can someone please define "mash" versus "spin" for me

[Brina]

I mean, I have a general idea of the difference, but when I read about using your computer to change gears based on cadence so that you are not mashing it gets a little fuzzy to me. I guess I understand the black and white difference between the two but am a little unsure of the shades of grey.

Thanks,
Brina

[Veronica]

Mash is what you do to potatoes.

Spin is for salads.


Seriously, I don't know that there is a specific cadence where mashing begins. I feel like I'm mashing when my cadence drops below 80.

V.

[tjodit]

My thoughts are, and keep in mind I'm pretty new to all of this, you should spin somewhere between 80 and 100 rpm. If you like to spin at 90 then falling below that for any length of time would constitute mashing for you so you should shift down to an easier gear and bring your cadence back up to 90. But remember, on some steep, long hills you will not be able to keep your cadence up to a normal level.

Ladies, am I pretty close on this one?

[MomOnBike]

I'm under the impression that spinning is when you apply power throughout all the stroke, not just "mash" downwards. I hear tell that you can even spin really slowly. (Hope so!)

Cadence is another, related, issue. Of course, spinning makes a high cadence possible, if not inevitible.

[Grog]

CorsairMac is right on the technical stuff: spinning can be done very, very slowly. Still, as I see it, in general conversation, "spinning" is associated with high cadence in easy gears and "mashing" with low cadence in high gears.

Regarding using the computer: when I'm riding flats and I see 70-75 on the cadence monitor, it means it's time to hit an easier gear. So I downshift. On the opposite side, I don't need to see 110 to know that I'm spinning.

[bcipam]

I've had to teach myself to spin while riding. I have always been a "masher". I'm a big strong gal with big strong legs. It was just easier for me to muscle up a hill than to make the gearing easier and "spin" up the hill. I've since learned spinning is much more efficient.

If you understand the difference between aerobic and anaerobic than you understand the difference between mashing and spinning. If spinning, you are generally in an aerobic mode. If mashing, generally anaerobic. Of course, cycling is suppose to be an aerobic sport so mashing is not that good, although I still like to mash up short, steep hills.

I was taught to find a comfortable cadence, generally 80 - 90 rpms (you use your computer to find this) and then set the bike in a easy confortable gear where you can maintain this cadence. If you are "bouncing" on and off the saddle the gear is too easy. If you are pushing down on the pedal the gear to hard. You should be rotating or "spinning" your feet in a smooth, round pedal stoke to maintain the cadence. Takes practice but once mastered, your cycling will really improve especially hill climbing. The key is to keep your cadence around 80 if possible up a hill. Only way to do that is to lower the gearing and spin.