this will set the cat amongst the pigeons

[peanut]

extract from medicine and science in sports and exercise





PURPOSE:

This investigation was designed to determine if different cadence strategies altered uphill cycling performance.

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METHODS:

14 competitive cyclists volunteered as subjects for the study (VO2peak = 4.52 ± .44 l/min, peak power-to-weight ratio = 5.72 ± 0.43 W/kg). Subjects completed a 6-kilometer uphill time trial in the field (average grade = 10%), performing both a low cadence trial (LC) and a high cadence trial (HC). The course was selected to elicit a cadence of < 60 rpm using standard racing gears when riding at maximal effort (LC). Likewise, a modified gearing combination was used to achieve a cadence > 80 rpm at maximal effort (HC). For each trial, performance data (Time, Speed, Cadence, Power Output, Heart Rate) was recorded using a rear-hub mounted power meter. Trials were separated by 1-7 days, with subjects abstaining from intense exercise in the 24 hours prior to each session. To examine the influence of cadence variation on metabolic responses, subjects were brought into the laboratory for two exercise sessions utilizing the average cadences and power outputs from their field trials. These sessions were an accurate representation of the field situation in terms of cadence and power output.

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RESULTS:

The mean average cadence over the course of the LC trial was 55.6 ± 4.6 rpm (range: 49 to 63 rpm); for the HC trial it was 82.8 ± 4.0 rpm (range: 76 to 91 rpm). There was no statistically significant difference in performance time (LC = 1499.64 ± 143.09 sec; HC = 1485.86 ± 118.36 sec), average power output (LC = 322.43 ± 31.36 W; HC = 321.14 ± 28.61 W), or average heart rate (LC = 169.71 ± 7.64 bpm; HC = 170.79 ± 5.73 bpm). RPE was significantly greater during HC: 18.11 ± 0.88 compared to 17.61 ± 1.15 for LC (p < 0.05). The laboratory data supported the results of the field trials, showing no significant difference in economy, average heart rate, or blood lactate concentration.

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CONCLUSION:

The results of this investigation indicate that cadence does not affect performance during uphill cycling in a field setting. Supported by Graber Products Inc.
©2002The American College of Sports Medicine

 

[Aperitif]

Good topic for the health and fitness section...

 

[swee'pea99]

Gear low, pedal fast, and never listen to scientists.

 

[peanut]

Good topic for the health and fitness section...

not really ..it has nothing to do with either health or fitness does it wouldn't get seen by anyone in there anyway but move it if you feel the burning need

 

[iLB]

*yawn* mtfu, then htfu- keep it in a big gear and get the power down, simples

 

[Scoosh]

Interesting

Maybe much of the talk of 'low gear, high cadence' is linked to the psychological aspects - some (many ?) 'feel better' if they are spinning the cranks round, rather than, seemingly, having to 'struggle' in a higher gear/grind. I feel that way when someone breezes past, spinning away

So it all comes down to personal choice - funny that


An article on climbing in Cycling Active refers to a 'solid finish':

"A fast finish is a much more enjoyable way to conquer a climb,even if the overall time is no faster than a rider who started quicker and then suffered towards the end. Mentally you will feel much better about yourself remembering how you felt strong over the top of the climb instead of feeling like you were at death's door."

 

[Will1985]

Makes sense to me - each rider is able to sustain a constant power output (high gear, low cadence = low gear, high cadence).

Cadence is still personal preference. Some people can grind out the huge gears without experiencing much fatigue, while others (me) need to spin a lighter gear otherwise it hurts too quickly and they start going backwards.

It may be psychological, but what about body build and skeletal strength?

 

[MacB]

It may be psychological, but what about body build and skeletal strength?

must make a difference, if you're a big heavy person then, unless you hardly ever move, you will have a fair bit of strength, just from transporting the excess weight around. Not so sure about the skeletal strength unless you mean to include the ligaments, tendons and any other bits in and around joints. These will make a difference as to how much pressure you can put on your joints, ie grindvspin.

 

[02GF74]

if you have chunky big long legs, then it is much harder to move the quickly than thin spindly legs.

 

[Scoosh]

I wonder if there is any connection with runners - those with long thin legs tend to be the distance people = spinners, whereas those with bigger thighs tend to be sprinters = grinders.


[Then thinks Chris Hoy - massive thighs and spins like I can only dream about - but he is really a sprinter, isn't he ?]

 

[peanut]

Interesting

So it all comes down to personal choice - funny that

I think its more that the choice is made for you depending on your physical makeup. If you spin at the cadence that suits your muscles make up , fitness ,endurance etc you will produce your maximum power.

Its suggesting you should trust your personal observations of what is the most efficient cadence for you rather than a low or a high cadence rate being best for every rider

 

[Sittingduck]

We need Jimbo in this thread
Dunno if he comes in the Cafe though!

 

[dellzeqq]

(sits back and contemplates ceiling...)

 

[rich p]

We need Jimbo in this thread
Dunno if he comes in the Cafe though!

Christ! Beware of what you wish for

 

[lukesdad]

Article missed the point its only a snapshot of a few riders riding up one hill !