Acceptable Commuting Pace

stu-bim
stu-bim Posts: 384
edited April 2013 in Commuting chat
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.
Raleigh RX 2.0
Diamondback Outlook
Planet X Pro Carbon

Comments

  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,311
    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?
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • Drfabulous0
    Drfabulous0 Posts: 1,539
    I was under the impression that the only pace acceptable was slightly faster than the guy in front.
    <center><font><b>My Scott</b></font></center>
    <center><font><b>My Kinesis</b></font></center>
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    Far too many variables to answer: wind, elevation, temperature, road surface, bike, tyres, clothing.

    The key thing is improvement
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • MrSweary
    MrSweary Posts: 1,699
    meanredspider wrote:
    The key thing is improvement

    This. If you are getting some personal bests each week, given comparable conditions, you're doing fine.
    Kinesis Racelite 4s disc
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  • MonkeyMonster
    MonkeyMonster Posts: 4,628
    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...
    Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
    The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,311
    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...
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • clarkey cat
    clarkey cat Posts: 3,641
    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.
    Dolan Mythos
  • spasypaddy
    spasypaddy Posts: 5,180
    the acceptable speed when commuting is the one that gets you to and from work safely in traffic.
    BMC TM01 - FCN 0
    Look 695 (Geared) - FCN 1
    Bowman Palace:R - FCN 1
    Cannondale CAAD 9 - FCN 2
    Premier (CX) - FCN 6
    Premier (fixed/SS) - FCN3
  • MonkeyMonster
    MonkeyMonster Posts: 4,628
    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!
    Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
    The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
  • navt
    navt Posts: 374
    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
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    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? :wink:
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • Agent57
    Agent57 Posts: 2,300
    navt wrote:
    My commute is not a race.

    Get. Out.

    :lol:
    MTB commuter / 531c commuter / CR1 Team 2009 / RockHopper Pro Disc / 10 mile PB: 25:52 (Jun 2014)
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,052
    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? :wink:

    Nope doesnt ring a bell
    Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
    Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
    Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
    Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
  • Kieran_Burns
    Kieran_Burns Posts: 9,757
    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 :lol:

    cyclerace_zps79c13a21.png
    Chunky Cyclists need your love too! :-)
    2009 Specialized Tricross Sport
    2011 Trek Madone 4.5
    2012 Felt F65X
    Proud CX Pervert and quiet roadie. 12 mile commuter

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