Use current speed to see how your pace changes on a ride. The trip average and distance help you judge how long the same route might take next time. A straight cycleway, a climb and a busy crossing can all affect the numbers in different ways.
What the cycling numbers mean
Select Bike, choose a speed unit and start before you set off. Allow location access when your browser asks. The large number shows recent speed. Top speed is the highest value the dial has shown, and average speed is the distance measured divided by tracking time. Brief waits count if you leave the tracker running.
The ranges below are illustrative. A comfortable pace depends on the bike, the rider, road surface, elevation, wind and traffic. An electric assist can make it easier to maintain a pace uphill, while a loaded bike or a headwind can slow a route that looked flat on a map.
| Situation | Approximate speed |
|---|---|
| Easy city riding | 12–17 km/h |
| Steady riding on clear paths | 17–25 km/h |
| Brisk riding on open roads | 25–35 km/h |
Examples for fairly steady riding. Traffic stops, hills and weather can change the average over a whole journey.
Compare rides on the same route
Try recording a familiar ride from the same starting point on two different days. Decide in advance whether you want to include traffic lights and other stops. Leave the tracker running to compare whole journeys, or pause for long breaks if you want a moving-trip comparison. A single busy intersection can make a noticeable difference over a short trip.
Use the average for planning, rather than the highest value you see on a descent. An 8 km ride at an average of 16 km/h takes half an hour. If your trip includes an unreliable crossing or time to lock the bike, allow for that separately when planning when to leave.
Get a steadier GPS reading
Wait until the speedometer shows a reading, ideally somewhere with a clear view of the sky. Buildings, tunnels and a phone buried deep in a bag can affect reception. The tool skips locations that could be off by more than 30 metres and averages the latest reliable speed readings. A sudden change may take a few readings to show.
Set your activity and units while stopped. If you need to change anything during a ride, pull over first. Review the peak and average when you arrive, where the numbers are easier to interpret alongside what happened on the route.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a sensor on the wheel?
No. The tool uses the location and speed your device shares with the browser. A separate wheel sensor can respond faster at low speeds or where GPS reception is poor. The browser-based tool works with the readings your device makes available.
Why does speed take a moment to drop after I brake?
The tool averages recent readings to smooth sudden jumps. Readings taken before you braked are still part of that average for a short time. Look at the display once you’re stopped and give it a moment to settle.
Can I switch the display to miles per hour?
Yes. Use the unit control in the tracker. Live speed, average, peak and the comparison scale all use the selected unit. Distance stays in kilometres so you can compare trips consistently.