why do they Spin?

[Coggy]

They do it because they have been reading magazines and internet forums where the idea of spinning has spread like a VD.

Spread via intercourse ?

Interesting

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

I think what you define as natural I would call tempo riding. Supposedly around about 80% of maximum heart rate although I really can't be bothered with all the technicals and different levels.

For me tempo is hard but sustainable for up to about 3 hours.
Threshold is harder and right on the limit of my ability.
Anaerobic means I've panicked because I've ridden so slowly, I'm in danger of not getting under 30 mins for 10 miles!

Anyway - just off to the gym 4.5 miles away. I shall attempt to ride there and back at threshold, with little anaerobic bursts over the lumpy bits!

Warm up is the 1/2 mile downhill section at the start!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

What is the natural zone? If it was as natural as the name suggests, you wouldn't need a meter to tell you when you were in it!

What feels comfortable.

 

[Globalti]

If you drive a car you'll know the difference between going up a hill flogging the engine slowly in 4th gear or dropping down to 3rd or 2nd for a lighter effort. The current doctrine is that cycling in a big gear flogs your knees and builds muscle strength and bulk whereas using a lighter gear transfers the load to your cardiovascular system. Whichever is right, all I know is that simply pressing down on the pedals is inefficient and will make you nod like an amateur ( a "nodder") whereas a smooth circular effort makes better use of a wider selection of muscles and builds a more balanced musculature. To me, nothing looks better than a cyclist whose upper body is still and legs moving smoothly round; it just looks more accomplished.