Cadence

[Chuffy]

Spinning like a spider on PCP has never been my style. Now that I've gone single speed I'm having to work harder to keep up to speed. And, fool that I am, I now have a computer that reads cadence. 20mph = 100rpm in my current gearing but above that I start bouncing. How can I stop this? All tips gratefully received...

 

[SamNichols]

change your gearing?

 

[Keith Oates]

It's a matter of practice Chuffy, make a concerted effort to keep your bottom on the saddle and relax the legs so they spin smoothly. Once you get the hang of it you'll get over the 20MPH I'm sure.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MichaelM]

Go fixed, and ride down hills.

 

[Chuffy]

Gearing is 46x18 and I need to get up Devon hills, so I can't go higher.
Fixed isn't even an option....

 

[Monty Dog]

I find that if I accelerate beyond my 'lumpy' phase, it smooths out again - for me it's 150rpm, but then I can keep on going up to 200rpm. If you find that your 'lumpy' 100rpm co-incides with your general riding pace, then perhaps change your gear ratio to . Likewise, riding on SS/Fixed will help smooth out your pedal stroke anyway.

 

[Chuffy]

200rpm? Dear god, I'm a man, not a hamster in an electric wheel!

 

[NickM]

...20mph = 100rpm in my current gearing...

Then you are riding a gear that has been used by generations of cycling stalwarts before you. 20mph is called "evens" precisely because it requires 100rpm in the classic winter gear of the golden age. And the cyclists of those days knew their business!

So if it feels too twiddly, just think of the legions of Frank Patterson types in tweed plusses who have gone before you... and don't let them down

 

[Chuffy]

...20mph = 100rpm in my current gearing...

Then you are riding a gear that has been used by generations of cycling stalwarts before you. 20mph is called "evens" precisely because it requires 100rpm in the classic winter gear of the golden age. And the cyclists of those days knew their business!

So if it feels too twiddly, just think of the legions of Frank Patterson types in tweed plusses who have gone before you... and don't let them down [/quote]
Damn. Now I want to go out wearing a woolly outer garment and huge whiskers. Have Rapha started making tweed bibs shorts yet?

20mph is fine and dandy, I just can't go any faster without looking like I'm auditioning for a part in a cheap porn video.

 

[christian dieu]

Definitely worth trying fixed. I find it easier to spin along on fixed than single speed.

 

[FatBloke]

Spinning like a spider on PCP has never been my style. Now that I've gone single speed I'm having to work harder to keep up to speed. And, fool that I am, I now have a computer that reads cadence. 20mph = 100rpm in my current gearing but above that I start bouncing. How can I stop this? All tips gratefully received...

Superglue on the saddle!!!

 

[Chuffy]

Superglue on the saddle!!!

Then I'll just bounce in my shorts, fool!

 

[yello]

200rpm!!! Good god, I'm going to have to go and lie down!

 

[FatBloke]

Then I'll just bounce in my shorts, fool!

Who said anything about wearing shorts!!

 

[rustychisel]

You're big blouse, Chuffy.