Originally Posted by
buzp
I read several places that your cadence should be around 80-90 pedals per minute. I checked my cadence today and found I was usually somewhere between 55 and 60. I feel fairly comfortable at 65-70 on flat roads, but there are few of those where I ride and my usual 25 mile ride is all up and down, although it always seems there is more up than down. I am 65 and just started riding again about 4 months ago after a 30 year period in which I almost never rode. Should I try for a higher cadence or just enjoy my ride. I guess I'll get stronger as I ride, but should I really try to push it now?
When I restarted cycling in 2006, everything seemed hard to do and my cadence was lower. I thought I did 80 rpms but once I got a cadence meter on the bike, I discovered it was much lower. But I have always had fun on the bike whatever type of riding I do. If an activity is not fun and I am doing it on my discretionary time, I do not do it for very long.
My advice is to do both. I could offer more advice but I have no idea what your goals are or what type of shoes you wear. What I find fun, you may not like or be unwilling to commit resources to make it happen.
As the cadence increases, it puts more demand on the equipment. Better shoes and pedals are an asset when cycling.
I have used three excellent cycling coaches over the last five years. One consistent theme was to improve cadence and pedal stroke. I cannot spin fast enough to please them. The reason is that leg speed is an asset. One can always choose to spin slower but one must practice and train to spin faster. Smooth pedal stroke with the proper sequence of muscle engagement is much easier on the back and knees independent of the cadence.
I would not push to increase cadence. Instead, I suggest shifting into a lower gear and spin faster for the same speed. There is no rush to do anything other than ride your bike. The more you ride the better you will get at improving cadence.