Originally Posted by
dr_lha
That's because mashing hard on the pedals stresses your muscles more and makes them fatigued. You're not actually creating more power by pedaling in a higher gear at the same speed, only more torque. This is a basic mistake that many make, thinking that "Power" means how hard you are pushing down on the pedals.
I think you read my scenario backwards. For me anyway, trying to keep a high velocity easy spin at 120rpm is a lot harder cardiovascularly than to lope along at (for me) a comfortable easy-going 85rpm. The above scenario really had no mashing example.
Anyway, for me, I think cadence (rpm), if it could somehow be included in calculations that combine with elevation and speed (used to calculate power expended), could lead to more accurate calculation of HR and therefore calories. Of course, if I really cared, I'd just buy an HR monitor. Just thought it interesting that cadence doesn't play into what these apps use to calculate HR and therefore calories.