Quote Originally Posted by indysteel View Post
Another thing to remember if speed is an issue for you, is that you can often go faster spinning at a higher rate in an easier gear than you can spinning at a lower rate in a harder gear. Riding at a good cadence, then, helps a cyclist become faster and more efficient.

I don't have a cadence monitor (but I do have a computer) and this forum has openly discussed and cautioned me against my tendency to "mashing".

What I'm finding is that when I adjust my gears to maximum "efficiency" (meaning best speed with the same effort), it seems to be good for me.

When I shift too high or too low, either my speed falls off or I'm having to work too hard.

Is this a valid rule of thumb? Does anyone else look at it this way?