Cadence and Maximum Efficiency
08-17-10 | 12:30 PM
#1
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From: South Bend IN
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Cadence and Maximum Efficiency
As I was riding today (no powermeter), I was wondering what folks out there felt was there most efficient cadence, at which cadence did speed seem best for a given effort. For me it seems to be around 90-95. Any good data out there (UMD are you there?).
08-17-10 | 12:34 PM
#2
pan y agua
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Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
There isn't really conclusive data for a couple of reasons, One, there is a big individual variance. (see e.g. Jan Uhlrich v. Lance Armstrong), Two, it depends on your definition of efficient.
For example, higher cadence may well not be as "efficient" from an aerobic point of view. However, if the higher cadence leads to less muscle fatigue, and allows you to produce power longer, it may be "better" even though it is not as "efficient" in turning oxygen uptake into power output.
It's also situational. Best cadence for climbing may not be the best cadence for racing in a crit, with lots of accelerations, nor the best cadence for a TT.
All that said, you got to find what works for you.
For example, higher cadence may well not be as "efficient" from an aerobic point of view. However, if the higher cadence leads to less muscle fatigue, and allows you to produce power longer, it may be "better" even though it is not as "efficient" in turning oxygen uptake into power output.
It's also situational. Best cadence for climbing may not be the best cadence for racing in a crit, with lots of accelerations, nor the best cadence for a TT.
All that said, you got to find what works for you.
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Last edited by merlinextraligh; 08-17-10 at 12:37 PM.
08-17-10 | 12:34 PM
#3
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From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
What do you mean by "efficiency"?
https://www2.bsn.de/cycling/articles/cadence.html
https://www.powertri.com/triathlon-ed...g-cadence.aspx
https://www2.bsn.de/cycling/articles/cadence.html
https://www.powertri.com/triathlon-ed...g-cadence.aspx
08-17-10 | 12:35 PM
#4
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From: NorCal
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Google is your friend. This was the second thing that popped up in a Google search for "optimum cadence cycling studies":
https://www.fims.org/default.asp?pageID=213202031 Lots of other links to explore using that search, too.
JB
https://www.fims.org/default.asp?pageID=213202031 Lots of other links to explore using that search, too.
JB
08-17-10 | 01:25 PM
#8
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From: San Francisco, CA and Treasure Island, FL
Spinning is efficient because the glutes and hamstrings combine to a much bigger muscle than the quads. But they also operate on a higher leverage so need cadence to maintain power.
08-17-10 | 01:32 PM
#9
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From: Vancouver, BC
You really need to differentiate between comfort and efficiency.
It's virtually impossible for an individual to determine the effect of cadence on efficiency but you can arrive at what's a comfortable cadence under a particular set of conditions. Usually for higher intensity a higher cadence is more comfortable. Loafing along on a recovery ride a lower cadence is probably more comfortable.
It's virtually impossible for an individual to determine the effect of cadence on efficiency but you can arrive at what's a comfortable cadence under a particular set of conditions. Usually for higher intensity a higher cadence is more comfortable. Loafing along on a recovery ride a lower cadence is probably more comfortable.
08-17-10 | 01:42 PM
#10
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
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What really matters is the balance between pedal force and circumferencial velocity, and the rotational inertia.
It's virtually impossible for an individual to determine the effect of cadence on efficiency but you can arrive at what's a comfortable cadence under a particular set of conditions. Usually for higher intensity a higher cadence is more comfortable. Loafing along on a recovery ride a lower cadence is probably more comfortable.
