What's your top speed?

Hi Newbie here so be gentle. Not got a fixed yet but just bought 2 frames to build up.
Anyway max geared speeds UK 52mph on the A505 Luton to Hitchin(n.herts) though going to attempt 60mph with a Ti bike. Abroad with loaded tourer approx 46mph (75KPH)
Would the main limiting factors for top speed on a fixie on the flat be leg power/gearing?

Would the main limiting factors for top speed on a fixie on the flat be leg power/gearing?

Not really - It's down to how fast you can spin. The bike will want to go faster, but your legs can't.

Not really - It's down to how fast you can spin. The bike will want to go faster, but your legs can't.

totally disagree, most people can hit over 200rpm on the rollers but get no where near that on the flat on a bike because they can not produce enough power. And how does the bike want to go faster....?

When descending - That's where most of these 'top speeds' are achieved.

Best you give Dave Brailsford a call, as 35mph on the flat for two miles makes you quicker than Brad Wiggins and all on an 82" gear.......

But with a 20mph tailwind...

totally disagree, most people can hit over 200rpm on the rollers but get no where near that on the flat on a bike because they can not produce enough power. And how does the bike want to go faster....?

I don't think 'most people' can hit over 200rpm on the rollers, Lee :D

The only time I've topped 200rpm on the flat is in a 39x23 - 26.5mph, or thereabouts. Even in a pissy little 19th, you've got to better 32mph. Hard work!

"most" people do hit 200rpm on the rollers, but not all average 200rpm+ over the 500m ;)

those of us that do, must hit a max around 220-240? more?
anyone, Lee?

You reckon slow-twitchers can hit 200rpm. You're having a laugh.

I can hit 274rpm unresisted, so yeah, 220-240 sounds a fair estimate on the rollers. Maybe a little bit higher on a good day...

Bmmf

If someone can hit 35mph for 2 miles even with a 20mph folloowing wind on 82" I would be very very impressed.

Also I have never tested anyone who couldnt hit 200rpm in an unloaded rig test, so I stand by my claim most people can hit 200rpm on the rollers just maybe not for very long!

Pifco

Maybe you want to re-read the post of Mr Bump again...he suggests that leg power and gearing are the limiting factors in the top speed acheiveable on the FLAT, your response is that its ability to spin, taking in mind I have evidence that max rpm is not the limiting factor what would you now suggest it to be?

RPM

I have hit around 250 max, that pesky 500m is a bit far for me! Last time I had a go I was equal with Craig Mac at half distance (according to Winston)then might have blown a tad.....

I coach guys that are getting near 300rpm on 165mm cranks and have heard of riders above 300rpm on 100mm cranks.

My 274 was on 170mm cranks - I think that's what they have on the RPLZ rigs...

I think that when you (bdtb & RPM) are talking about 'most people', you're talking about people with an inclination to try the rollers, or other potential sprinting talent.

I was taking 'most people' as being a majority of the population. My dad could hit 200rpm, but he was a trackie. My mum couldn't. My wife couldn't. I don't think any of my neighbours could either... except perhaps my upstairs neighbours' daughter's boyfriend, judging by the speed of the creaking and groaning coming through our bedroom ceiling while they're at it.

My 274 was on 170mm cranks - I think that's what they have on the RPLZ rigs...

I think that when you (bdtb & RPM) are talking about 'most people', you're talking about people with an inclination to try the rollers, or other potential sprinting talent.

I was taking 'most people' as being a majority of the population. My dad could hit 200rpm, but he was a trackie. My mum couldn't. My wife couldn't. I don't think any of my neighbours could either... except perhaps my upstairs neighbours' daughter's boyfriend, judging by the speed of the creaking and groaning coming through our bedroom ceiling while they're at it.

Have you tested them? Or is that your assumption/opinion?

As i said I havnt yet tested someone who couldnt, now thats a selection from friends to track sprinters, certainly not all cyclists and not all sprinter types.

I've not tested my neighbours, no (but 2 of them are at death's door).

I'd like to see a study done. 175rpm seems more attainable for the masses, but I suppose I must have a lower opinion of 'most people' than you do :D

So the answer to my question isn't spinning speed then.
I stay in one gear for what seems an age on my (to me) normal geared 'round town' bike, never had a fixie or single geared but interested to try it. Now I've bought some frames I'm keen on seeing what is going to be the best way for me to go/keep going fast without injuring myself :-)
I'm quite powerful both legs & arms, & more of a sprinter shape & deffo not a climber...lol
Is having a bigger ratio going to be the best option for me, something like a 48/17 (though I could be talking out me arris)

Best you give Dave Brailsford a call, as 35mph on the flat for two miles makes you quicker than Brad Wiggins and all on an 82" gear.......

Who are Dave Brailsford and Brad Wiggins?

As stated, 35 MPH from the Eyethorne turn off on the A256 to Eastry. Spinning @ 140- 150.
And don't my legs know it now.

.oo... .i.

markrjohnson - You'll need to switch your computer from km to miles

markrjohnson - You'll need to switch your computer from km to miles

Very droll.

.....e ..p

I've not tested my neighbours, no (but 2 of them are at death's door).

I'd like to see a study done. 175rpm seems more attainable for the masses, but I suppose I must have a lower opinion of 'most people' than you do :D

I am an eternal optimist mate ;-)

Who are Dave Brailsford and Brad Wiggins?

As stated, 35 MPH from the Eyethorne turn off on the A256 to Eastry. Spinning @ 140- 150.
And don't my legs know it now.

.oo... .i.

Well I would love to coach you Mark as you are clearly a very talented athlete......come down to Herne Hill next week and show us what you can do.

Dave is the team GB head coach/performance director and Brad is a Multi Olympic pursuit champion.

Looking at your bike list :-

Langster 2008
Tricross Single 2008
Kona Explosive SS + Pace RC36
Sunn Revolt SS conversion.
Kona Lavadome geared.
Genesis IO SS MTB done out for the road.
Tray Y bikr full suspension SS
Crap Aluminium MTB for kicking around on

I'd make the assumption that you don't race on road or track, and that you don't have any aero stuff (tri bars, disc wheel, pointy hat).

if you can knock out 35mph for two miles in a non aero position without any training, as Lee says, best get on the phone to British Cycling quick sharp. and I'll look out for you at 2012

I went a million miles an hour once.

I went 4 million miles an hour. I was going uphill with a full compliment of lead panniers.

Its funny comparing speeds on a cycle computer seeing as so many of them are incorrectly set up. I have a computer on two of my bikes but use it almost exclusively to keep an eye on the time. I'd have a clock mounted on my bars if they made one as neat, that I could take with me when I unlocked my bike.

Assumption is the mother of most mistakes.
I might take you up on the track thing.

To...e p.p

Fast forward to 2012.

markrjohnson passes Brad Wiggins and leaves him gasping.

markrjohnson: 'Toodle pip.'

Somehow I think not, I don't think there will be a following gale at the velodrome in 2012.

T.....e ...

Assumption is the mother of most mistakes.
I might take you up on the track thing.

To...e p.p

so what did Ste_s assume incorrectly??

Somehow I think not, I don't think there will be a following gale at the velodrome in 2012.

You never know. There might be foul play involved.

One of my former PE teachers used to hold the German discus record. It was broken in an event in Reykjavik (I think) where he claims they opened the stadium's marathon gate to create more favourable conditions for the guy who broke it.

He only mentioned it, ooohhh, about twice every lesson.

Well I am aero equipped for a start.

T...... ...