Quote Originally Posted by li10up View Post
But since everyone has to do the starts and stops your bike computer would still be a legit comparison, wouldn't it?
You'd have to be riding the same course at the same time for there to be any comparison as far as average speeds go. There are too many variables on any given ride to make it anything better a very general comparison - how many times you have to stop or slow, what the wind conditions are like, if you are alone or drafting. I think that if you talk about a persons typical speed under ideal conditions - ie. flat without significant wind then it will be easier get an idea of what group you'll fit best with without having to know anything about the route you are about to ride.

And also - generally club rides regroup on hills, so its your speed on the flats that more determines what group you want to ride with. You can be speedy on hills, but have trouble keeping up high speeds on the flats.....