Cadence

Question

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello. I磛e been wondering what will be the right cadence ( revolutions ) when going up a hill at least 5 miles long and with a pretty steep gradient.
Thank you.
-----Answer-----
Hi Edgar,

It depends on what you want to do, someone like me that rides for fun and distance would use a different cadence than a bicycle racer.

What I use is the Army, Navy or Green Beret Running Cadence for long hills. Now remember that I am not a racer, racers like Landis or Armstrong would very likely use a much faster cadence. I seem to get stronger going up the hills as I keep my cadence with this method.

Basically mine is like double time marching. This way I do not overdo and "run out of gas" sort of speak.

I use cd's and tapes of the cadence calls, you can get them from Ranger Joes or the Cavalry Store. If you are in the Military or know someone who is they can pick them up at the PX. They are not real expensive and make a good training aid.

I do long rides, and have completed numerous Century rides and this seems to be what works well for me. Try it and see, if not you may want to try a different "beat" to get and keep your cadence.

I hope this helps

Have a great day and do let me know if I can be of any help any time.

Jerry Goodwin
www.bmgfitness.com
O.K. Jerry. That is a good piece of information. But I磍l like to know in numbers, what is the lowest recomended cadence for this type of terrain. I mean should I keep it above 70rpm, and what will soun like a normal average per some one who is not a pro.

Answer
Hi Edgar,

If you feel that numbers are that important then a 70 minimum is a good number to shoot for. 60-90 would be pretty reasonable for the average "casual" rider that is trying to get a decent workout without "burning out"

Hope that helps

Have a great day

Jerry Goodwin
www.bmgfitness.com