I was thinking about this thread as I was looking at veloviewer. Since I got my new bike, I've been worried that it's slower than my older bike which was exacerbated by the fact I commuted to work yesterday on my old bike and was quicker by 2mph. However, if I look at the rides from this year with the new bike compared to the old bike, I've done 2,500ft of climbing on the new bike and 500ft on the old one (for a similar distance). So it makes sense that the new bike has been slower due to the terrain!!
Why is my average speed so low?
- Thread starter RichardB
- Start date
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Citius
Guest
You mean you've been slower. It's not the bike's fault.
Yeah, I do! I should've said that it makes sense that the rides I've done on the new bike have been slower.
Joshua Plumtree
Approaching perfection from a distance.
...or fast enough.
Justinslow
Lovely jubbly
- Location
- Suffolk
Arrrr, but you want to be bowling along the flat at 22 mph not 16-17! And effort is good, you need effort!
OP
OP
RichardB
Slightly retro
- Location
- West Wales
Not really. Not even the maths, which I understand. It was asking for other people's experiences of the effect of terrain on average speed, and wondering if my own was typical. I only mentioned my fitness (or relative lack of it) in the original post to try to avoid people focusing on that aspect. Obviously, I didn't do that very well.
OP
OP
RichardB
Slightly retro
- Location
- West Wales
I was resting from all the bastard hills. Cut me some slack!
Citius
Guest
I don't really understand what your issue is. Assuming you understand what makes an average speed, then scientifically, it follows that everyone else's experience will be exactly the same as yours. Because everyone else is subject to the same laws of physics that you are.
And if you are - as you said in your first post - 'disappointed' with your average speed, then that is something which can easily be addressed by improving your fitness. Or keeping to flat routes.
Justinslow
Lovely jubbly
- Location
- Suffolk
If your riding involves loads of hills, then yes your average speed will be lower than that on more flatter terrain, just looking at some of my strava rides and I'm getting up some of the hills around 12 mph.........
Justinslow
Lovely jubbly
- Location
- Suffolk
True but not "easy" it's chuffing hard work
Citius
Guest
Smurfy
Naturist Smurf
- Location
- Smurfette's Kitchen
I don't average more than about 13mph on a hilly ride, although I do have the excuse of being on fixed wheel. I could probably go a bit faster, but it would take away the enjoyment, so I happily pootle along, gawping at the view as I go.
jonny jeez
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chislehurst, Kent, UK
I think its feasible that your new bike could be slower.
Fatter tyres, different gearing, heavier frame...all possibilities. If it feels slower on the same commute, either it could be or perhaps you are still adjusting to it and yet to find its sweet spot.
If it's none of those and the weather is the same...then I'm afraid it only leaves the engine...which may be in need of an MOT.
