On my 20 mile training ride I average 17 mph. This is on a course
that includes 5 - 7 stops at lights and intersections on about half
of the ride. I normally cover 20 miles at about 1 hour 10 mins, or
less. I think my fastest was 1:05. On one long flat section of my
ride I've topped out at 27 mph, but that's under ideal conditions. I
usually do that section at 25 mph and it's only about 1.25 miles long.

I don't have the latest or lightest gear on my bike. It's a SWB USS,
welded up by Dom and I pulled parts off of a late 1980's vintage
mountain bike. I mean, it came with Biopace chainrings, so that dates
it for you. I tried Biopace and they don't suit me. The remainder of
the drivetrain is Shimano Deore LX and a 7 speed cassette. I found
that I didn't use the triple up front so I converted it to a single
chainring and ditched the front derailleur. I got a better chainline
that way too. I put a chainguard on the outside and put my chainring
in the middle position.

175 mm cranks
46T Chainring
30T 1st
26T 2nd
23T 3rd
20T 4th
17T 5th
15T 6th (my spinning/cruising gear)
13T 7th

I run Specialized Nimbus on the rear. It is a heavier tire, but I
have never had a puncture in the back due to the kevlar belt. I run
Primo Comets on the front. Had one puncture in 5 seasons. I try to
keep tires inflated to 100 psi. Right now I have a composite Spin BMX
wheel on the front and my rear wheel is a 36 spoke MTB with a Uni-
Disc fabric cover.

The SWB could be very fast with the the right gear, but I think you'd
be spending more than you would expect. If you want to give tuning a
go, start a wheelset like the ones on offer from Velocity. If fast is
what you want then spend your money on a bike built for speed. The
fastest bike I have ever ridden was the Bacchetta Strada. It's a
highracer with 650c wheels and it goes like you wouldn't believe. I'd
love to try the lighter Corsa (aluminium) and Aero (titanium) models.
I imagine on the Strada I could easily average 20 or 22 mph and get
over 30 for my top speed. A Bacchetta would be my choice if all out
speed was my goal and I had a spare $1700.

There's no subsitute for a well tuned engine. If you're in good shape
you can make your bike reach it's full "fast" potential without a lot
of bells and whistles. Keep riding.

Jim