Quote Originally Posted by Veronica
I think you need to calibarate your speedometer or you're talking about averaging these speeds over short distances. Otherwise,maybe you should be competing with the pros since the slowest guy on the 34 mile ITT at the Tour this year averaged 23 MPH. Our national champion, Christine Thorburn won with an average time of 26.4 mph over 15 miles.

On a flat road with no wind it takes 122 watts of power to go 14 mph. To go to 20 mph it takes 250 watts, not what I would call an easy transistion.

It can be very demotivating to a new rider when an elite rider says something this difficult, should be easy. Anyone who can perform at this level has obviously worked hard and long to get there.

Veronica
Keep in mind there are distinct differences with road and spin riding. I can, on a flat road, with little wind resistance, average 20 mph. I am a strong rider. But if I'm doing a longer ride, something over 30 miles, I slow it down, averaging between 16 - 18 otherwise I would clearly burn out.

This is where spin class is different. There is a time limit. I can, knowing I'm riding only an hour or so, ride "balls out" and push hard. I normally do not ride with the same intensely on the road that I ride in spin class. I'm usually a dripping wet, sweat ball after spin class. Not so, after a road ride.

Yes I am an experienced ride and have raced in my past. But I'm hardly elite. I didn't mean it was easy to ride fast. It is, however, if the rider trains properly, devotes time to riding and training and is motivated to ride that fast, not hard to do. I know of fairly new riders who can acheive this level of fitness in a short time. Also big difference between 20 mph and 26. I can get to 20 but 26 is a big effort for me.

And again we are talking about a spin class which doesn't deal with road friction, gravity, stop lights, traffic, directional changes etc. TT are seldom conducted under those circumstances. There is usually some if not alot of elevation gain, plus directional changes, road friction etc. Also I'm at a high level in spin class. I can usually ride harder than the instructors. I expect a newbie spinner doesn't do 20 mph they may be more like 10. Everyone has to make their own judgments.