Which gear?

[Bruno28]

On another thread, some one posted that the song "I get knocked down, but I get up again" (do you know that song?) is at about a cadence of 80.

You've obviously guessed my riding style!

I do know the song, but I wonder if Iggy Pop's 'Lust for Life' is more what I should be aiming for?

[oxysback]

I do know the song, but I wonder if Iggy Pop's 'Lust for Life' is more what I should be aiming for?

That one'll do! Also...songs for biking:
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
Great Spirits by Tina Turner (from Brother Bear)
Light Up by Styx (a bit slower...I use it for a cool down or warm up)

There are more, but I can't think of the names right now. Left my ipod at home!

If you are up on your music theory, I've found that songs with a 6/8 time signature are very biking friendly, like the Kelly Clarkson one mentioned above.

[Bruno28]

Thanks for all the help folks. I'm just back from my first ride in mainly 2nd gear and it certainly got my speed up a bit (probably would have done better if my tyres had been properly pumped up...but that story's on another thread).


I'd say I was still more 'I get knocked down...' than 'Lust for life' but I'm getting there. I've noticed now that my thighs hurt more than my calfs which is probably right?

Finally- if I could try your patience for just a bit longer....should I be pedalling with the ball of my foot or more with the kind of middle bit (which is what I'm doing).

Don't worry I'm sure I'll get the hang of all this eventually

[Geonz]

You should feel more power from the balls of your feet. It's also a bit easier to work on that "round and round, not up and down" idea of getting the most power out of all-the-way-around the pedal stroke.

I also prefer to use a 3/4 or 6/8 tune, which makes for better balance and is more like my "alternate breathing" rhythms in swimming. ("Anyhow, I Love You" [Guy Clark] is one I *try* to do but it's kind of wrapped around itself so sometimes I almost fall off...)