Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence

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2009-06-15 1:31 AM

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Subject: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
Do you have cadence on your cycle computers?

Do you need to have cadence on your bike? I've had cadence and no cadence on my cycle computers and the only difference I've noticed is that I keep my constant like 90-100 rpm. I go more by feel now anyways.

I don't think I need it but does having it help over longer rides? Is it more efficient to ride with it? As I said I go by feel is this enough? i.e. If I'm pushing hard on the gears I change to an easier gear and if I'm spinning too much/pedalling to fast I change to a harder gear.

Thanks.

2009-06-15 3:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
I found it very useful when I first started riding but now I'm more experienced I just know how fast I should be spinning my legs.

If I were to get a new cycle computer I don't think I would be that bothered if it did or did not have a cadence function.
2009-06-15 4:00 AM
in reply to: #2217407

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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
meh...it can go either way. I have gotten used to riding by feel mostly because I ride in the dark and can't see the cadence on there anyway. Some people I ride with swear by them. I guess if you ride with people that use them, you'll get used to the way you feel as they ride by cadence and everyone's happy!
2009-06-15 5:59 AM
in reply to: #2217407

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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
I've found the feature can come in handy on some training DVD's that use cadence as a reference point.
2009-06-15 6:45 AM
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2009-06-15 7:11 AM
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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
Never owned a computer with cadence.

2009-06-15 7:30 AM
in reply to: #2217407

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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence

I've been riding for quite a few years now, and my computer pretty much stays on the cadence display. I care less about MPH as I do cadence. It's nice to have, but if I didn't have it, it wouldn't be the end of my cycling.

 

 

2009-06-15 8:31 AM
in reply to: #2217407

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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
I have a computer WITH cadence. Some of the best money I've ever spent. YMMV.

JC
2009-06-15 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
crazylegs - 2009-06-15 7:30 AM

I've been riding for quite a few years now, and my computer pretty much stays on the cadence display. I care less about MPH as I do cadence. It's nice to have, but if I didn't have it, it wouldn't be the end of my cycling.

 



Not sure why anyone who as "been riding for quite a few years now" would follow this methodology. By now, your naturally mos efficient cadence should be engrained into your riding sty;e, and trying to force it to be something else per the computer would be counter-productive at best.

Plus the race results "care less about" the cadence than the MPH.

Cool

2009-06-15 9:07 AM
in reply to: #2217407

Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
As a newer rider I do use my cadence quite a bit.  However, I can see how I would move away once I get better about maintaining a certain cadence. 
2009-06-15 9:07 AM
in reply to: #2217423

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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
tridantri - 2009-06-15 4:50 AM I found it very useful when I first started riding but now I'm more experienced I just know how fast I should be spinning my legs.

If I were to get a new cycle computer I don't think I would be that bothered if it did or did not have a cadence function.


X2
When I transferred my computer over to my new tri bike I never even bothered with the cadence magnet. I have ridden enough to know how it should "feel". 

2009-06-15 9:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
COSkiGirl - 2009-06-15 10:07 AM As a newer rider I do use my cadence quite a bit.  However, I can see how I would move away once I get better about maintaining a certain cadence. 


X2.  I'm a fairly new rider and I find it useful ... I would think after a decent amount of time on the bike you would be able to go by feel.
2009-06-15 10:37 AM
in reply to: #2217407


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Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence

When I first started riding, I got a computer with cadence and am very glad I did. It has since stopped work (the cadence feature) and I find now, as others have mentioned, they can now go by "feel". I have however, found it to be a useful feature to use on a trainer regardless of feel. If I replace my current computer, I will most likely look for one with cadence, but at this point, it won't kill me not to have one.

I would say if you are new to biking/training, definitely get one, it can be a very useful tool, when used appropriately. It helped me a lot when I first got into cycling. If you are experienced and already know where your "sweet spot" is, it probably isn't a must have. Just my very humble opinion.

2009-06-15 11:08 AM
in reply to: #2217407

Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Cycle Computer: Cadence or No Cadence
Like many of the others say, I've ridden with cadence for long enough that I don't really need it. In fact, I got a commuting bike last year and didn't bother putting a computer on it. Still, if I was getting a new bike computer, I would rather get the cadence feature than not have it. I sometimes play workout games using the cadence. With hills and wind, it's nearly meaningless to watch my speed, so my road bike computer is almost always displaying cadence anyway. Without a power meter I usually ride by perceived effort and occasionally check my HR if I have the monitor on. The average speed will end up where ever it ends up.
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