Thoughts on Low Cadence Training
In my endless desire to beat my buddies up hills, I’ve started doing lower cadence efforts on hills and some flat stretches of road. For example, I shift up a couple of gears and try to hold my cadence in the low 70’s while climbing short hills (~1/4 mile) or on a flat stretch near the end of my ride, I’ll try to hold it around 80 rpm’s for 1.5 miles. My normal/comfortable cadence is more like 95-105 on rolling terrain or in the 80’s on climbs.
My purpose is to build more strength which, when applied at higher rpm’s, will result in increased power. Is this reasonable or am I going through pain without gain?
-murray