Mimi I realize 80 - 90 is probably tough for beginners but I mention as as the goal. Where most cyclist try to ride. Also just to give Katzpawz some reference in trying to explain how her gears should feel. It really is hard to explain how to use gearing otherwise.

Beginners should at least me able to ride in the range of 50 - 70 although I admit, in leading "newbie" we have those that are probably rotating at 25 - 35 and going very slow. My last ride the last person (a man by the way) averaged 5 mph, on a flat course. As the sweep I had to practice riding so slow as to not fall over. It wasn't easy!