noob question about riding..

chiv30
chiv30 Posts: 49
edited March 2012 in Health, fitness & training
Hi everyone , ill start by saying I have searched the forum for this so if I have missed it by all means point me in the right direction first then stone me later :)
Right , simple question, what is perceived as a beginners / intermediate/ great avg speed over 10 mile of relatively flat tow path and tarmac whilst riding an MTB ?

When I first started my commute to work I found I was averaging about 8mph, after about two months of riding I'm now upto just under 14mph so I'm trying to gauge where I stand in the grand scheme of things
Cheers for any help

Comments

  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Don't worry about it, some people are just faster than others also the type of bike you ride will make massive differences, sounds like your fitness is improving so try to gauge your speed on your ability.

    but in answer to your question,

    12 mile commute to work on full suss, 34lb bike, average 11mph, thats a combination of on/off road hills/flat stuff, same route on the way home 14mph (more downhill).

    This was a couple of years ago so probably not as fast now.
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    14mph is a good average for a ride to work, allowing for traffic etc. That would put you at a moderate level of fitness, capable of riding with most groups, except maybe those who like to ride really fast and long. Although thats more stamina rather than speed based. Probably wouldnt be entering too many races yet, but on the right track.
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    i used to average 14mph on a 7.5 mile commute to work. i'd say i'm average fitness, middle of the pack really.

    i was riding a hardtail with the forks locked out and conti race kings on if that helps :D
  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,594
    chiv30 wrote:
    Hi everyone , ill start by saying I have searched the forum for this so if I have missed it by all means point me in the right direction first then stone me later :)
    Right , simple question, what is perceived as a beginners / intermediate/ great avg speed over 10 mile of relatively flat tow path and tarmac whilst riding an MTB ?

    When I first started my commute to work I found I was averaging about 8mph, after about two months of riding I'm now upto just under 14mph so I'm trying to gauge where I stand in the grand scheme of things
    Cheers for any help

    Personally i think avg speed over distance has no bearing to if your a bigginer/intermediate adn that is downt o technical skill's to me, but for an more xc rider this would be different. this is to me a pure indication of pedal fitness.
  • chiv30
    chiv30 Posts: 49
    thanks all for the input
    if it matters its a hardrock sport disc with fox vanilla r32 fork which I just ramp the rebound up to full to get it as close to locked out as I can , I've also switched the wheels and tyres to run bontrager h4s just for the commute , and all in weighs 28lb iirc

    tbh I'm currently doing more road/ towpath riding than xc as I'm off to the alps in July and want to climb huez and perhaps I've made the mistake of thinking a higher avg speed is an indication of my fitness level in prep for it ...

    I would agree though, that is ,say I'm moderately fit

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