Hi all,

Been reading on Sheldon Brown's web site about all things bicycle when I came across the concept of cadence (is it weird that I don't know about this?). He posits that most newbie cyclists, such as myself, pedal too slowly in too high a gear when the optimal would be to spin faster in a lower gear.

This morning on my ride I got smoked by two dudes (one in jeans and a flannel shirt ) who were pedaling like maniacs. The second guy in his full cycling regalia came out of nowhere and cycled right by me as if the wind were not even blowing (and it was probably 20mph with 25-35 mph gusts). I was afraid I would not even be able to stay upright, and when I shifted into an easier gear I became violently unstable.

What is the importance of cadence? Sheldon Brown seems like the go-to guy for all things cycling, so I have faith in what he is saying. But spinning doesn't seems to get me much of anywhere and it feels so much slower and unstable (when in reality the opposite is true?). Is the only way to measure cadence by getting a cycling computer? How do you arrive at an appropriate cadence for your person? How does one train themselves to pedal faster in lower gears and still feel like you are moving and not floundering around (especially on hills)?

Thanks in advance.