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!