Originally Posted by gcasillo
I'll offer a dissenting opinion re: cadence. Is it important? Yes. Should you have an idea about what your cadence is? Yes.
Should you fix yourself to a pre-determined cadence? Should you shoot for a cadence that Lance Armstrong and Chris Carmichael champion? If you don't maintain a 90-100 RPM cadence, does this mean you suck? No.
I'm early in my training for a first crack at racing this season, so let me qualify my expertise (read: none really). But what I've discovered is that I'm built to mash over modest rollers and flats. I'm broad-shouldered and fairly muscular from the hips down. I suck in and expend wind like nobody's bidness. I just feel like I get more speed with less RPMs than what most folks buzz over.
Power is where it is really at, and power is the product of not just cadence but cadence and torque. Power is measured in watts. Don't have the formula, but my computer estimates it. You could go to a lab for an accurate number.
Moral of the story: learn cadence and understand what works for you. But don't set yourself on an RPM that everybody else likes to talk about.
Get a copy of the Charmichael Book. It is a book for the novice as well as the journeyman. I'll never be a Lance and I'm well past my prime as far as racing goes. However, technicques I learned from this book have improved many aspects of my riding ability. I have read many fine books on training and fitness as it relates to cycling. This is one of the better and easy reads.
Quote, "Overall, there is no single best cadence. Terrain, wind conditions, and whether you're riding solo or in a group all influence your pedaling. You need to work well in a range of cadences. Most cyclists usually find efficent riding in a cadence range of 70 to 80 rpm. Most experienced riders usually are comfortable in the range of 80 to 90 rpm". pg 138 Essential Skills, The Lance Armstrong Performance Program. Notice the words "most" and "many".
A cadence capable cyclometer will allow the user to determine what their optimum cadence is then maintain it and taylor it. However, cadences of 90 and above are not for everyone.