Cadence

[Jenn]

Ok, I'm a dork, Cadence is what...RPM's right? I bought a Trek computer and it doesn't have it on there...So, do I have to buy another computer that has it on there, or should I just sell mine and get a new one and what should I get? I know NOTHING about cadence, I feel like such a putz.

[NJBikeGal]

Cadence refers to the number of crank rotations per minute. A lot of computers will give you a rpm readout, but it's not necessarily accurate, these are usually reading wheel rotations, not crank. Anywho...the idea is that most racing cyclists have a cadence between 80 and 120 rpm. Most recreational riders average between 60-80.

I used to have very low cadence (around 70) until I started racing. Now, my cadence is usually upward of 80-90. It has a lot to do with fitness, but also knowing how to use the gearing to your best advantage to conserve energy and keep you moving.

[Jenn]

So basically, you want your legs moving faster instead of a slow burning pace, which I know you have to do that also, but for the most part you want your cadence up. I know when I spin it's WAY up there but when I ride outside I'm still trying to figure it out.

[han-grrl]

You don't need to get yourself a computer...

here are some quick ways to measure:

ok so real quick - count number of revolutions on one side in 6 seconds, add a 0, that's roughly your cadence

a little more accurate - count number of revolutions of one leg (one side) for about 15 seconds, multiply by 4.

You want to pedal at a comfortable rate, with some tension in the chain, and without bouncing in the saddle. most people pedal naturally around 80-90 on average, but some people are gear mashers, and some pedal quicker.

SPIIIIIIIIIIIN!

Han

[singletrackmind]

Rpms on your computer has to do with how fast yer wheels are spinning. Cadence...how fast yer cranks are spinning, like NJBikeGal said. You can get a computer that has a sensor for cadence if you want. I did because I tend to spin slow on big gears, which I am trying to change to a faster spin in smaller gears to preserve whatever may be left of my arthritic knees. Seeing that number constantly is a reminder.

Now if only I could find some fast-twitch muscles!

[li10up]

Not to nit-pic but I don't want anyone to be confused. Cadence, in cycling, is how quickly you are turning the cranks. Not how quickly the wheels are spinning. You could be coasting with a cadence of 0 but you could be traveling 30mph ie., coasting downhill. There is usually a sensor mounted on the chainstay and a magnet on the pedal crank. Each time the magnet passes the sensor it counts on revolution. RPMs are then displayed on your computer.

[Eden]

??????? I'll have to check it out, since I don't think I've ever seen a bike computer that reads out wheel rpm's..... seems like pretty useless data on a bike.