Spinning?

[stella2]

Thank you both. Schnizle, I appreciate it, but I mean whilst cycling on my bike, not a spinning class.

Bike chick - thank you. I think I understand now. It's just a personal preference thing then? As a total beginner (only sat on a bike for the first time 3 weeks ago), I like to pedal slowly (I feel a little more confident as the bike doesn't feel as 'free') so select a higher gear. My partner, who hasn't ridden for years, but had lots of time in the saddle in the past, prefers to pedal faster and is always in a lower gear than me. And from what you say, taking more of a spinning approach helps to maintain energy, so as I become more experienced, it will be useful on longer rides?

I never before realised what was involved in cycling - just thought folk got on & pedalled!

[JennK13]

\And from what you say, taking more of a spinning approach helps to maintain energy, so as I become more experienced, it will be useful on longer rides?

I never before realised what was involved in cycling - just thought folk got on & pedalled!

Again, it depends on your style, preference, and strength. I'm not much of a spinner - I've got relatively strong legs, and spinning tires me out more than using strength to "mash". This is partly due to my bike choice, a cross bike, which doesn't have the gearing for spinning. That bike is mechanically unable to "spin". While many here spin up hills, I'll alternate between standing and sitting climbs (depending on the how long the hill is). And although "mashing" bothers a lot of peoples knees, it doesn't bother me and I grew up with knee problems. Do what feels good to you. If you have the gearing, and you find that riding like you do tires you, give spinning a try. If you're fine doing what you're doing, keep doing it Everyone is different.

[Catrin]

I think some of this also depends on if you are clipped in or not. I have ridden with BMX pedals all year, outside of a few days in the spring. In a way I've no choice but to "mash" as I cannot efficiently use the entire pedal stroke. That being said, I get ever closer to spinning without being attached to the bike, but from what I understand it is necessary to clip in to get full benefit of spinning.

Of course I did just learn how to ride 8 months ago, so am still learning lots of things

[malkin]

The first time I saw that cruise ship ad where the mom had gone spinning--I thought she would be turning straw into gold or at least fleece into yarn.

So, really, not a stupid question, or at least not any stupider than me. At least you knew it was something to do with cycling.

[schnitzle]

Oh my god I'm such an idiot!! hahaha Sorry about that!

[stella2]

Oh my god I'm such an idiot!! hahaha Sorry about that!

we all have those moments

This is such a friendly site - I guess it would feel okay to ask anything (to do with cycling).

[marni]

I am a spinner ( hand spinner-) who also takes spin ( bicycle training alternative) classes and frequently spins ( pedals fast, low resistance) as as I ride on my road bike out on the road.

Anyway you look at it I am a spun spinner who spins and spins and spins.