Commuting & Cadence

[gambatte]

New cycle computer has a cadence function, so I'd like to start using it.

Anyone got advice as to what cadence a commuting 40 year old bloke ought to be using to get fitter?

I'll be starting from scratch. Not been on the bike since Xmas (upper airways infection) and still not quite ready to jump on it.

 

[domtyler]

90rpm of course!

 

[Iceniner]

I remember cyclecraft saying something around 70-80rpm being appropriate for most riding.

 

[Keith Oates]

I agree with Domtyler that 90 is a good cadence, for me I'm comfortable at about 95 and much of my commute is in that area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fab Foodie]

I read a recent article that said the most effective cadence for a person was in fact the rate he felt was most natural.
Many from C+ might recall that I'm a Luddite when it comes to cadence, I Grind,therefore I am... I don't buy this high rpm cadence is for everyone stuff...so was heartened to read the above research...just can't recall right now WHERE I read it.

Go with what feels good, or be prepared to experiment with an open mind.

 

[Tynan]

can't agree, I used to think I had slow legs, ground around in big gears, went fast and stuff and thought that was me

made a concious effort to spin faster after reading about it on here and I'm a convert, the pro point are all true imho

 

[Crackle]

I used to grind when I was younger and had proper knees but last year I made a bit of an effort to bring my cadence up. I have to say it's decreased the fatigue I felt in my legs, improved my hill climbing and doesn't leave my knees sore: Again I seem to have ended up at about 90rpm on the flat, it varies on hills.

 

[Abitrary]

I read a recent article that said the most effective cadence for a person was in fact the rate he felt was most natural.

I agree, it would drive me for one crazy thinking about that too much.

I'd concentrate more on doing some higher effort intervals which is the best way to get fitter on a short distance.

 

[Fab Foodie]

can't agree, I used to think I had slow legs, ground around in big gears, went fast and stuff and thought that was me

made a concious effort to spin faster after reading about it on here and I'm a convert, the pro point are all true imho

I tried the spinning thing for nearly 2 seasons on our club nights and could never keep-up with sudden accelerations in the bunch, spinning just made me slow and breathless...until I got angry, threw away the spinning rule-book and went back to my higher geared lower cadence 'old-style' method and started to go like an express-train (well relatively ) again.
My point is not to stick with it slavishly, try it, but if it doesn't seem to work for you, do your own thing.
Sorry to be a heretic.

 

[domtyler]

I agree, it would drive me for one crazy thinking about that too much.

I'd concentrate more on doing some higher effort intervals which is the best way to get fitter on a short distance.

Remember that time you made it up to 35rpm?

 

[Abitrary]

Remember that time you made it up to 35rpm?

It might be 35rpm, it might be 350rpm... I shall never know.

 

[Crackle]

It might be 35rpm, it might be 350rpm... I shall never know.

you would if it was 350rpm. You and ET would register on radar screens.

 

[Jacomus-rides-Gen]

I am a high cadence dedicate. I cruise comfortably at around 100-110rpm, and at this cadence I always have enough reserve to accelerate suddenly. I am also a fan of using the gears, so change frequently to keep my cadence around the 100 mark.

Find what works best for you, but if you are on a low cadence, seriously think about trying high cadence for the sake of your knees.