Originally Posted by
WonderMonkey
Clydesdale here, 265lbs, 6'2" if any of that matters. I ride a Cannondale mtn bike ( M300 ) with smooth tires (town and country tires). I ride during lunch. I am up to right at 10 miles during the lunch rides. The problem is that I can't seem to get my heart rate up. I've tried upping my spin rate but then I end up bouncing on the seat and switch gears. On these rides I get a great leg workout which is nice but I don't feel much cardio benefit.
Is this common?
Switching gears is fine.
If you're not there already, try aiming for about a 80-90 rpm cadence. When you get there (or if you are there already) then try spinning faster while keeping yourself firmly rooted on the saddle. BTW - Are you using platform pedals?
You might try climbing hills too whenever possible. Hills bring my HR up!!