Practical Goals!?

Malanc

I started commuting to work on my cheap department store 26" mountain bike at the end of the summer! It's only about 10 miles! The bike weighs about 30-35 lbs., and I was able to ride at an average of 14 mph. I was just wondering if I could realisticly expect to get up to an average of 20 mph or more if I bought a 700c commuter type bike from a bike shop!

cyclepromo

You're well on your way to some good riding. Just having the desire is a great first step. I'd suggest that the speed might not increase to 20mph but it'll increase to almost that amount PLUS you'll likely enjoy the ride more. You'll have to increase your effort to get above 20mph, simply changing bikes wouldn't increase the speed that much.

With that short distance you should play it safe in regard to an increased effort. Once you start pushing yourself a short warm up and cool down is a good idea and with only 10 miles thats not enough distance.

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kokomo61

I started back to riding in March (after a motorcycle accident in 2004 - Fractured L2 vertebrae, paralyzed right leg, etc.....but after a long rehab, I'm doing very well, thank you).

When I started riding, I'd go 3-5 miles at a time, and that was tough. I kept making the ride a little bit longer each time, and once I got up to 1 hour, started tracking my speed. I was averaging about 13-14 mph when I started, and eventually was able to commute to work and back (21.5 miles each way, 43 mile loop). First time was at 13.2...and after about 2 months of doing it, I'm up to 16 mph. Depending on your terrain, it might be hard to average 20 mph on a 26" mountain bike. If you're able to ride 30 miles at a time, and can average 15 or so, I think you can switch to a road bike - you'll likely immediately add 4-5 mph on your averages.

Malanc

Thank you for your thoughts! I think I will be getting a new bike in the spring!

cyclepromo

Are you going to keep riding through the winter months. IS that possible for you in your location?

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Malanc

As of right now I have given up until spring, but I fully intend to try to make it through the winter next year!

BornInZion

Good Job!

If you have any urban riding on your commute, that is- stop lights and signs- you will do a lot better on a lighter bike.

As to fall/spring commuting, you would be surprised at how little extra clothing you need to be comfortable down to 40F! I wear far more clothing while AT work than while commuting!

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Malanc

Yes, I do have lots of trafic lights (One annoying one at the bottom of two hills/ takes my momentum every time! Another part way up a hill/ at least this one only causes problems one way....the ride in!) and the like to contend with, this is why I hope that a lighter bike will help!

Malanc

To anybody that's interested, I got back on my bike to start riding to work on Wednesday! Boy, was that an experience! I managed to stay pretty warm other than my face. After seven months of not riding in I didn't have all my tools that I usually carry. My handle bars managed to loosen up and cracked the nut at the top of my headset. Stopped at the bike shop on the way in on Friday, but the replacement they had for me was too small.(by a hair) The guy in the Service center said, "Good luck finding it!" I think I'll stop at the other bike shop on my route to work on Monday!

Fatherzen

I don't know what kind of commuter bike you are considering, but I would recommend looking at a touring bike. I started commuting a couple of years ago on a cheap road bike from Sears. I moved from that to a cheap mountain bike that lasted almost 3 months. I tried a couple of hybrids and finally invested in a Trek 520. I prefer the touring bike because it is solidly built and designed to carry a load.

As far as averaging 20 mph, somebody told the ambulance that I was doing 20 mph when I had my accident.