Originally Posted by
gauvins
Just purchased an entry level trainer. Purpose was to adjust clip-on aeros on a touring bike, for comfort, not performance.
I keep track of cadence and power. My "natural" cadence is low (60-70 rmp). I push 150W. (I am m68).
Most discussions appear to involve competitive cyclists, and emphasize power.
If someone here is randonneur or tourer and has wisdom to share, I'll read with interest. For now I plan to speed up cadence up to ... 90? Perhaps do a couple of intervals - consensus seems to be that this is how you can improve...
Trainer resistance, especially at an entry level, rarely mimics the crank inertial load we experience outdoors, and crank inertial load influences cadence, so aiming at a particular cadence indoors doesn't always translate well outdoors. Plus, whether you're a racer or a randonneur, power is what gets you down the road. In particular, if you're a tourer or randonneur riding at 150 watts for hour upon hour, five extra watts will come in handier than five extra rpm.