CycleMON
09-03-02, 10:28 AM
I would like to know what are views on here about spinning, i.e, on a hillclimb? For the riders that live in hilly areas, what technique do you use for long climbs that lead to sweet downhills?:)
Mountain Biking - Spinning
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WoodyUpstate
09-03-02, 11:25 AM
1. Big gear "mashers" generally use a higher gear and lower rpm.
2. High cadence "spinners" generally use a lower gear with a higher rpm.
Larger, more muscular cyclists tend to push higher gears, while smaller body types lean towards spinning.
Popular wisdom these days is that spinning is better as it puts more stress on your aerobic system than on leg strength. Also, spinning reduces the chance of knee injury as their is less stress on the joint.
On my road bike I like to keep a 95-105 rpm cadence. This translates to the MTB on climbs and flats, and I believe I'm a better climber for it.
2. High cadence "spinners" generally use a lower gear with a higher rpm.
Larger, more muscular cyclists tend to push higher gears, while smaller body types lean towards spinning.
Popular wisdom these days is that spinning is better as it puts more stress on your aerobic system than on leg strength. Also, spinning reduces the chance of knee injury as their is less stress on the joint.
On my road bike I like to keep a 95-105 rpm cadence. This translates to the MTB on climbs and flats, and I believe I'm a better climber for it.
ImprezaDrvr
09-03-02, 02:01 PM
Not all of us big riders use a slow cadence, either. I go about 195 and have always spun because it's been more comfortable to me. I don't have a triple on the roadie bike, so I usually end up out of the saddle and keeping as high a cadence as possible when seated on climbs. It works pretty well for me. As for the mountain bike, I usually spin more than grind out a big gear on climbs. LIttle changes in the trail aren't as likely to mess up my rhythm if I'm spinning.
Maelstrom
09-03-02, 03:49 PM
Spinning is better for the joints. I am a verystrong rider. I tend to mash however when doing long climbs I spin. I vary the technique depending the terrain at that point in time. Sometimes mashing doesn't work on extremely technical. Really I like performance I will ride the same section a few times to find the technique I use.