Different cadence road vs trainer - cause, or issues?
05-15-13, 01:13 PM
#1
serious cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147
Bikes: S1, R2, P2
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times
in
2,026 Posts
Different cadence road vs trainer - cause, or issues?
So on my trainer, I tend towards ~85rpm, especially as power gets above 80% or 90% of FTP. On the road, on the other hand, I prefer ~105rpm. Is that common? Do I need to change one or the other to get optimal results?
I'm aware this is likely a stupid question and watts = watts, but it seemed weird.
I'm aware this is likely a stupid question and watts = watts, but it seemed weird.
05-15-13, 01:29 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
It's not uncommon. On a trainer you have lower inertial load so the preferred cadences is often lower. You also see less inertial load on hills and most riders also prefer a lower cadence on hills.
I don't think there is much point in changing from your preferred cadence. On the road a higher cadence is useful when racing or riding in groups to more easily respond to accelerations but you won't experience that on an indoor trainer.
I don't think there is much point in changing from your preferred cadence. On the road a higher cadence is useful when racing or riding in groups to more easily respond to accelerations but you won't experience that on an indoor trainer.
05-15-13, 01:39 PM
#3
serious cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147
Bikes: S1, R2, P2
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times
in
2,026 Posts
Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
robble
Training & Nutrition
20
04-25-13 12:14 PM
