but as everyone has said there are too many caveats for those times to really compare them. BTW, I just saw that Dan Hugo averaged like 16.5mph on a mountain bike course last weekend! whoa that's fast! |
| 2009-06-08 8:41 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Veteran 381 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? flat ground several red lights / stop signs 55 miles 19.4 mph group ride aero position minimal drafting several stops 18 miles 23.2 mph So much better then last year, been biking since august 08' Group rides help me push myself realy hard. I hate drafting cause I have a tri bike. So i ride aero in the back 15 yrds back. |
| 2009-06-08 8:41 PM in reply to: #2201625 |
| Veteran 381 | Subject: RE: Average biking speeds? 2nd post Edited by benc84 2009-06-08 8:42 PM |
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