Road Cycling - How should I pedal? And in what gear?

I have been cycling for about a month now. I realized that although I go what I think is fast and what I think is far. (25 mph and 25 miles) I have no idea what I am doing. I know it depends on what I am going for,,,but how should I be peddling? Should I do it real fast for a long time, or should i push a higher gear and go slower. What technique does what for me and my legs? Thanks!

Different strokes for different folks. A cadence in the range of 90-100 rpm is a good all-around average. Try to keep the stroke smooth... Greg LeMond recommended trying to feel the pedals for the entire revolution.

In general, pushing a bigger gear at lower RPMs you will go faster but your legs will tire more. Even for a strong rider, it will take more of a toll over the course of a ride. But in some circumstances, like a time trial, that's an okay trade off. At a higher cadence, you probably won't go as fast, but after you ease up for a minute or two, your legs are ready for more. Develop them all, and use them in different situations.

25mph is crazy fast for just cycling for a month! geez... are you looking to go pro???

Originally posted by deliriou5
25mph is crazy fast for just cycling for a month! geez... are you looking to go pro???

I guess he must have indulged in other high endurance sports before cycling... Its the only explaination.

Are you guys serious? I am not saying I ride at 25 mph for all 25 miles, no way! I ride relaxed at 15 mph and when I am pushing the big gear I go 25 mph, I can keep that up for maybe 5 miles at a time.

It is probably a good idea to practice pedalling at a high cadence (80-100 revs/min) in a fairly easy gear, with a smoothe spinning style. Dont try to stretch the cranks by pressing down hard, but move in circles. A pedal retention system, like toe-clips or a clipless (ie clip-in) system really helps to improve efficiency and style.
Spinning fast feels funny at first, but if you can train your muscles it is a lot more efficient.

Subscribe to www.roadbikerider.com and check out the training books they have. They have a bi-weekly newsletter they send out which is both free and informative and their books are also inexpensive. I've gotten three of them over the past year and have found them very informative on helping develop a good spinning style and such. If you can push 25 mph for five miles on anything other than downhills you are still doing well and have an excellent base to build on. As said above, racing should be in your future.

I'll second what ParamountScapin just said about potential. 25mph for 5 miles straight is not at all an average newbie accomplishment unless you have 5 miles of continuous downhill. If you're pushing that kind of speed on flat ground already, you may have found your niche.

Pedal like ya stole it, in cycling gear of course :D

Originally posted by princebaal
Are you guys serious? I am not saying I ride at 25 mph for all 25 miles, no way!
Whew! I was thinking "you're asking us for advice?"

Left foot: push.
Right foot: push.
Repeat.

That's my formula. Fine tuned as you will.

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Chi, that is the coolest animated icon ever (emoticon) whatever! I like it.

Princebaal, go here for all kinds of neat smileys. http://www.mysmilies.com/

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Originally posted by SamDaBikinMan
Princebaal, go here for all kinds of neat smileys. http://www.mysmilies.com/

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Originally posted by princebaal
Are you guys serious? I am not saying I ride at 25 mph for all 25 miles, no way! I ride relaxed at 15 mph and when I am pushing the big gear I go 25 mph, I can keep that up for maybe 5 miles at a time.

ah, well yes 25mph max on a ride is pretty normal. But it was a bit misleading when you said 25 and 25.... which would lead one to believe you could do a 40k TT at around 40k average speed :eek: (that would put you somewhere in cat 2-1 racing average ;))

anyhow, it depends on a lot of things when you consider pedaling techinque. Indeed if you plan on racing in a time trial you may want to hammer out a big gear and use up your engery. However I think the first thing I learned how to do when concerning pedaling is to get my cadence up from 60-70 to 80-100. I think when you first ride a bike you tend to pedal slower and this bad habit sticks with you. After you get a smooth cadence down, then you can start experimenting with gears and moving around on the saddle for extra power (I go far back on the flats and move forward on the climbs.) but in general I would get a computer with cadence and try to work on keeping it up during the ride. :)

Please remember one very important thing...if you are new to cycling, use "light" gears - otherwise you WILL blow your knees out. Gradually increase the graring from season to season. It took me until the beginning of the 3rd season to comfortably push a 53-11.

What a great question! But very difficult to answer......

The great thing about multi-geared bicycles is the capability of adjusting the "gear-ratio" to the purpose at hand.

The "purpose" and the situation, as well as the cyclist's motivation and strength all play a part in the selection of the gear-ratio or "pedaling-speed", "cadence".

Because of these variables, there is no "correct" answer.

My own experience suggests, that from time to time you try and "spin" the pedals rapidly, and at other times you leave the gear selection so as to pedal with great force......slowly.

Two, general hints that seem to work for many:start the bottom of a hill with a gear you can spin easily. When going down a hill pick a gear that lets you continue to apply force without spinning much.

Hope this gives you some idea.