Candence

[muffinski]

Thanks for all the responses, how mincing found it's way in I'll never know lol

 

[Chrisc]

What's wrong with 17.5 mph in the 100" gear rolling the cranks round at 60 rpm?
It's only 160 Watts for Heaven's sake....

What's the calculation for that? Often wondered how to work it out.

 

[jimboalee]

What's the calculation for that? Often wondered how to work it out.

Here's the quicky...

http://www.hull.ac.uk/innovation/Bicycle Power Calculator.htm

It's fair, but doesn't give enough choices for CdA and Tyre drag.

'Calories burned per mile' on this calculator is for tractive power ONLY. There is no calculation for weather conditions and state of dress.

 

[jimboalee]

Here's the other where 'Bike weight' can be nominated.

http://www.mne.psu.edu/lamancusa/ProdDiss/Bicycle/BIKEcalc1.HTM

 

[Debian]

My legs and my lungs seem happiest when my legs are spinning at about 80rpm, it just feels "right".

The "right" cadence will be different for every rider as everyone will have different feelings for what combination of spin rate and muscle load is right for them.

 

[jimboalee]

One way to find out your 'right feel' is to do a series of AUK DIY 100s.
Have a go at the 'Brevet 1000'.
Alternate the rides Spin and Grind until you hone your cadence.

At 90 km...
If you are shouting "Ooh my frigging knees", you're pedalling too slow.
If you are shouting "Ooh my frigging arse", you're pedalling too fast.

If you are thinking "I could do that again", you're spot on.

 

[PpPete]

Try this:

On a long flat stretch:
Get in to a gear and to the cadence that "feels right" - note your speed (assuming you have a computer or GPS or something) at an effort level that you feel you can keep up for several hours.

Now drop down one gear and put in the same perceived "effort" on the pedals. The faster cadence will feel a little un-natural..... but check the speedo. Are you going faster?

You need to do this several times in different places & different days as there will be minor variations of gradient & tail/headwinds that are otherwise not noticeable.

Another way of doing it is riding with a group who are going just a little faster than a pace you feel comfortable. When you are in a gear/cadence that "feels right" you feel can keep up OK for while, but you know they will drop you eventually..... Now drop down a gear and spin faster.....does it feel easier to keep up?

If the answer is yes in either case... then it is worth while working on increasing your cadence. If not, then don't bother.

 

[jimboalee]

Try this:

On a long flat stretch:
Get in to a gear and to the cadence that "feels right" - note your speed (assuming you have a computer or GPS or something) at an effort level that you feel you can keep up for several hours.

Now drop down one gear and put in the same perceived "effort" on the pedals. The faster cadence will feel a little un-natural..... but check the speedo. Are you going faster?

You need to do this several times in different places & different days as there will be minor variations of gradient & tail/headwinds that are otherwise not noticeable.

Another way of doing it is riding with a group who are going just a little faster than a pace you feel comfortable. When you are in a gear/cadence that "feels right" you feel can keep up OK for while, but you know they will drop you eventually..... Now drop down a gear and spin faster.....does it feel easier to keep up?

If the answer is yes in either case... then it is worth while working on increasing your cadence. If not, then don't bother.

Flies in the ointment.

Most newbies don't have a clue how knackered they will be in 'several hours'. It's best to go there and view the scenery .

Riding in a group is easier than riding alone. This is because of drafting effects and psycological effects.


Its a long, hard road to find one's 'feel good' cadence. One has to get properly warmed up, stop several times to check the route, get depleted and thirsty; and then refuelled before settling down into a 'painless' rythym.

After 'several hours', moderate pain will be masked by adrenaline, so only severe pain from incorrect leg rpm will be evident.
Note, if severe pain occurs in lower back, stop and have a piddle. Then the pain should either be in the outside of the knees or where your butt contacts the saddle.

One season of AUK 100s should be sufficient.