#16
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I was always told that the high cadence "revolution" came about because, on EPO, you could make up for small leg muscles by spinning high gears...
I use a bunch of different cadences. For climbing constant grades on smooth roads I try to keep it ~90 (I have long legs and swing 175s). However, on bumpier flat roads, I'll dip to ~80. It really seems like lower cadence helps in those circumstances. If it's a smooth road and I'm really hammering, I'll go about 85.
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It's all fun and games until someone puts an eye out... |
#17
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Well at 190lbs in the heyday of my racing 'career' climbing was not the best but I did get 3rd, as a cat 3, in a race that had an 8 mile finish climb. I was more of an all rounder, could not sprint to save my life. TT's were actually my best.
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#18
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What was that old saying? Think it went:
New riders mash big gears Good riders spin little gears Great riders spin big gears M |
#19
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In the 80's, I don't remember anyone pushing high cadence for "efficiency" reasons. It was all about being able to respond to pack changes quickly.
However, that could've just been the characters I was hanging around with. |
#20
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Quote:
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#21
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It would be nice if science, esp. about cycling, is PEDALED. But I think you mean "peddled."
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#22
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Seems to me, the cadence issue isn't really an issue. The majority of 1 hour records on the track are set at a cadence between 95 and 110 rpm. You can google and look it up. I have before but am too lazy now.
While admittedly that kind of leg speed over time is beyond most cyclists' capabilities, you do get a standard time reference, a large sample size, lots of testing to find optimum gearing and cadence and similar testing conditions. I am talking about elite cyclists under 50. |
#23
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It is not efficient for me to spin my tree-trunks and size-15 feet at over 100rpm...at least not with my current level of motor-skillz...
I settle in to something in the mid-80s most of the time, and that seems about right. Little gears help me stay in that range when the gradient hits 15% - and I consider going up hills like that with anything more than 70rpm to be "high cadence". But spinning on the flats at 110rpm. Fuggedaboutit. Last edited by Clean39T; 02-13-2019 at 11:27 PM. |
#24
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I've been riding for almost 30 years, but that doesn't mean I haven't been doing it wrong the whole time. Though I do still think I'm at a disadvantage with being tall, with a northern-european bone structure, and gigantic feet. At least I'm part Welsh, so I know how to suffer.. Me and G. It's what makes us good climbers. Lolz. |
#25
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I will bet many riders with track cyclist physiques (and competent on the road) don’t spend the whole ride spinning tiny gears. Last edited by Blue Jays; 02-13-2019 at 11:41 PM. |
#26
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I’m happiest riding around 100rpm, on adult gears. Keeping a decent rpm keeps the lactic away.
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#27
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I don't think I really embraced a high-ish cadence until I started riding big miles every day. Low cadence with high peak forces always made my knees sore for the next day's/afternoon's ride. Increasing my cadence and decreasing peak force seemed to help my recovery. I typically find myself around 90 rpm if I self select.
Of course there is a limit. I sometimes play around with cadence during erg workouts, and I notice an ever so slightly higher heart rate for the same power starting around 110 rpm. Thrashing your legs in circles is not free. |
#28
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I now spin, or should I say, my cadence is almost always above 90. what I've found is that it does take a bit of mental aptitude and perseverance, but now a habit or my standard. spinning at higher cadences does "save my legs". Also, those big power efforts, esp over longer durations, are perceived to be somewhat easier. once while getting a bike fit the fitter told me, "a person can use to anything". I do believe that habit has a way of telling us what is "right" or at the very least, "what is right for me".
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Why Science? You can test it silly! |
#29
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I’m under 140 pounds, do loads of k’s (10-15 hours a week consistently) have a pretty decent FTP and absolutely LOVE to mash a big gear.
How big a gear? I find it a lot more comfortable doing hard efforts between 60-75rpm. If my cadence gets too high, perceived effort goes through the roof for the same wattage. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. I’m convinced we all have our own preferences as to how we ride. What works for me may or may not work for you! |
#30
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Yep
Quote:
The same after 31 years
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The Fleet Colnago C60 Hors Categorie SN# HC-54-265 |
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