Originally Posted by
Scummer
Hmm.. this might be one of my many problems. I don't think I shift down as I'm too consumed trying to accelerate and forget about shifting. I might have to concentrate more on the shifting.
I'm going into the last corner at my normal 90-100rpms, so I'm guessing you shift down 2 or 3 cogs to get to 65-70rpm and then sprint? Or do you jump first and then shift while you're stomping the crank?
Welcome to your problem. I would have suggested this is the case, but, well, I did not have to. You did.
Sprints don't happen under 100rpm. In fact, most often, they start there or higher.
If you wanted to pass a car in front of you when traveling at say 30 mph, would you shift to 5th gear in your car and try to go around? Or would you shift down, and pour out ridiculously high RPM to get that snappy acceleration. If an automatic transmission is your car's weapon of choice, and you put your foot down, does the car shift into an easier gear or not?
Practice sprints, but focus on RPM. Start from 100-110 rpm and then crank it up from there. Most people I know who sprint fairly well, will tell you that they often hit 140 rpm or higher in a sprint.
Step 1. Start with high cadence.
Step 2. Do not shift. Instead, power the gear you are in and spin it out.
Step 3. Now shift and power the new gear and spin it out.
Step 4. Throw your hands up in the air with the showmanship of your choice.