Why You Should Care About Your Average Cycling Speed

As cyclists, we often incorporate interval training into our rides-pushing through brief efforts followed by recovery periods. Yet, it's equally crucial to pay attention to our average speed overall, not just in efforts. Improving this metric can significantly enhance our efficiency on the bike!
From boosting performance and tracking progress to helping plan your routes, understanding your average speed can significantly improve your cycling experience! Join Conor as he explores why average speed matters.
Does average speed matter? 0:00
Why average speed is so important 0:22
Route Planning 1:18
Group Rides 2:16
Understand Your Fitness 3:51
How to improve your average speed 5:22
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Is average speed something you've paid much attention to in the past? 🤔
Let us know in the comments below! 💬
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📹 11 Ways To Improve Your Average Speed On A Road Bike 👉 • 11 Ways To Improve You...
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[@gcn]

Do you care about your average speed? Or not? Let us know in the comments 👇

[@Alex-gl2dw]

In Strava? Not really. Because Strava includes all the stops and cofee breaks for calculating average speed, making this metric irrelevant for any sort of long rides. And another thing that makes it irrelevant - wind. Riders now are frequently using weather forecast apps to get KOMs on segments. It's nice to see I've done a fast segment, but it is impacted by so many factors (traffic, elevation, weather, road quality, riding in a group or solo, etc.) that it's kinda pointless. Train with power and HR and stop obsessing over speed.

[@ABlanch]

Traffic is most often the biggest factor, especially if you ride out and back into a city or town

[@ToOldToTurnProcycling]

I've just completed a Gran Fondo in the Sierra Nevada ( Spain ), it was the last 24km of 114km that dropped my average speed as it was uphill with an elevation gain of over 2000 meters. Up to that point I made sure I was holding 26kmph, sometimes due to down hill sections.

[@zauliuz]

yes and no. i prefer HR and cadence,

[@rosariobenjamin]

I care about it on my stationary bike, but just enjoy the ride when I'm outside.

[@easternbrown]

My speed has always been very average

[@JimKJeffries]

Hell yeah

[@Helldivers2Guy]

lol. Mine is below average

[@JimKJeffries]

@@Helldivers2Guy agreed. I have had days where I walked my ride rather than ride her.

[@keithd938]

🤣🤣me too

[@JonCannings]

😂

[@R20VT100M]

Once you start focussing on average speed you can never go back. Every ride turns into a race, even against yourself :)

[@secretagent86]

I fell into that trap…but with my garmin i ride to heart rate now… found i did too much in zones 3-4. Shocking how much less intense the ride is just 2 km per hour slower. Still i do track average speed because i am a numbers guy.

[@erlendsteren9466]

@@secretagent86 I too use my heart rate watch as speedometer :) On some of my long rides I keeps my heartrate zone 2 low to avoid getting tired early and keeping fresh for most of the ride.

[@gcn]

It's okay it not look now and again! You've got to keep things fun 🙌

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Sounds miserable.

[@MiddleAgedMike]

Average speed is useful if you ever want to try and race at any level. I for one found that if I slowed my cadence down and barely increased my power my speed increased. Then I refined my body position and further increased my speed all while maintaining my heart rate. It’s just a data point for efficiency. if you don’t care about that and every ride is just for fun tracking heart rate power and all the rest is a waste of time too.

Not using any electronics anymore on my bike has been one of my best decisions. Sure, sometimes it would be nice to know how much i've ridden or how fast i was going, but overall it gives back the joy of riding. I just go out and ride, sometimes slow down to enjoy the scenery, or sprint up a hill just for the sake of it with an unknown heart rate. If i wanted to train more seriously, it would be different, but now this freedom is way more valuable (and i still get fit)

[@MsTatakai]

i do the same but with a computer to know my current speed, avg, max distance, ambient temperature and the best one MAX VELOCITY! yeeeeee! XD

@@MsTatakai so... you're not doing the same :D

[@johnandrus3901]

I ride the same routes that I have ridden for years. I know the mileage, so I know my average speed at the end of a ride, but I really don't cars anymore. I still keep my computer on the bike, as seems like there is something missing when it isn't there.

[@GoldfishMemory12]

I turned up to the start of RideLondon a few years back having left my Garmin at home by accident. It's one of the best rides I've ever had! I didn't have to worry about power, speed heart rate or anything else - I just rode on feel. The only thing I'm slightly gutted about was that I didn't realise how close I was to finishing in under 5 hrs until afterwards...

[@questgivercyradis8462]

A map up front is nice in newer regions, and heads up about climbs. I'll switch the screen to that instead of stats. Too many stats up there and it is just distracting.

[@shatnersbassoon7155]

I became a bit obsessed with my average speed and it ruined my enjoyment with cycling. Any time I didn't complete my ride with a "good" average speed, that ride would be written off as a bad ride. During the ride, as well, I would be looking at the average speed field on my head unit and get frustrated that it was lower than it should be. I have since removed the average speed field from my head unit, and my enjoyment in cycling has magically returned!

[@daviddawn9043]

This is so true sometimes you just go for a ride and enjoy it rather than worry about how fast you are but that said instill find myself pushing to reach a desired average mph.. lol but I'm on control

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Yep - sometimes you can take the fun out of things by getting too obsessed by it ... I had a friend that become obssessed by the MPG of his car ... ended up turning every journey in to a stress ..

[@gcn]

it can be an obsession for some! Whatever makes you happy, makes us happy!

[@Mr.A_nyc]

I've had the same issue. Realized that I LIKE going for bikerides too much.. doing them fast just gets them over faster.

[@yukiko_5051]

Well it's not like you're a pro that get paid to go fast anyway

[@philg7889]

Cycling for speed is like going on holiday and being obsessed about how comfortable the bed is. There's so much more to holidays, and cycling. Be careful you don't forget to enjoy yourself.

[@gcn]

You're right! Enjoyment is oh so important, and going on holiday is about jumping in the pool/sea! Forget how comfortable the bed is!

[@erlendsteren9466]

You are right! My mother is very clever and tells me to cool down and enjoy the scenery. I think that if I go to fast I get a kind of tunnelsight, and dont fully enjoy the nature. Friday morning a deer was standing besides the road. I liked to watch it.

[@specialk824]

Next week: “Why average speed doesn’t matter”

[@fredericaudet25]

The bad thing about average speed is "security". Wanting to improve it increase your chance of taking risks at junctions and/or going too fast on busy area. Not sure many of your viewer starts their Strava only on the part of their ride that is safe to go faster. Don't be TOO obsessed with speed folks.

[@rundown132]

Agreed, applies to anyone that lives in a city

[@user-ee2tl2qr9x]

Yeah, it ends up like the movie Speed at some point

[@markkabuto]

Absolutely this. However, the video mentions different reasons as well. Bottom line: Don't take average speed as a goal, but as a tool.

[@del4189]

Living in London it's traffic that kills my average speed.

[@markdavis8430]

Dog walkers for me ✌️ bud

[@wildsurfer12]

Getting to an average speed is what Richmond Park is for.

[@brianphillips7696]

Funny. Being a fat old fart has been the biggest issue slowing me down. Lol

[@del4189]

@@wildsurfer12 Actually thats where i go, but it's getting there and back thats the problem.

[@gcn]

But we bet you have a great cycling community in London?

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Why does everything have to be about speed? Who gives a shit if you are not a club racer etc?. As an older rider i just love riding my bikes with friends and the wife or just alone. I love looking at the scenery finding things you would never see speeding along at top speed or in the car. I feel GCN sometimes forgets how many people in the cycling community are of retirement age or at least over 50 far more people are older rarther than unfortunately younger and that is something to be concerned about!!

[@JohnIball]

I'm an an older rider and I'm paranoid about getting injured by doing too much for current fitness level - unfortunately this has happened a few times. Having some idea of average speed on different bikes and terrain means I can carefully increase the duration of my rides by no more than 10% each week. So for me it's not about going faster, it's about not going too far.

[@rob-c.]

Average speed doesn’t mean ‘going fast’ though. As Connor explains, knowing your average speed also allows you to know how long it will take to complete a route, or get home - which says nothing about whether that’s at 10mph or 20mph.

[@alancampbell1161]

At my age (78), I find average speeds are the best way to keep track of fitness, especially as I have some rides I do regularly. My almost daily 16.8 Km workout takes in a mixture of sealed and dirt roads and is quite hilly. Done on a mountain bike (my roadies would not like the rough stuff), 20KPH is my ideal average and can be achieved under the right conditions, but very early mornings, on an empty stomach, in cold dense air and wearing a not very aero jacket knocks it down to around 18KPH. Road bike rides I try to keep about 25KPH, over about 40Km, and again dependent on conditions. The other thing I discovered quite a few years ago is that working this way on shortish training rides serves well when tackling longer event rides of 100Km or more. You don't need to train over long distances if you do continuous solid work on shorter ones. Just my observations over the past 15 or so years.

[@jakubprzybylak4938]

Personally, I don’t look at my metrics and focus on breathing and fueling. If I drank enough, ate enough, and breath only trough my nose, I treat it as my optimal cruising speed for flats. Don’t go too hard on climbs, don’t let go on downhills. Come home, finish a workout on Strava, and spend a gratification moment thinking “I’m not so big of a slouch” 😂

[@gcn]

Great to hear you've found a system that works for you 🙌 It's all about enjoying the ride!

[@freylee88]

Maybe for the newbies. I was like that before, thinking how fast I was when I was just sucking wheels. Then I started going solo and realized how weak I was. Now, training with power & heart rate is the way to improve.

[@gcn]

Hahaha those solo ride times can be pretty humbling can't they 🤣

[@JFomo]

I use to care about it but once you achievement unlock 30kph average you move on. These days I look at power. Power > Average speed.

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

Absolutely. I've been saying that to myself but most normie cyclists don't get it.

[@user-bq7pg7lp1o]

And Fun >> Power. If I have a good ride, feel good with my body, enjoy the countryside or the mountains, come back home happy and relaxed, who gives a dam' about speed, power etc?

[@gcn]

Speed can be a tricky one! Especially when you're looking at doing different routes! Power is a great metric but not everyone has access to these numbers

[@JFomo]

@@gcn Everyone should aim to get a powermeter if they want to become a better cyclist. If they're not serious about cycling and training then I doubt they are are watching these videos.

[@SweetappleC]

I really value these short videos covering the smaller topics. Excellent as a checklist, and I always seem to pick up something new.

[@gcn]

We're happy that you find them useful!

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Great points Conor! Couldn't agree more! Particularly around group ride expectations. One thing I particularly appreciated about our Northumberland Hills Cycling Club (Ontario) was clearly defined parameters to which we ride leaders were held for each level. This prevented disaster of someone biting off more tan they could chew. Also articulated was which rides had sweeps. Keeping the leaders from getting carried away was the biggest problem but buying them speedometer if they didn't have head units made all the difference. Perceived effort is so individual and the average speed on the unit keeps everyone honest, builds inclusion and prevents disappointment! Love this content!

[@jb86549]

When cycling around my familiar loops I find I am much happier ignoring this and just focusing on perceived effort and keeping in Z2 (conversation pace, not obsessing about HR either). One trap is working too hard at the end to come in at say 27.0 rather than 26.9, a second risk is being a bit too casual about traffic especially at junctions, a third is feeling obliged to start quick rather than gradually warm up the muscles. I’ll keep an eye on it once or twice a week on harder efforts.

[@rcrosby9]

Totally agree! I’ve found myself doing really dumb things with regard to traffic because I was stupidly focused on completing my ride with a “good” average speed. A few years ago I removed the average speed from my bike computer views and chose to ignore it completely - a decision that has increased my ride enjoyment immensely.

[@gcn]

It's cool to hear that you want to keep your rides chilled 🙌 Zone 2 is the way to go! Did you see what zone 2 did for Manon? 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWPRYYmbd9Ofpq8

[@zubayrbhyat8077]

Useful to a point. I rode out with my mtb with a roadie friend. The avg speed was way higher than my usual, and it was more about us keeping to a good average than a particular speed.

[@SteveCyclistNo1]

I do the same route as regular training & alternate the “push”, so one ride I take it easy zone 2 ish & enjoy, then try to improve every other ride. I’ve seen a gradual improvement in my times that way without making every ride a gruelling grind!

[@krazy1z]

Since getting back on after injury and illness, I seem to still be stuck between 3 and 4 MPH behind my previous average speed. I hate it casue I used to be so much faster and could maintain the higher speeds for a lot longer

[@barrycorney3665]

I'm off to Pollensa on Friday and plan to bike for 6 of the 7 days I'm there. Zone 2 it will be and that includes Formentor and Sa Calobra (or however low I can keep it in 34/34 lol)... Planning to turn the Garmin into power save screen so I actually pay more attention to the road (right hand side dangers), signs and the scenery.... Been practicing up Cairngorm a few times a week just focussing on breathing, starting slow and finding the right pace- yes- using the old perceived rate of exertion or whatever it was called back in the day....And I'm even sitting here with my SPD's and Shimano XC100 shoes off the indoor bike and wondering whether just to take them instead of the SL's as I can stop and walk about a bit rather than just stay on the bike.... I don't get hung up about average speed though, no two days are the same even on regular rides I do...(though curiously I've noticed I'm fastest on days with no wind!)

[@chrisduffill5248]

I agree you need to know , but also helps figure different zone riding as well as no one can keep going at max pace for a long ride so if you truly want to do longer rides understanding your capabilities are key in this .

[@johnandrus3901]

I don't worry about average speed. I ride a couple of routes where I have to cross major roads in the city. Waiting for traffic to clear or the light to turn green, can be a few minutes during the daytime. If I wanted to, I could pause my cycling computer and restart it when I start going again, but that is just not necessary. I do ride a couple of routes with minimal stops, but they can be very busy during regular hours, so I only ride them during certain days and times. I'm 66 and ride about 15-18 mph, which is about 24 to 29 kph, on a 25 mile ride. The average speed can get knocked down quite a bit, when having to stop at all the intersections.

[@stickymiky123]

You know you can set your head unit to pause automatically ?

[@johnandrus3901]

@@stickymiky123 I have an older unit that won't do that. It does almost everything that the newer units do, except that it only does cadence or heart rate, not both at the same time. No power meter either, which I don't need.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Conor and crew...I use it to know how slow I am in comparison to others , and to know my limitations for , group rides , etc....yessir ...I am a Sloth , and proud !

[@gcn]

`Nothing wrong with living life at party pace 🙌 We're here for it!

[@theeightytwentyrule]

I find checking the wind speed and direction can help as well with route planning.

[@marcrubin5962]

If it’s an out and back, always do the headwinds for the first half!

[@gcn]

We've made this mistake a few times 🥵💨

[@stevedouglas3975]

It's road to madness though. I tend to average a modest 13-17mph depending upon terrain. However, if I ride exact same route as I'd previously done but it was say 0.5mph average slower than previously I get disappointed. Unless you are young and very fit it's a law of diminishing returns.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :) Very Insightful :)

[@tonynolan4498]

GCN, you've surprised (disappointed?) me! Avg speed of all the metrics available out there carries the most variables and IMO is the biggest problem/obsession that Strava has brought to cycling.. Wind, uphill, downhill, rolling, group, solo, all affect your speed. Head out and avg 40kph on your local group ride ..now try it yourself :)....HR/PWR even KJ are far more accurate to let you know where your fitness level is....most importantly, Enjoy the ride :)

[@gcn]

don't worry, over everything we want everyone to enjoy the ride!

[@peternewton2200]

That’s all covered in the video and what average speed can/ should be used for.

[@paulgrimshaw8334]

Knowing one’s average speed helps in route planning and gauging fitness, providing the latter is linked to heart rate. Caring about average speed is another matter that depends on what one chooses to get out of a ride. Im a fitness rider, so my goal is to have my average speed and moving average be within 0.1 kmh of each other (which means that I don’t stop except for things like lights and stop signs). The clock, speedo and HR monitor are my fitness task masters. I do enjoy the sense of accomplishment from a hard ride.

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

I really like doing exploring rides, just traveling down various side roads with no real plan as to where I go beyond a general direction. Built a bike specifically for doing so (wider, semi-slick tires). I've gotten really good at estimating distances, by doing so.

[@JonCannings]

Exploring by bike is fantastic

[@straycat1115]

Thanks for explaining the obvious at great length.

[@johndunbar2393]

I ride gravel roads in Kansas, on a gravel bike, XC bike and a fat bike. I have several different loops/routes, that range from 8 miles to 30 miles and I use average MPH to compete with myself. I keep all my PR's for each different bike, on each route, on my phone and compare after each ride. There's tons of variables at play. Especially, considering the wind in Kansas, being what it is, but it's still nice to be able to have a goal to strive for and a marker to beat.

[@trident999]

Every ride is unique.

[@CRcyclist]

Average speed matters to me for practical reasons because I like doing long rides (100 km and mi and the occasional 200K). My range of average speeds for my typical routes results in over a one-hour difference in finishing times. In other words, when I'm fit and performing well, I can finish a route over an hour faster than when I have mediocre fitness/performance. This matters because I might have responsibilities and/or social plans after a long weekend ride, or for formal organized events, I'd want to finish when most other riders (and the food!) are still there. The extra time out on the road can also mean more time in the heat and exposure to the sun, more time away from a proper meal, and more time away from family and friends. Available daylight for late-finishing rides is also an important consideration. Sure, 15-60 minutes more or less shouldn't always matter-and of course, if I've made the decision to do a longer ride, one of my reasons is likely to maximize my time outdoors to enjoy the scenery-but realistically for the initial reasons I stated above, average speed can matter. At the very least, even if I'm going "slow" on a long ride, I want the option (i.e., the fitness and ability) to go faster if I desired. (I shared this exact response under the community post and am sharing here again, for the algorithm! 😀)

[@gcn]

That's really interesting point! We've heard similar opinions from ultra distance riders 🙌 They are always amazed at the time those further down the leader-board can endure for. Often spending more time on the road can lead to lots of other issues. Do you find if you are unfit, you are cut your ride distances to get back at the same time?

[@CRcyclist]

@@gcn Good question, and my answer is sometimes yes! Most notably, this can affect what formal events I do and which routes I do. Perfect example: I have the choice between two different century events on June 1, and I also have a social event I will be attending that afternoon. One arguably has better scenery but also has about 300 m (915 ft) more elevation gain than the other over climbs that are more sustained. Knowing my average speed in general plus my average speed at the moment over climbs lasting more than a few minutes, my smart choice to allow me to attend my afternoon event at a reasonable time would be the flatter (or let's say "more aero-friendly" 😀) route. Also, the hills are much smaller on that route, and I am a puncheur, so I can play more to my strengths. By the way, I mention "aero" for a reason. I have an aero bike frame and the option to ride an aero wheelset, which I prefer. I want to give myself every opportunity to reach sustained higher speeds for as long as possible to take advantage of my aero setup, save watts, hopefully gain some bonus speed, and not be a hangry zombie at my social gathering after the ride. 😄

[@rickycalais3356]

I am aware of my average speed on every ride… but I’m in control enough to be able to ride hard one day, but then put in a spinning ride at a slower pace to let my legs rest. It’s not hard.

[@cilldaracyclist2822]

I commute to work 17-18km one way multiple days a week so having an idea of my average speed is pretty important because it helps me know how long it will take to get there pretty accurately.... if I know it's a headwind the whole way i know my average speed is gonna be much lower meaning I'd have to leave earlier than usual and vice versa if i have a strong tailwind

[@matt_acton-varian]

Knowing when average speed is a relevant metric is important! I ignore it on commutes and I don't compare rides between a hilly and flat routes. I only really use it for judging my pacing of a Time Trial, but I try to ride on feel as well in case I over or underestimate my ability.

[@martinhillyard4553]

I’m loving the comments to this as they mirror mine.im an older rider not built for speed!!for years I recorded my rides and just chased faster times,then I read an article on naked running (no

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Yep - have a set route that I tend to ride once every 3-4 weeks - 60km/2 hours give or take - don't ride it test my average speed, etc ... but its a good gauge for me, and has been steadily getting faster/quicker ... but don't take each ride too seriously - wind direction can make a reasonable difference ...

[@user-xi2xi7qd3s]

I used to care too much about my avg speed to the point that I was always chasing it. I removed it from my head unit and now only review it post ride.

[@joystation1]

I'm 66 and go riding 2 - 3 times a week. I have set myself a target average speed of 15 mph to help me say fit and healthy for as long as possible. I know that on routes with more climbing than usual my average speed will be lower and vice versa on routes with less climbing than usual. My average speed isn't so affected by wind speed so much since by finishing where you start from means you'll have head and tail winds in equal measure, provided the wind doesn't change direction during the ride ! You do however have to bear in mind the effects of wind direction and hills when comparing your average speed on the outward and return legs of your ride. A fast tailwind assisted outward leg usually means a slow slog on the return leg. I also found it interesting to see how my annual average speed over each of the last few years has remained pretty static which I'm pretty chuffed with, given my advancing years.

[@gcn]

Sounds like you're smashing it! You've certainly got the right idea - route choice will always make a huge difference to your average speed. The most important thing it you're staying active and enjoying yourself 🙌

[@Mgrant8163]

I'm right with you brother. At 65, I'm averaging 15 as well but I do understand that too much focus on average speed can be bad. One fun thing was that I switched to TPU tubes recently and increased my average speed almost .5 MPH. I could feel the lower rolling resistance a little but didn't' think it would show up in my stats that much. I switch off between monitoring my heart rate, cadence and average speed, and yes, the wind can be a big factor. Not just a head or tail wind but a cross wind as well. If it's too windy and I know that my speed will suffer on a ride, I'll just focus on something else.

[@dtsybulskyi]

Average speed might be useful for long steady rides with no stops, but if you live in metropolitan area, even if you stay on road with cars, your average speed sucks because of traffic lights, accelerations and freewheeling to the red light, stops, mergers, curb-side parked cars etc. I comfortably sit at 30km/h, but because of all the above, average speed is still around 20km/h. Same for cadence - it doesn't matter that you keep your cadence around 80-90 when pedaling, because of the stops etc. the average goes to 70. So for me I focus more on what's happening during the ride, and not the post-ride metrics.

[@87togabito]

I don’t need an average speed to tell me what my W/KG cannot already do. That said, my outdoor rides are ridden at Z2 pace, because what’s the point of a fully tricked out bike if you aren’t going slow enough for people to see?

[@pep20002425]

Just enjoy your ride and don't obsess about the data

[@gcn]

🙌do what's right for you!

[@gordonsmith3987]

Obsessing about the data is what motivates me to get out on the bike I like chasing segment times and racing myself

[@fredericaudet25]

@@gordonsmith3987 I may be bipolar on this. Stats IS a great part of my enjoyment of the sport, but riding for fun is really, REALLY a good idea too.

[@inz_uzi]

Not everyone rides for fun. Some of us ride to get faster.

[@stevedouglas3975]

@@inz_uzi What so you don't ride for fun? Guess you must be a pro then....🙄

[@ThePeter123a]

Strava also has pure uphill rides. I have many rides with video training on the Passo - Pordoi, Mortirolo or Mount Ventoux. If you drive the mountains on the road, you also have to go down again, which makes the average speed much higher.

[@johnhickie1107]

Knock me down with a feather. Based on your estimate, I'm actually average. With a nerve injury and a few paralysed muscles in one leg I base effort on my cadence rather than speed. Sustained cadence over 75 leads to nerve pain, so I simply use my computer to help me select the gear that lets me maintain that cadence. Happy to find out in this video that my overall speed, at the end of rides, is in your average range or a bit better - I simply don't monitor speed during my rides. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@overcookit1433]

From the beginning 31 years ago, the average speed was (and still is) the key for me. Especially in the first years, only fast rides were fun rides. Today, I focus more on split times, which I have in mind. By doing so, I can estimate whether my ride is going to be a base, tempo, threshold or VOmax ride; in case of zone 4 or zone 5, I return earlier home to avoid overcooking (which I did rather often in my earlier years - the reason for my nickname), and in case it is going to be a base or tempo-ride, I can add some extra kilometers.

[@Protraderforse]

Just have fun, enjoy the ride and scenery, and being in the zone, I have a cycle cumputer but its for distance, not bothered about average speed really

[@robdrelich8563]

It's also distance relevant. Shorter distances or fast Vs endurance rides affect this too.

[@jaspergeurts]

Average power is a better indicator of improvement as speed is influenced by too many variables. I’m doing Central Park laps with a club and can only gauge my effort by looking at power. Lap time or speed is the group effort. By the way @GCN, whenever you’re in NYC, you gotta ride with NYCC and make a video about the crazy fast morning laps. So much fun.

[@maximecounet2496]

I hope there's some kind of trade union within GCN : Conor seems to work impossible overtime as he's featured in several videos per day ! (great content as always, that said !)

[@MiddleAgedMike]

Average speed is useful if you ever want to try and race at any level. I for one found that if I slowed my cadence down and barely increased my power my speed increased. Then I refined my body position and further increased my speed all while maintaining my heart rate. It’s just a data point for efficiency. if you don’t care about that and every ride is just for fun tracking heart rate power and all the rest is a waste of time too.

[@opliko]

I just ride and use my garmin to make sure I'm not pushing too hard out of zone 2 on longer rides, my natural tendency is to stay near the top of zone 3 perceived effort wise. Speed/time/etc are all just numbers I look at after the ride, nice to see them improve, but not what I focus on.

[@markreams3192]

I track average speed to track fitness gains but it’s really just a rough estimate. If you ride in an area with a lot of traffic lights getting a good average speed is dependent on how many green lights you can get. In these instances I give more credence to what I’ve done on Strava segments. If I get a lot of PR’s without even trying on some, I know my fitness is on the rise. I look closer at average speed when I’m on bike paths for extended periods of time with no cross traffic to have to stop for. One such path is the Santa Ana river trail in Southern California. It’s a good test of fitness because it’s like riding a time trial for over twenty miles. Average speed needs to be looked at in the context of the ride as to how much traffic interference you may encounter on the route!

[@Aeronwor]

I use my average speed on my commute to gauge the condition of my bike and me. If it is off by more than the normal deviation, I have a lok at my bike, and think about how well rested I am, what my recent training load has been. If all those are ok, then I know it is something to do with me. It has been a great predictor to hen I am about to come down with the flu, a cold, or 1-day bug.

[@shepshape2585]

These are all fair points. I use average speed for one thing and one thing only, and that's to track my fitness. I use the polarized training method, which means I do most of my rides at endurance pace/heart rate. As my fitness improves, I'm able to ride faster while still maintaining that heart rate, and it also doesn't start to rise as quickly, known as cardiac drift. Cardiac drift is a great way to tell where your fitness is going, just as well as average speed.

[@johnflynn4923]

I used to have the speed displayed on my head unit and ride to attain a given average. I then rearranged the display to show heart rate / cadence and power and now go by heart rate zone (and power if doing intervals). The only time I know my speed these days is at the end of the ride and since I stopped focusing on speed as the metric it has gone up on average 10-15% on like for like rides.

[@anythingfor20bucks]

I live in a town where average speed clearly matters to many, i see them cherry picking routes and it's more than a coincidence the group who all know each other always average 19mph and won't be seen dead averaging 15mph (which is perfectly acceptable if it's lumpy)

[@donball370]

Traffic lights and busy high streets over the last few km always bust our average, so average speed is not our key performance metric but do find it's a fair time estimate for getting to a meet point, doing a ride and when doing events. Even spot on for keeping hydration and fuelling on-track over the duration of the ride 😁

[@johndoiron9615]

I'm training for a 100 mile ride in early August. I'm really hoping to build my speed along with my strength and lung capacity.

[@user-ee2tl2qr9x]

For those of us without power meters it is pretty much the only metric to use. I don't watch mine a lot but I like to make sure it stays over 30km/h for a full week of training (300km, mix of commuting, training, and group rides).

[@nizam_mr]

i ride solo, so my ave speed is relevant to my training towards my race type ; duathlon non-draft legal. for those ppl who do group rides, its dependent to what kind of race if they do some. the downside of groupride might be giving decieving capability one think he/she can cover the same distance at same pace or overestimate tad-down solo speed.

[@Mr.NotImportant-qu5rx]

Average speed can be calculated as your distance pedaled on your 🚲 divided by the time or your distance pedaled on your entire 🚲 ride divided by the time. Because I go grocery shopping and planning long trips like the 1000 kilometer roundtrip Shikoku Circuit in Japan (01-15JUN28), the latter average speed that factors in all the stop times is vital. We have two 100 kilometer rides then a 130 kilometer ride in the 11 day ride. We are training so we can get to our hotel before nightfall. Every 🍣 break, 🚽 break, ☕ break, and rest break counts against us getting to our hotel in time.

[@tobiasbouma4071]

The good thing about average speed is that it keeps you focused to keep pedaling, and for sure it makes zone2 and efficiency ("aero") rides more effective. The bad thing, and this one by a mile, is that it can make you take risks just to keep the number where it needs to be. Also, in some busier parts of the world fellow road users won't be expecting you to go over 25 kph. So I'm on the fence about this one, but the game of becoming more aero and practicing the tuck is a big one for me (also in terms of cycling enjoyment) so I hope that people are responsible and find a middle ground.

[@scottf3456]

The only time I use average speed is on a particular loop where I know traffic isn't going to be an issue and I only use that loop when I want to concern with average speed. Most of the time I'm using hr and power trying to stick to zones.

[@DanielEnochs]

My average speed is average 16 or 17 mph but of course varies depending on wind and how many hills.

[@andrewbird57]

Avg speed is how I measure my gains as a cyclist. I live adjacent to a 35 mile long paved bike trail in Sacramento, CA, no cars. I ride this trail almost exclusively My ride is a Fuji endurance bike. I'm 67. When I started riding regularly 2-1/2 year ago, my average speed was about 9.5 mph. Now it's about 15-16. Also, if I ride longer than about 25 miles, my average speed drops. Fatigue sets in after about 20 miles and I'm dogging it the final 5 miles to get home.

[@questgivercyradis8462]

I can go on my commuter at ~21-23km/hr (with the gps self-pausing at stops) average (including some rolling hills, unless I have a heavy load). I'm not entirely sure what I can hold on my road bike quite yet, but I suspect ~25km/hr depending on how long I am out. Would deliberately go slower to not tire myself if going out for a long day. I'm pretty prone to stopping for pretty views and snacks on long rides too, so I have to factor that into my planning. I am finding that for the longer rides I don't really want to have all my info in front of me constantly. Better off with the map. I can look at the analysis afterward, but during the ride all that info is quite nearly as bad as playing on a cellphone while riding. Nope.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

As has been sead by Connor, average speed greatly depends on the route you are taking, so it only stays comparable if you take the exact same route every time. Also, taking brakes changes the value even with automatic pausing activated on your computer. All said and done, if you want to compare, take the same route, and watch how long it takes you. And this is exactly what I've done with a simple wristwatch my memory and nothing else since I'm riding as probably anyone else ever did, I suppose.

[@VictorElGreco]

One of the dubious benefits of age 🤨 (and six decades of cycling) is that averages settle. I plan all my multi-day bike tours with a 20 kph expectation- which I often exceed. At the end of each day, I give myself a pat on the back and feel gratified to have met my modest goal.

[@mbdelker]

I do track my average speed as a gauge of how my fitness has improved over time! 18 months ago my rides averaged around 15 mph because I had been sedentary for years. Now my rides are averaging in the high 17s. But I do find myself getting obsessed at times, so maybe I should do a ride or two with my head unit out of sight and just ride by feel and see what happens?!

[@Flint_Westwood]

I've generally used average speed (rightly or wrongly) to gauge my fitness. I have a few routes that I do weekly, where my average is around ~20mph. Often on club rides, I'll go with "the fast group" where 22mph average is possible because i like to challenge myself a bit. I used to get a little obsessed with average speed initially but quickly realised that so many factors can affect it like traffic, weather, tiredness (I don't get anywhere near enough sleep) etc.. Now, I just like to ride, especially in groups, and try not to focus too much on the average speed.

[@gcn]

whatever works for you! Just enjoy riding the bike 👍

[@grahamballard7041]

I am interested in my average speed to a degree. At 73 I have enough experience to know how the various contingencys that occurre can affect it. However I am insanely competitive especially with myself. I just don't obsess about it. I could never ride without my computer though as I need to monitor my arythmia.

[@jonathansprenkle8466]

Hey! It was sunny in that video!

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

This Video turns my 🚲 down time in to work

[@carbonconstruct]

What made the greatest difference in my average speed for me is the weather. Once temperatures get colder I drop up to 5kph average, but overall it seems impossible to improve. Weirdly being on a racey 2x11 gravel bike made me a lot slower compared to my MTB for some reason. No clue why.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Fit a magnet cycle computer. Have it on Auto start/stop and never reset it. Display Avg Spd. Take monthly jottings if you wish.

[@SecondPlaceInTheGeneticLottery]

Been doing this a long time, all across the US., and only people I've encountered, who ever talk about their average speed during rides are tourists or recreational riders. Racers might talk about average speed of a race, but never heard them talk about average speed of a training ride.

[@ahnilatedahnilated7703]

I don't really care about average speeds on my rides. I just do a distance, say 50km/day, and adjust my intensity from there. Typically doing 27kmh average on all my rides now.

[@davidzof]

I ride at lunch time a lot, so the time it takes to complete various loops is important and I guess you could say that is average speed.

[@531c]

I have 3 regular routes varying in distance from 28 miles to 40 to 75 miles. Vastly different average speeds as some routes im baulked by crossing roads, super steep hills neccitating hard braking and loss of benefit of having climbed in the first place. Notwithstanding that i base my own fitness on trends over the same route over time

[@andrewcharlesworth2512]

As a mountain biker never worried about it until I started road biking and wanted to measure my progress over similar routes…..

[@andresp.1774]

If anything, I am learning to care less and less about average speed and just enjoy my rides! Is it a nice number? Sure. Does it tell the full story? Not quite.

[@pierce9128]

During any races (triathlon) I always try to average 30kmph, would love to be able to average another kmph or 2 or 30kph seems to be my limit. Whatever the distance. 20 or 40km I always seem to just average 30kph

[@tn9274]

I don't particularly focus on avg speed, because of varied road condition. instead, I try to keep the current speed at least 30kph as long as the route allows to feel that I'm exercising. not a leisure ride.

[@MrEcted]

Personally, I go by average heart rate. I have varying goals when I ride, whether that be long zone 2 rides, or shorter Z3-4 rides, or rides where I do intervals, etc. I honestly don't really pay much attention to speed, it kinda just is what it is. I do like to see that number go up over time while maintaining the same heart rate as previous rides though!

[@greggsenne1268]

If you ride regularly, you will likely gain fitness, especially if you're new to the sport or have been away for a while. An inability to gain or maintain fitness could indicate a medical condition such as a metabolic disorder or a heart issue. Some people ride mainly for pleasure, but they still seek some level of fitness. Point being that regardless of your fitness goals, if you're having difficulties in reaching them it could be a sign of some underlying health issue.

[@timrichardson2]

Does that Strava average speed stat include mtb and Gravel as well? If so it's not reflective of the average speed on a road bike.

[@FrekeOne]

it is per ride, not overall because that does not make sense.

[@mommamooney]

My speed outdoors is limited by my comfort level. I’m really not very comfortable going at the higher speeds in this point of my cycling journey

[@awavey]

average speed is good for all the reasons you mention about being able to predict roughly how long rides will take or how long youll take to finish, and riding the same loop alot of the time flattens out most of the variability of wind, traffic,bike setup, clothing etc. So its a useful yardstick. Where its bad is obsessing about it, or thinking it was important to increase to catch up others, as reading lots of comments here Im woefully slow in comparison to alot of riders,Im happy to average 20kph though I still somehow overtake a fair few riders on the road, so maybe not everyones as honest to themselves about their own numbers.

[@brandonk2606]

This is a bad take. Average speed is probably the worst piece of data to focus on. It can change based on wind, traffic, riding solo vs group, etc. too many factors. More important to look at power to see if you’re improving, if power meter is too expensive, heart rate is also better than speed.

[@MiddleAgedMike]

He says all that in the video other than your opinion that paying attention to your average speed is the “worst piece of data”. Average speed is useful if you ever want try a race at any level. I for one found that if I slowed my cadence down and barely increased my power my speed increased. Then I refined my body position and further increased my speed all while maintaining my heart rate. It’s just a data point for efficiency. if you don’t care about that and every ride is just for fun tracking heart rate power and all the rest is a waste of time too.

[@garagesale5948]

It is not how fast you go, it is how little you slow down.

[@kasperpaisa4245]

Focus on average speed is not important. It is more important to enjoy yourself. Often I don't even take a bike computer with me. That is cycling in its purest form

[@walterberry8703]

As a 70 year old I use my average speed to gauge how long it's going to take to do my rides, I use a Garmin edge 530 but I've noticed when I heavily wooded lanes and tracks my actual speed on the Garmin drops by 4-5 mph will this affect average speed

[@funnyanimalworld7579]

I did 100km and first 25 i did in one hour but after that it went down and whole trip average was 16kmh also i am not sure if it takes brakes and punctured tube that took some time for me to change. If yes then probably my average could have been up to 20kmh

[@cyberphonic]

When I stopped caring about statistics, I started to enjoy cycling.

[@garykeen1]

Am I the only person in the UK who rides in MPH?! I honestly dont get it, our road signs and cars all use MPH. Why has cycling got to be different 🤣

[@jeffpedals]

Welp, I have always been below the average then I guess. I'm overweight & I'm old & my body aches more days than it doesn't. My butt is always hurting on any ride over 30 miles these days it seems & when your butt hurts it kind of saps even more energy & thus potential speed. I'd be content nowadays if I could end with a 14 mph average...but sadly I see most of my rides in the low 13's & even low 12's when I'm really behind the 8 ball. I know it's not for lack of effort as my rides most always have my average Hr in the 160's bpm range & maxing out in the 180's typically...unless I've chosen to ride my e-bike for a recovery day, then it's 130-155 bpm

[@GSYdrums]

For me; I always aim for > 17mph for a ride, race pace should be around 18-19mph. Generally if I feel sluggish I’d be below 17 and if I’m feeling rapid I’d be well above

[@jamesdubben3687]

Your average speed is not worth blowing through stop signs.