Group VS Solo...

[Chescadence]

So..

I happened to be reading an article today that stated that the difference between riding in a group and riding solo is 2mph or more?!

That really doesn't seem right to me; we must of course admit that that figure is very generalized and it depends a lot on the course, conditions, riders etc etc but do you really think on an average day with normal winds etc that it makes 2mph?

If so, I'm going to go and find a group
C

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Easily if not more.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I think just inspiration, well that and wheel sucking when you're knackered

 

[Chescadence]

Flippin' eck, I average 17-19.5mph depending on the conditions/climbing etc usually it's 18/18.5...so not blistering but it seems amazing to me that I could ride in a group and immediately average 19.5/20mph?!

I don't feel like I have an extra 1/2mph in me; though perhaps if you're forced to keep up/spurred on you're able to find something else when you maybe relax on your own.

I really need to start thinking about joining a club, I've been thinking about it for a long time now.

C

 

[zizou]

It depends on the group. A competent group then yes 1.5 - 2 mph is not unreasonable. A very well organised group working hard in a paceline then it can be more than that. A disorganised group then there isnt much difference, if anything it might be slower than a solo ride because you will be getting held up up waiting more for the slowest rider rather than helping them along.

 

[Chescadence]

That said, I average that on my normal routes which are rarely hilly unless I head into the mountains.

Most of my rides have between 300-900m of ascent in them so.

 

[boydj]

If the people in the group are all of a similar standard, then you could easily gain 2 mph and be doing less work than you would on your own. Above 15 mph, most of the work you do is to overcome wind resistance, so as long as you are not on the front you are sheltered from most of the wind.

Group rides are great for socialising as well and make it easy to put in the long miles if you are training for an event. Of course you have to spend some time at the front or your new friends won't be friends for long.

 

[Rob3rt]

You shouldn't necessarily think along the lines of mph gained, but in % energy saved.

 

[cyberknight]

You shouldn't necessarily think along the lines of mph gained, but in % energy saved.

+1
How long can you hold your top line speed ?
If your only having to do it for a small amount of time before someone else takes a turn at the front and you draft you can literally be freewheeling at times or soft pedaling as they reckon you can save 30-40% in the pack.
Went out Sunday for a 27 mile ride at for me fast pace solo and my legs were more tired than if i had rode double that on a club run at a similar pace.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I've always been a solo rider but have often thought about joining a club. I like the sound of the social side of club rides. Didn't realise you would save around 30% energy levels.

 

[Sittingduck]

I reckon you will only make big savings in a fast T&O. A lot depends on the type of rider you are, imho.

 

[Boris Bajic]

It is faster (MUCH FASTER) riding as part of a group.

However, the advantage diminishes to zero (and ultimately becomes a disadvantage) if your destination is not their destination.

It's all very well knocking along at an average of 23mph, but not if you end up in Bognor and were only going to Woking.

I mean no disrespect to the residents of either Bognor or Woking, both of which are probably lovely places.

As ever, I hope I have helped.

 

[marzjennings]

Group riding is easily +2mph more that solo riding, maybe more. On group rides we'd hold 25mph for miles, with individuals taking turns at the front. But the group has to be experienced at pace riding as a tight group. Getting dropped from a fast moving group can be almost impossible to catch again (thank god for traffic lights).

 

[Chescadence]

Thanks guys!

Very useful responses; I've been seriously thinking about joining a club! Even more thought now..

C

 

[Boris Bajic]

Thanks guys!

Very useful responses; I've been seriously thinking about joining a club! Even more thought now..

C

Join one.

If you don't like it you can leave.

If you don't join, you'll still be wondering.

You've missed the horrid months of frozen noses and slidey tarmac. Take advantage of the emerging spring.

Here endeth the....