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Why am I so slow at cycling? (discuss.online)

submitted 5 days ago by ThePiedPooper@discuss.online to c/bicycles@lemmy.ca

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Today I did my first 20 mile (33km) ride on my hardtail XC bike. I learned how to ride a bike about 1.5 months ago, but I've been riding pretty consistently since I learned. I ride exclusively in the city, it's a very walkable city, but the paths aren't always the best. I did 33km in 2 hours 53 minutes, not including breaks for water or to eat.

I see people saying that 10MP/H (16KM/H) average is a good average to shoot for, but i can't even get my average above 7.1MPH (11.5KM/H), even on shorter rides. What am I doing wrong here? How are people going so freaking fast on bikes in cities?

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[–] ThePiedPooper@discuss.online 2 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Hills absolutely destroy me even in the lowest gear, I feel like spinning the pedals that fast just wrecks my cardio for some reason.

[–] Trainguyrom@reddthat.com 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

This is my second season cycling. I live in an extremely hilly area and last season I got to where I could climb the steep hills without getting out and pushing about halfway through the season, but long and gradual hills absolutely murdered me. This season I started tackling some long gradual hills

Honestly you have to play with the gearing to find what works well for you on hills. Higher gears spin harder but put down more power, lower gears spin easier but put down less power. Best is to be in the highest gear you can sustain. Personally I never touch the lower half of my gears because there's just too much leg spin and I tire myself for nothing.

Eventually you'll get to where you can stand on the pedals while at a low cadence for extra power (useful on hills or with a trailer. When I have my kids behind me by butt basically never touches the saddle) but ultimately it's something that takes building muscle and practice to get comfortable

[–] Kickforce@lemmy.wtf 5 points 4 days ago

Hehe, I'm a big guy and weigh about 100kg, on flat ground I'm on the highest gear nearly all the time because my legs are strong rather than agile, but up a relatively steep hill I need to go on the lower gears and crank myself up there.

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Sounds like you were pretty out of shape. That won't change in just six weeks. You should start seeing progress, though. If not, see a doctor and get checked out

[–] ThePiedPooper@discuss.online 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

It's certainly possible that im just in bad shape, no arguments here :)

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 5 points 4 days ago

Just keep going and things will get better.