Originally Posted by
Smaug1
Power, I can't comment on. That seems like a pro thing, and for them, it is power:weight ratio.
I think heart rate is more important for regular guys like us, and pretty easy to get a Bluetooth heart rate monitor chest strap and pair it with your GPS.
For cadence, you want to not be mashing the pedals, but spinning them by pedaling in a circular motion. Not so fast that you're winded from spinning so fast, but fast enough that you're using the gearing to make progress, not just brute force.
I appreciate the advice.
The problem I'm having re: cadence, is maintaining a constant cadence with the elevation changes I have. Looking at my post ride metrics, I'm averaging 9 mph going up my toughest climb (where I am in really spinning the crank using my 50:32 gears) and hitting 30 mph going down the longest/steepest descent. I am not able to keep up with the pedals on this descent. Honestly I'm not comfortable trying to go any faster at this time.
I received a FitBit for this Christmas and have started wearing it to keep up with my steps, heart rate and sleep. I know it's not the best for the bike, but it's what I'm starting with.