Do I want cadence on my computer?

[Geonz]

I had cadence on one of my bikes, and then I put the Xtra on it and never got around to replacing it. I've got theclock going in front of me and I know that left-right-left in one second would be 1.5 times per second or 90 rpm; if it's 1-2 that would be 60... so I can calculate when I need to and get an approximation.
I also don't handle wires too well... one of mine is on the fritz and I've no idea why. (On the other hand, the distance between my wheel and the handlebars is too much for wireless and I don't really like them anyway 'cause thery're so much less dependable - they give max speeds like 60 mph.)
I kinda like keeping things simple myself.

[KSH]

I started out with a bike computer that didn't have cadence. The bike shop said it was for racers, not someone like me.

So off I went on my bike. I had no clue how to shift, when to shift, why I would want to shift. I just rode and mashed the h@ll out of my pedals. Rode with low cadence and just mashed even harder and faster to get more speed on the bike.

Then 6 months into riding I had such accute knee pain I couldn't even pedal. I never got knee pain like I had from riding...from running!

I then learned about cadence. I learned that if you can keep a high cadence of 90-100 you will save your knees. Great!

So I got a new bike computer with cadence and focused on keeping my cadence between 90-100. It was hard but I finally got use to it.

My knees got better... and I got faster on the bike. I also learned WHEN I needed to shift! 80 cadence? Better shift to make it easier. 110 cadence? Better shift to make it harder.

After that it all just clicked. Honestly, I can't believe it took me a year to get it to click. I was a slow learner. And someone told me that cadence was not necessary. But for me, it made all the difference in the world.

Good luck on whatever you decide!

[mayanorange]

Hmmm maybe I do need cadence afterall. It would be nice to keep up with hubby a little easier. And I tend towards mashing, so it'd help to learn to spin. Hubby issues are 1. he's stronger 2. he likes to fly along and gets antsy going slow and I sometimes like to just roll along the countryside and enjoy it (heaven forbid!) 3. he has a mirror, but doesn't seem to check to see where I am.... ever.... I think most of the problem is #2- mindsets about riding. He tends to have to perfect sports and likes to push himself. I, OTOH tend towards lazy, tho tend to push myself when alone- no one to enjoy to view with. Our last outing he did stick with me a bit more and take in the sights, but it would probably help us both be a bit happier if I can work on my speed.

[bounceswoosh]

Maybe you just need to ride separately sometimes, so that you can do your cruising-along thing and he can do his pushing-himself thing.

My husband and I have a similar situation, although it's more about degree; he and I disagree about how much I'm pushing myself!

[mayanorange]

We do ride separately most of the time- we just haven't figured out how to ride together yet I guess!

[TxDoc]

Hmmm maybe I do need cadence afterall. It would be nice to keep up with hubby a little easier. And I tend towards mashing, so it'd help to learn to spin.

Yes, if you are sort of a masher then cadence will help you a lot. So I'd say go for it.

[mayanorange]

Alright, just ordered 2 Cateye Strada cadence comps for us. Will let you know how it goes! Thanks again guys!