Speed in paceline vs. solo ride

[li10up]

I now this whole speed issue causes a bit of "It depends on..."
but GENERALLY SPEAKING how much does your speed vary from when you are in a paceline to when you ride solo?

In my case my average speed (as shown on the computer at the end of my ride) when in a pack or paceline is somewhere around 16.0 - 16.6 mph. Whereas when I ride by myself my average speed is about 14.5.

Is this the norm or are you able to maintain higher speeds when you ride solo? I'm always so disappointed when my avg. speed is in the 14 mph range when riding solo...I just can't seem to get it up to 15 mph on my own.

[SadieKate]

It DEPENDS on the paceline also. The number of riders and the strengths of each. It depends, it depends, it depends.

Go ride.

[limewave]

By myself I can keep a pace of about 17 to 19 mph.

In a bigger group of 5 or more strong riders I can keep a steady pace of 22 or even 23 and manage to take my turn at lead.

In smaller groups, my pace tends to be around the same as solo riding or just a touch faster.

[smilingcat]

You are able to maintain a much higher speed in a pace line. Each person spends a very short time on the front while everyone else behind the lead rests in the paceline. The person on the front "breaks the wind" or creates a shadow where others just draft.

Depending on the speed, the person at the head may burn 20-30% more energy to maintain the speed.

This is why most of the solo breakaways get sucked back and spit out the back of the peloton. Rarely can a solo breakaway make it stick.

And if you want to go faster then you need to train smarter. Best to join a local racing club.

[smilingcat]

Oh like Sadie says it depends on the pace line too.

Like the ability of each rider in the pace line. Are you the strongest or the weakest in the group. How do each rider match up with each other ability wise...

[DebW]

And remember that wind resistance is proportional to the square of speed. Thus fast riders will get more benefit from a paceline than slower riders. The real world is nonlinear.

[Eden]

And in my experience - smaller riders get more benefit from a draft too! at 5' even I get a draft off off just about anyone - though few can effectively draft from me....
In general working in a paceline will result in your going faster than you could solo, especially if you are working with people of similar abilities to yourself or who know how to temper themsleves to the other riders in the line. One person who is too strong can really disrupt the pace if they surge when then get to the front.

[li10up]

I know that you can go faster in a paceline (drafting). I was just wondering the difference in your speeds. Do you drop 1,2,3 or more mph when you go it alone? I know it depends on the members in the paceline, etc. but generally speaking how much slower are you solo than when you are drafting?

[SadieKate]

It DEPENDS!!!!! Go back and read all of the variables above.

[maillotpois]

It also (still) depends on terrain - both in and out of a paceline.

How hilly is it? How actually windy is it? How well are you riding today? etc., etc., ad infinitum. I couldn't possibly tell you my average speed for solo rides, period. It depends. I can give you my average speed for specific rides I do. Which depends (mostly on how I am riding that day).

[Veronica]

It DEPENDS!!!!! Go back and read all of the variables above.

Come on SK. You need to give a number. None of this depends stuff. (I didn't think you needed those.)

Plus or minus 2 - 3 miles is my answer. Yes there are some pacelines I ride slower with. We're being social, not hammmering.

But really, ride your own ride.

And if you want to get faster do some intervals.

V.

[Veronica]

MP you need Depends too? Gee whiz!

V.

[smilingcat]

Funny you mentioned about the wind...

It used to be that when I rode solo, I was always riding into a stiff head wind. It didn't matter if I turned around or not. And when I rode in a pace line, I didn't have that constant head wind into me

And yup, I always liked having one of my friend in front of me. She was 5' 9". And when I rode in a pace line with the boys, nobody wanted to be behind me why???

[missymaya]

I know that I pick up speed in a paceline, which is why I started riding with a faster paceline so I can pick up more speed. When riding by myself, I ride not too much slower than in a paceline, about 1-2mph slower.

[li10up]

Geez, what's wrong with you people!? I KNOW IT DEPENDS. I said generally speaking!!!!!!!! If you're going to give me an it depends answer when I already told you I know that it depends then why answer? For those of you who know, generally speaking, how much of a difference there is when you ride solo and when you draft, a favor of a reply is appreciated. I know that generally speaking I am 2 miles an hour slower - how about you?

Edit: While I was writing this 3 or 4 people replied...thank you.