commuting 15 miles each way

[J4MIE_P]

My current average is around 12.5mph, I cant see how to get it up to 15mph, it seems like an eternity away.

Just need to keep plugging away.

Easiest way I improved my speed was to go out and set an objective of doing say 1 mile at a 15mph pace. Every time you go out.

After a week or two try and make it 1.5 miles etc etc. After a few months you'll be doing around 15mph for say 10 moles before dropping off the pace back to your original 12.

Quick and easy slow progression

 

[Crankarm]

My current average is around 12.5mph, I cant see how to get it up to 15mph, it seems like an eternity away.

Just need to keep plugging away.

The best thing you can do to improve your stamina, power and riding efficiency and speed is to buy yourself a cycling computer with a cadence function then ride according to cadence i.e. 95 - 110 revs so if you drop you either need to change down or pedal even more quickly. It will soon raise your fitness. I cycle approx 16.5 miles each way 5-6 days a week. I have a Rox 9.0 computer which has a cadence function which is damn useful. It takes me between 40 and 55 minutes one way to or from work depending on which way the wind is blowing and the weight of my pannier. I ride a Brompton L6 at the moment.

 

[uclown2002]

Is 95-110 rpm optimal then?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Is 95-110 rpm optimal then?

Depends.Depends on what criteria you use. And depends on who you listen to.

here's a couple of interesting reads if u have the time.

http://www.active.com/articles/on-the-art-and-science-of-cadence-in-cycling-and-running
http://www2.bsn.de/cycling/articles/cadence.html

 

[Andrew_P]

Is 95-110 rpm optimal then?

honestly I wouldn't take advice from someone who claims that they have cycled 16.5miles on a Brompton in 40 minutes, average speed 24.8mph... and seldom averages under 18mph

 

[Crankarm]

honestly I wouldn't take advice from someone who claims that they have cycled 16.5miles on a Brompton in 40 minutes, average speed 24.8mph... and seldom averages under 18mph

You're just a shyte cyclist. Try harder, pedal harder m8 you too could do it if you tried, but then again probably not.

 

[Andrew_P]

You're just a shyte cyclist. Try harder, pedal harder m8 you too could do it if you tried, but then again probably not.

You should enter this then you averaged 2mph faster over twice the distance, you will easily win.

 

[samsbike]

Well, I finally took the road bike in and even thought I was going fast and flat out, I was only 0.5mph quicker than the mtb. I really need to get fit or buy an electric bike! :-)