Cadence

[RoadRaven]

High cadence actually takes a fair amount of practice and most people unaccustomed to it will bounce, even if their seat is perfect.

Yup... I concur

[smilingcat]

Hi Jenn,

No need to buy another computer. Some of the computers display the cadence information in rpm. Wheel RPM translates to speed.

If your computer didn't have the cadence information, not to worry. Pedal at what you feel comfortable. And if you don't want your legs to burn then drop a gear and increase your spin (no mashing of pedals). If you spin too fast for what feels right for you, you'll know pretty quick because you don't feel like you have it together in pedalling and you tend to bounce in your seat.

High cadence requires practice (eden and RoadRaven said so). I think it has a lot to do with the body's ability in turning on and off the muscles quickly. Do it too fast and the body loses the rythm and you end up bouncing.

Too much information on computer can be distracting to good riding or riding in good efficient form.

[Mimosa]

I train a lot at 100rpm (since it was in my training guide)

What I did was make a list:

100 rpm at 39x17 is about 28km/h
100 rpm at 39x16 is about 31km/h
100 rpm at 39x15 is about 33km/h
etc....

So I know by my current speed and gear if I am doing the (roughly) correct rpm. If not then I either adjust the pace or change gear.

[esmerelda]

This thread was immensely helpful to me -- thank you so much.

While at the gym the other day, after 45 min on the elliptical so I got my heart rate up to my optimal range (135 - 140ish) and then hopped on a lifecycle. I spun for 10 minutes, keeping w/in my heart range, so I knew that I was keeping a good pace. My cadence ranged from 89 - 94 and I did 2.5 miles.

Yesterday I hit the road. I chose a trailway so I could practice a consistent cadence on moderate hills for starters. What a difference! Maintaining my cadence and not focusing on speed made the experience so much more enjoyable! I didn't fatigue the way I had been and rode further than I ever have. Best of all, I'm now getting the hang of effective shifting.

I'm getting it, slowly but surely. Thanks much, all!