Does it qualify as mashing if...

[Mr. Bloom]

My usual cadence is around 80-85 and I am sure I get down to 50 or 60 on some of the 15-20% climbs around here.

My average cadence on the flats was 68 last year.

While my cadence counter isn't working right now, I still find that if I spin too much, my knees really, really hurt. By guess is that my average cadence on the flats is still at best in the low 80's

[kelownagirl]

My average cadence on the flats was 68 last year.

While my cadence counter isn't working right now, I still find that if I spin too much, my knees really, really hurt. By guess is that my average cadence on the flats is still at best in the low 80's

My knees hurt if my cadence is too low! My avg cadence is about between 85-90, and that's with hills, without hills it's around 95. Just call me Lance. (well, only as far as cadence goes, lol)

[smilingcat]

Back to the original question. is it mashing if you are in your lowest gear? No.
and does cadence have anything do with mashing again? No.

Only time I would consider "mashing" is if you are only pushing down the pedals, forgetting to push forward at the top, sweeping your foot backward at the bottom and pulling up on the back side, then ITS mashing.

Your cadence could drop to 30 but if you are putting energy into the pedal most of the way around then its not mashing.

On a steep hill, I will stand up and allow my body weight to push the pedal down; but, I do use my other leg to pull up on the pedal. I skip the pushing and sweeping when I stand up so my muscles can take a short 10-20 second break. sometimes bit longer. And sometimes I do add the pushing part. My lowest gear combo is ony 39/26?? on the road bike (tt is 39/21 or 23) so when the hill gets to be 12% or more I have to stand.

Standing does use up more of your energy but sometimes its necessary to recover your regular pedalling muscles. or if the hills are too steep for your gearing.

not to fear, you are pedalling just fine.
Smilingcat

[RoadRaven]

Well said, Mistress Cat

It can absolutely "feel" like mashing when you are trying to get up the hill, but in your lowest gears, its not.

I mash in races - particulalrly in time trials, I am trying to teach myself to spin cause it should be better on my body, but I mash cause at the moment thats faster - big chain ring, big gears, powering along at a relatively slow cadence.

I also mash in races with hills, where I try to get over a hill climb without dropping into low gears so I can increase speed rapidly as I crest and start to descend. Its a grind, but it works.

Headwinds always make me feel like I am mashing - sometimes I am, sometimes I am just trying to go forward in my lowest gear

[Mr. Bloom]

Your cadence could drop to 30 but if you are putting energy into the pedal most of the way around then its not mashing.

Hmmm...I never ever understood it that way...so, I guess that makes me feel better.

Ironically, my knees hurt at a higher cadence, so I've felt "strange" for feeling like I needed a slower cadence...but also consider that my legs are pretty strong which I think favors slower cadence IMHO

[RoadRaven]

Ironically, my knees hurt at a higher cadence,

My partner was told by many his cadence was too slow - so he tried real hard to "spin" more - but he just ends up making his knees hurt. So has a slower cadence than many of those he races against, but thats ok - he won a national title and a gold medal last year and aims to defend it this year with the cadence he uses.

Many will say to use a high cadence, and logically it is the right thing to do - particularly if you want to increase speed... but ultimately, you need to find the cadence and style that fits you best.

[Mr. Bloom]

but thats ok - he won a national title and a gold medal last year and aims to defend it this year with the cadence he uses

FREE at LAST - I'm FREE at LAST. Free from the fear of slow cadence!

Seriously: I've struggled with the concern that in my comfort with slower cadence that i'm inflicting long term damage. I suppose that it is still possible for any one of a number or reasons, but not something I should be overly concerned of.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

FREE at LAST - I'm FREE at LAST. Free from the fear of slow cadence!

Seriously: I've struggled with the concern that in my comfort with slower cadence that i'm inflicting long term damage. I suppose that it is still possible for any one of a number or reasons, but not something I should be overly concerned of.

Slower cadence does not necessarily mean mashing. Two different things.