Question regarding Spinervals and gearing

[SadieKate]

Hi, Judy. First time I've seen this thread and no one has responded on your cadence question so I'll take a crack at it. You don't need a computer to tell you cadence. Just use a watch or stopwatch or clock -- anything with a second hand. Count the number of times one foot goes around in 15 secs. Multiply by 4.

However, read your computer manual. Typically, a cadence kit is set up on the crank and rear chain stay so it is using a magnet attached to the crank -- which is going around when you are on the trainer.

Personally, I think learning to gauge cadence without a computer is better because you learn to be in tune with your body, your bike and the terrain -- with your head up looking down the road. Once you've counted a few times using a secondhand, you'll know approximately what your cadence is. Of course, you may want a computer to measure it if you feel like you have to shout back at Evil Coach Troy an exact number.

Do a search for "Spinervals" on the forum and you'll find lots of discussion about the tapes.