Is anyone else out there as slow as me?

[DarkNavyBlue]

Have been cycling about 6 months, do about 60 miles a week commute to work and a couple of weekend rides.

All cycling forums seem to say that about 12 miles an hour average is about normal for a beginner - however I seem to struggle to manage 9 miles an hour (using Strava) WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???

I am 45 and reasonably slim and fit and I just don't get why I am not faster. Anyone else?

That is surprising. How much does your bike weigh?

Do you have a speedo? I'm about 12-15 mph on the speedo...but it stops when you are stationery, whereas I think Strava averages it all out, making my average a lot less.

It's the cycle path's fault.

I cycle 30 miles a week to work and back.

I do get overtaken by snails at times but I manage to not fall off the bike
Whatever speed you go at is your choice

It's a Whyte Pimlico - 9.9kg.

Strava definitely stops when you're still for a little bit.

Thought I'd get loads of people telling me they were slow too!

Well, at least you've cheered me up coz I thought I was real slow.

Would it cheer you up to know that I can't even ride a bike? I hadn't been on one for about twenty five years and there was some for use in our holiday cottage last year. I tried to ride one and wasn't brave enough to lift both feet off the floor If I took up cycling I would need stabilisers or a trike instead of a bike.
As long as you enjoy riding I wouldn't worry how fast or slow you go.

I average 9mph to work and 12 mph home. I also use strava.

I occasionally over take other cyclists and more often get over taken myself so I'm not the slowest around.

The motivation to come home seems to help me :) I don't think you are slow!

Why yes it would MrsMummyPig

I go quicker on the way home too Alice! Thought it was maybe a little bit uphill in the way, little bit downhill on way back.

Thanks Rudy!

Can you measure a route & time yourself over it? I think I'd want some confirmation.

Hi Dark I'm exactly the same! Been cycling intermittently for a couple of years - do about 30 miles a week commuting and a longer 20-30 mile ride at weekends - I'm usually between 8-10mph and just cannot get faster! I also ride a Whyte but a Malvern (hybrid) at 10kg.
Recent rides:
26.8 miles, av speed 8.9 mph - cycle paths and some trail, 1 steep hill
11 miles, av speed 9.9 mph - flattish cycle paths
Commute 6.4miles , av speed 8mph, on road with a big hill
32 mile weekend ride - cycle paths and trail 9.2mph

I really struggle to break through the 10mph barrier and can't imagine riding at 10-12mph as average

Hurrah Sunshine!

What tyres have you got?

I know I have slow tyres, Marathan Plus, and when I was reading about tyres it said those tyres will knock between 1-2mph off average speed compared to other similar sized tyres. They have quite a high rolling resistance but for me the benefit of bomb proof puncture protection was worth it.

So,you might have tyres with high rolling resistance or quite wide tyres?

That's a good point about the sodding tyres. DH shared 10% off his commute time by spending £600 on a pair of wheels (sigh).

£600!!! Oooooh!

I am on my third set of tyres...

The original ones were not so good according to the guy in the shop and he swapped them to continental touring plus ones. Then I decided they were too narrow (got bounced about quite a lot) so I bought some wider (but not mega wide) bontrager ones. They are the bomb proof types - totally necessary as I wouldn't know how to fix a puncture if it bit me on the arse. Interesting that that might be contributing.

could be your gear ratio! if you have a small front crank and large cog at back then you wont have much cadence i have a 53 fromt crank and 11 - 28 at rear although i get speed i struggle on hills but you will feel it in your thighs defo hope this helps

This thread is 10 years old - the op will be 55 now and hopefully still cycling

hi there it could be your front crank is it a double or triple? i think standard double is 38 / 48 ( this is the number of teeth you can easily check this by putting a wee bit of masking tape on one and SLOWLY count the teeth) I had the same prob bought a 42/ 53 racing crank i would advise go to cycle shop as bracket of crank + derallieur might hav to be altered also back cog look for smallest cog 11 hope this helps