spinning

[rebeccaC]

I think the idea is to build technique before adding power. Once you can hold a higher cadence without bouncing around you can start adding the strength to get faster. Besides, being able to spin, or in general have a wider array of cadence to use is probably useful in itself.

As you develop a fluid pedal stroke with both push and pulling and especially build strength endurance you’ll be able to spin in bigger gears and increase power output. Wasn't it Merckx who when asked if it was better technique to mash a big gear or spin a small gear, said 'Its better to spin a big gear.'

[crc]

Wasn't it Merckx who when asked if it was better technique to mash a big gear or spin a small gear, said 'Its better to spin a big gear.'

Thanks for the advice, I will start trying to increase my cadence as soon as possible.

[OakLeaf]

That's not necessarily the way you want to approach it. Everyone has a most efficient natural cadence, and it's not the same for everyone. It's probably true that most new cyclists pedal well below their most efficient cadence, but without knowing your current default cadence it's hard to tell. Then there are the high cadence drills that we were talking about, which are intended to improve pedaling technique, but are done for short intervals at a cadence much higher than you'd sustain for any period of time. I guarantee you NOBODY, from commuter to pro, goes around pedaling at 160 or 170 rpm all the time!!

Start with the drills first. Learning to ride at a very high cadence for short intervals will help you feel more comfortable, and be more efficient, when/if you push the cadence on your tempo, recovery or recreational efforts.

What's your usual everyday cadence now? Is there something you're training for in particular? Different cadences can be most efficient for different events, too.

[ny biker]

Thanks for the advice, I will start trying to increase my cadence as soon as possible.

I'm wondering what you're trying to accomplish. What's wrong with your cadence now?