Listen up new riders... learn how to spin... and save your knees!

[Ninabike]

What is spinning:

Essentially, spinning is turning your legs rapidly in lower gears (larger rings in the back, smaller in front), rather than using higher gears (smaller rings in back) and "pumping" (mashing) or straining against the pedals. Think of using your gears like driving a car with a stick shift. The engine (your legs) keep a fairly constant "spin", like pistons in a car, while you use the gears to adjust to the grade and speed. That way, your legs are not overworked - you just keep your legs going the same speed. Spinning means using a rapid cadence. Find a gear where your legs are turning rapidly without straining, and then pedal as fast as you can without bouncing in the saddle. When you start to bounce, shift into a higher gear (smaller sprocket in the back). Think of your body as a machine. keep steady in the saddle; don't rock your body or the bike back and forth, concentrate on traveling in a straight line with your legs acting like rapid pistons, moving up and down, with no strain, like a machine.

I hope this helps.

Nina

[newbiechick]

Thanks, everyone, for the explanations. It makes sense to me now. So when I'm ready to go clipless I'll know what I'm aiming for. It's a beautiful day in southern Indiana and I hope to get out for a ride in the hills (just the little ones for now ) after work today.