Originally Posted by
TomD77
In physics, work is force times distance or, for rotation, torque times RPM. So if you increase RPM (cadence) from 60 to 120, you can reduce pedaling force force by 1/2 and still maintain the same speed. I'm 63 and find that greater RPM's work for me, I'm most comfortable at 95-100.
This is why when I started cycling I immediately began working to get my cadence over 100 RPM. I have a history of joint issues and I didn't want to blow my knees out on a bike. It's worked for four decades, so I'm disinclined to give other methods a whirl. However, I have a good friend who started cycling on a bent trike a couple of years ago and he says his knees get sore if he raises his cadence above 60 RPM.