Boy am I slow...

[jaydee]

I have just started riding again and my current bike is a mountain bike. I assumed that because my car tyres run at 35, my bike tyres which are smaller should run at less, so regularly rode on tyres with about 30psi. Then someone told me to read what was on the tyre wall (55-65) and pump the tyre up to the max. I have been doing that for several months now and the difference to my speed and ability to keep up with the group amazed me.

The 2nd thing I discovered was that you don't have to run knobbly tyres on a mountain bike. So I just had new tyres - called city/country - put on. They still have a bit of tread for those off dirt rough patches of road, but compared to the knobbly mountain bike tyres, they are like slicks. Now I can keep up with the front of the group.

I am learning all the time with my cycling - people who have been cycling for a while assume newbies know everything. That's why this forum is so great - everyone is so keen to help.

So maybe you could have a look at getting new tyres that are less heavy and therefore less grippy on the road.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Pardes,
don't worry about your speed. It's your health and your fun that matter.

I'm 54, and have been biking about 2 years now. Before that I hadn't exercised a day in my life. (except for waitressing off and on). I went from doing 3 mile rides the first year to actually riding 3400 miles last year. Why? because I love riding my bike and I love how good it makes me feel.
My speed has improved slowly. The first year I averaged 9mph. Last year I averaged 10mph. This past couple of weeks I seem to be averaging 11mph.
I figure by the time I'm 85 I'll be averaging 40mph.

I do like to see that I am getting faster- because it tells me I am getting stronger. I don't care so much about speed, I care about the beauty of enjoying my rides. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about everyone else. Good for you getting off the couch!

[Jolt]

Wow, talk about an old thread being pulled up! I have to say, not too much has changed as far as my speed (or lack thereof)--still a fairly slow utility cyclist who does the occasional longer ride. To the person who's just starting out, I like your attitude! The important thing is that you're riding rather than sitting on the couch eating Twinkies.