Acceptable Commuting Pace

stu-bim

I have been commuting for three months and enjoying it. I have a Raleigh RX 2.0, cx bike and notice that times have kinda stagnated around 1hr 20m (20.7 miles) which is average 15.5 mph, mostly as I am not pushing hard lately. Happy to be getting around 100 miles per week, healthier and losing some weight (properly). I would rather get consistent for the rest of the year than do too much too soon.

What is a acceptable commuting pace for a 20 mile RT? Something that I could aim for after a year of cycling. It is a countryside cycle with next to no traffic and obviously any hills even out on a round trip but very windy.

pangolin

3 laps of Richmond Park is 20 miles, and the general target is 1 hour. The extra .7 will make that hard, but doable now and then on a good day with kind wind.

Not every day though. Maybe 1:10 would be more of a regular target?

Drfabulous0

I was under the impression that the only pace acceptable was slightly faster than the guy in front.

meanredspider

Far too many variables to answer: wind, elevation, temperature, road surface, bike, tyres, clothing.

The key thing is improvement

MrSweary

meanredspider wrote:

The key thing is improvement

This. If you are getting some personal bests each week, given comparable conditions, you're doing fine.

MonkeyMonster

pangolin wrote:

3 laps of Richmond Park is 20ish miles, and the general target is 1 hour

Actually you have to be really quite fit to do this - it's not a trivial challenge...

pangolin

MonkeyMonster wrote:

pangolin wrote:

3 laps of Richmond Park is 20ish miles, and the general target is 1 hour

Actually you have to be really quite fit to do this - it's not a trivial challenge...

I failed pretty miserably the first time I tried. But it wouldn't be a fun challenge if it was easy! Of course, I do have a real bike...

clarkey cat

stu-bim wrote:

I have been commuting for three months and enjoying it. I have a Raleigh RX 2.0, cx bike and notice that times have kinda stagnated around 1hr 20m (20.7 miles) which is average 15.5 mph, mostly as I am not pushing hard lately. Happy to be getting around 100 miles per week, healthier and losing some weight (properly). I would rather get consistent for the rest of the year than do too much too soon.

What is a acceptable commuting pace for a 20 mile RT? Something that I could aim for after a year of cycling. It is a countryside cycle with next to no traffic and obviously any hills even out on a round trip but very windy.

If you're commuting in Barbados just take your time and enjoy the view.

spasypaddy

the acceptable speed when commuting is the one that gets you to and from work safely in traffic.

MonkeyMonster

pangolin wrote:

MonkeyMonster wrote:

pangolin wrote:

3 laps of Richmond Park is 20ish miles, and the general target is 1 hour

Actually you have to be really quite fit to do this - it's not a trivial challenge...

I failed pretty miserably the first time I tried. But it wouldn't be a fun challenge if it was easy! Of course, I do have a real bike...

Indeed I don't atm, but given that it gave my brother a reasonable 2-3 avg speed increase I am looking forward to what a "proper" bike can do... But also annoyingly put me squarely into the firing line as my fcn halves!

navt

Blackheath <-> Central London 8 miles, avg. 13.8 mph safely and comfortably. My commute is not a race. It's really down to your route and mind.

meanredspider

spasypaddy wrote:

the acceptable speed when commuting is the one that gets you to and from work safely in traffic.

What's this "traffic" you speak of?

Agent57

navt wrote:

My commute is not a race.

Get. Out.

itboffin

meanredspider wrote:

spasypaddy wrote:

the acceptable speed when commuting is the one that gets you to and from work safely in traffic.

What's this "traffic" you speak of?

Nope doesnt ring a bell

Kieran_Burns

navt wrote:

Blackheath <-> Central London 8 miles, avg. 13.8 mph safely and comfortably. My commute is not a race. It's really down to your route and mind.

Someone seems to think mine is