[QUOTE=chipcom;11067568]A low cadence in of itself isn't going to hurt anyone. A low cadence because you are in a gear so high that you can't turn the pedals any faster without sending a kneecap into orbit...yeah, she's a no good.

I have to agree to a point of how fast observed cyclist is going. If someone is not going very fast or top speed, imo they should not be at optimum smooth cadence. Example, if one is cruising to the store for groceries, going to the movies, library, site seeing, etc, why would one try to hit optimum cadence or optimum cadence? Also, I have found a big source of bouncing to be bike fit. If observed cyclist is on a training/club/fitness ride, he/she should be conscience of cadence/speed/heart rate/etc. imo. I think the op is refering to someone pushing too hard in too high gear observed by the rowing, back and forth motion of said cyclist.