Average Cycling Speeds

neuro-praxis

I am starting a commute that involves a 7km cycle each way.

Any idea how long this would take? Let's assume I am a slow cyclist. As I haven't cycled (apart from an exercise bike) since I was a child, I have no idea of what kind of speed I am currently capable.

I'll be travelling city roads. Any bicycle/tyre recommendations? I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

Remmy

It would depend on a few variables and the fact that if its work your commuting to,your not going to give it maximum output or you'll arrive to work,a sopping mess:D.For a rough example I have a nice little 5k route I like to cycle occasionally which Is comprised of a few nice uphill sections.It takes me roughly 25 minutes to complete at a good pace.

Is the area your cycling through hilly?

neuro-praxis

I'm afraid I don't know, as previously I've just hopped on the DART for 10 minutes. The route is Connolly to Raheny.

And yes, it's work I'm going to, so I am conscious of not pushing it too much...but I'm trying to find ways to incorporate exercise into my daily routine instead of punishing myself at the gym...

Any bike advice for a beginner?

davyjose

At first it might be tough, but after a month or so you'll easily be able to do it in half an hour or so, and be better for it.
If you're not a cyclist, then the first time you do it will be much much harder then when you're doing it regularly.
TBH the guys/gals on the cycling forum will give you a much better idea of what it'll take you.

Personally I'd sell my car if I could commute to work, but it's 20 miles away, sadly

rubadub

My commute is around the same. When I started I weighed around 2 stone more and had a low range mountain bike, and my 7km commute into work took up to 60mins:o I was so bad I had to get off and walk at points, and had grannies passing me out!

Now I can manage it in 17mins though, fitter, lighter and on a hybrid bike, but most days it is around 20-22mins.

Just try it at the weekend and see how long it takes, or just leave early. I must say its one of the best things I ever took up, I would never drive to work again. I cycle everywhere I can.

I would recommend a hybrid bike with slick tyres, and look into the cycle to work scheme if you are getting a new bike. And don't skimp, I would suggest no less than €400 on a bike, cheap ones do not last any length of time and are horrible to ride on.

I have gotten a few bikes for myself & friends online. www.chainreactioncycles.com are in the north but do not have much in the way of hybrids. www.winstanleysbikes.com are also good, but you must ring them to see if stuff is in stock and what postage will be. These bikes arrive in boxes and must be assembled, ut us still often cheaper to buy it and get it assembled in a bike shop. I got huge savings, but now with sterling I would definitely get it online.

www.wiggle.co.uk are also a good site, and they do assemble and test it before sending it out. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/Womens/11/Hybrid_~_City_Bikes/


This is the very cheapest I would consider http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/14399/Dawes_Discovery_301_Womens_Bike_2008
post will be around £20 on top of that, and require assembling. Also you will need a very good lock.

mikemac

neuro-praxis wrote: »

I'm afraid I don't know, as previously I've just hopped on the DART for 10 minutes. The route is Connolly to Raheny.

Easy commute! No real hills to speak off and you've a few options.
Like the Howth Rd or maybe use the Coast Rd and its dedicated cycle track.

Cycle lane inbound in Fairview is a disaster though
25mins inbound would be a decent time and you'll steadily knock time off.

Go for it!

Oh, when I started commuting I'd (still do) have poor fitness. And I'd a pretty expensive racing bike but girls with mountain bikes and backpacks were passing me out. Have you a competitive spirit? I do anyway and soon you'll be racing everyone along your commute. It's great, you'll soon get a few nemesis for your commute, it's all good fun

neuro-praxis

That's all absolutely brilliant advice. I really appreciate it. Thank you everyone.

neuro-praxis

Oh and another question.

I may need to purchase a fold-up bike, as I have a train journey to take before the cycle. As far as I'm aware, regular bikes aren't permitted on trains at rush hour.

Are fold-up bikes ok, and suitable for this kind of commute?

davyjose

Hmm, not ideal. As Rubadub said, a good quality bike is preferable for a regular commute. But again, it's something that you'll adapt to. After all, if it means burning more cals then that's a good thing right?

But having said that, 7k is doable with any kind of bike IMO

neuro-praxis

Ok. Well perhaps I'll go for a fold-up that is at the higher end of the scale. I'll do some bike shopping this weekend and see how I go. This has really been helpful to me lads. Am really looking forward to this now.

rubadub

Folding bikes are not great, but you cannot really leave it locked outside, bike theft is VERY common. (I edited my original post and put some more links in) I think some OK foldups were discussed in the cycling forum before.

Personally I'd sell my car if I could commute to work, but it's 20 miles away, sadly

I would get an electric myself!, I would have to leave 45mins to be sure to be in work in time, but 20mins on the bike. I spin into town in 30mins too, and can cycle direct to the door of where I want to go. I can be in and home in 65mins, I might drive to town in 20-30mins on a quiet day, but then have to park, & walk it all adds up.

neuro-praxis

I should be able to bring the bike into my office, so at least it won't be nicked. I'm guessing that if regular bikes are out of the question on rush-hour railcars I don't have a whole lot of choice.

Reyman

Take note of Rubadub's comments on the slick tyres, this is very important. If you get a bike with the wide mountain bike tyres you'll be forever getting into work.
You also need to get a reasonably light frame. Some of the mountain bikes around weigh a ton and you'll feel it. Take a weighing scales with you into the bike shop - don't listen to any sales patter. If you're parking it on the street pay one of the local lads to guard it with an M60

Canis Lupus

Please don't buy the bike and jump on it ready to go to work. Cycling in city traffic for the first time will probably be intimidating.

Go for a few weekend cycles first to get to grips with the bike. There are some other good threads on the cycling forum regarding what to look out for etc when cycling.
Your commute as others have said will prob take you in excess of 30 minutes but you'll bring that time down as you get fitter and more confident on the road (traffic won't slow you as much etc).

Enjoy and stay safe.