pushing vs spinning

[Cassandra_Cain]

Interesting dilemna mimi...

I've been reading bundles and bundles on power lately since I just ordered a power meter.

Anyway, one of the interesting discoveries is this...

Given equal power production (and this is key)..

your heart rate will be lower at a lower cadence/bigger gear.

your heart rate will be higher at a higher cadence/smaller gear.

So at a glance it seems to suggest big gear/slow pedaling, but there is a caveat.

Pedaling a big gear @ slow cadence reduces your reserves much faster, basically it is not as sustainable - for most people that is. Whereas a faster cadence taxes your aerobic system more but can be kept up for much longer. Also big gear pedaling makes you more suspectible to injury obviously.

I would find whatever cadence works best for you and stick with it.