[XAP]Bob wrote:What do you do on the flat when not confronted by a vicious headwind?
The average cyclist cycles at 15-20mph might be referring to that, rather than their overall average speed.
I haven't re-read the article but I don't remember any mention of "flat with no headwind"; and that would need clarification as when there is no meteorological wind, I ride at 13 mph and I have an apparent headwind of 13mph - so when you say no headwind do you mean dead calm meteorological wind conditions of a following wind exactly equal to your own speed, etc.
And I find road surface can make a massive difference. Many country lanes surface dressed are so lumpy, crotch shaped ice packs are more of a consideration than speed.
Edit: Having checked the article it says "
An average cyclist will ride at around 15 – 20 miles per hour," which I take to mean that an average cyclist on an average trip will average between 15-20 mph. the 15-20 mph has to be an average because even Bradley Wigging at times travels at 1 mph probably several times every trip (as they set off, as they stop at a junction, etc.). So for me average conditions (sometimes following wind, sometimes headwind, sometimes flat, sometimes inclines) an overally average is the relevant figure - eliminating the weather, incline, road surface variations.
Ian