What is your optimal Cadence

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2015-07-13 9:58 AM

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Subject: What is your optimal Cadence

I took a look through my files last night, and found it interesting that over the years my cadence in my best races has increased, and then become super consistent. Around 95 average at the moment seems to be what I'm putting out consistently.

What cadence do you prefer and how is it working out for you?

2015-07-13 10:04 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
Over 40 or 50 miles that's a little fast for me. I tend to turn a bit slower but in a higher gear than most of the guys I ride with. That seems to get me the best results. I run around 88-90.

I have tried to increase my cadence during training and I think it is improving my conditioning but when I ride with a group I recently joined, mostly cyclist and not tri guys, if I want to keep up I need to gear up and cadence down.

2015-07-13 10:17 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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DC
Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
Since cadence is such a personal thing, I don't understand if there's a some benefit to treating it as anything other than fun data. Still, when out climbing, I feel good about being able to maintain a decent cadence pace rather than using raw leg muscle out-of-the-seat.

I'm also a 90-100 average. (I receive constant commentary about my "high" cadence. As if it's a good thing.)
2015-07-13 10:25 AM
in reply to: Porfirio

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

I think it is definitely more than fun data.  A higher cadence means a lower torque and that you're transferring the load to your respiratory system rather than just muscling through.  My race yesterday had a very rough section, my cadence was lower there because I did have to muscle through.  Different cadences are tools to be used for different situations

 

2015-07-13 10:51 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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DC
Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
Originally posted by dmiller5

A higher cadence means a lower torque and that you're transferring the load to your respiratory system rather than just muscling through.


Agree... I feel it. All I'm noting is that it seems that my 90 rpm's may be another's 80's as far as the respiratory/muscle cycle. Noting this, I'm not clear what value cadence monitoring has. Unless,if you know you ride 90 comfortably on flats &, therefore, the closer you are to 90 on a climb the better?
2015-07-13 10:51 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

I'm older (62) with short muscular legs.  My cadence 'sweet spot' is 80-85 rpm.  More of a grinder than a spinner.

Mark

2015-07-13 1:48 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
It's also bike specific. On my tri bike I'd rather be 90-95. On a hilly course I'd choose my road bike and rather be 80-85.
2015-07-13 3:26 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

No clue.  I look back at races and it's all over the place.  Anywhere from 85-98 for TTs in the 20-40k range.  There doesn't seem to be any correlation between a cadence number and power/results for me.  I just ride at whatever feels the most comfortable for putting out power and managing my RPE.

2015-07-13 3:41 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

In training, high 80s, but that includes averaging in the high force stomps when climbing. 

In a TT or triathlon, I usually tend to be in the low- to mid-90s. 

2015-07-14 6:12 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

About 80-85. Usually closer to the lower end.

2015-07-14 6:33 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Member
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Exton, PA
Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
I don't even have a cadence meter, I go on perceived effort.

However I do know that I am usually on the lower end of where many ride, around 75-85. I have short strong legs and over the years when I get into flat riding I pump hard at a low cadence. Of coarse I can ride higher cadence and I do depending on the terrain.


2015-07-14 7:24 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence

I'm mid 80s "B" student.  But I change it up during a ride.  90s and 70s for short durations.

2015-07-14 11:07 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
85 for me and I teach all the people that I work with to stay above 80 if they can. the faster you turn it the easer it is to a point.
2015-07-15 12:50 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: What is your optimal Cadence
The longer or less intense the effort, the lower my cadence tends to be.

For a long long effort, I might average 90.

For an easy cruise, I might average 80-85.

For an all out 10 mile TT I am usually about 100 ish.
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