cadence

[j.nurse63]

interesting stuff, Knotted!! I was a long distance swimmer myself and always did much better than in the sprints. And...I enjoy being a masher...it is more comfortable than spinning.
I have a Ruby Comp and have begun to really utilize my gears more efficiently to get me up the hills. I have to say that my cyclometer is bare bones and I have no idea about cadence.
This is my question...I road last weekend and put in 108 miles. I am knew since April to the love of road biking. Is a computer with cadence a must?? The $$ is tight and I am now getting pedals and shoes. I am hoping to complete my first Century in September. I guess I thought that to ride comfortably was most important. I generally average 14-16. Would it improve my cycling and training?
Last question folks...do your muscles swell? I have really never experienced my calves being so tight and they feel swollen at times. I am fairly athletic but the biking has been such a new experience. Just curious.
Jean

[indigoiis]

Jean,

I ride computer-less. After you ride for awhile, you start to know yourself well enough to be able to gauge your rpm and cadence by feel. Rather than have an exact number, when I ride, I try for a rhythmic, consistent cadence whenever possible.

Also, you will get faster whether you have a computer or not. Map programs like mapmyride.com can calculate your mph post-ride.

[KnottedYet]

If money is tight and you're down to choosing between pedals and shoes or a computer with cadence, I'd go for the pedals and shoes!

[madscot13]

I think that mountain bikes tend to have longer cranks that facilitate the mashing of pedals.

I don't think cadence computers are a must. sometimes what I do and know this is not the best way to do it, but I like to avoid math while i am biking, is to match the cadence of someone who is pedaling right.