Cadence --

[jeffg]

With all the focus on higher cadences these ideas, I thought I would relate something I read by Dr. Michele Ferrari. He claims that there is an optimal cadence (requiring least oxygen uptake) that is a function of power, i.e. an optimal cadence for 250 watts is roughly 70 rpm whereas it is 90 rpm @ 400 watts.

So, 90 rpm while climbing seems to be a "Lance" cadence whereas a lower cadence would likely be fine during climbs for most of us. On the flip side, this implies higher sprinting cadences than I have used. I tried sprinting lower gears @ 110 rpm and it does work better. At that cadence a 48X12 or 53X13 provides ample gearing to ratchet it up to 35-36 mph, so leave the 53X12 cog for those animals like Flydhest! :beer:

[keno]

that's my pal flydhest you're calling an animal. He's no animal, he's a beast!

keno, zoo member, small animals section

[Serotta PETE]

THat is Mr. Flydhest to us mortal and Sir Flydhest for SANDY

[dnovo]

Here in Flatland, we don't 'climb' at all, so cadence is a fairly constant matter and one of comfort and efficiency. I find that I am very comfortable between 85 and 95, and that from that point on, I shift up a gear. Anything over 95, I feel like I am spinning out and shift to the next gear up. Since I try to stay with a 'corncob' on the rear, and really like the new compact style cranks up front, none of this is a problem since an elderly fart like me can't push a 53/11 for more than a nanosecond anyhow, so spinning my teeny, tiny little gears is no problem. Dave N.

[Climb01742]

i'm also finding a 50 up front is plenty for this wuss. once upon a time, ego drove my gear selection. now a much smaller organ does the job. my brain. or is it my quads? ;)

[e-RICHIE]

"i'm also finding a 50 up front is plenty for this wuss. once upon a time, ego drove my gear selection. now a much smaller organ does the job. my brain. or is it my quads?"



climb-issimo,
spoken like a true fab 5 kinda guy.
e-RICHIE

ps

:rolleyes: :) :cool:
:p ;) :D
:confused: :butt: :no:

[Kevin]

53/13 is good enough for me.

Kevin

[JohnS]

That's why I just put a 48t chainring on my bike.

[mfb1001]

48-38-28 keeps me honest on the rollers here in south