What's a good bike cadence?
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ advice for bike cadence. We all have a different blend of muscle fibres, varying sporting backgrounds and wildly ranging levels of conditioning.
Although for many triathletes, a faster 90-100rpm cadence is effective, others, such as Caroline Steffen, do very well riding in the 70-80rpm range.
What's the best bike cadence for Ironman?
How do you find the right bike cadence?
You need to find what works best for you – and that means experimenting. Ride at various cadences to see what yields the best speeds for you and how it leaves your legs feeling. Judge the effect of different cadences on heart rate and, if you’ve access to a power meter, this can be an incredibly effective tool for determining your optimal cadence.
Cycling: How to improve your cadence this off season
What are the benefits of spinning at a high cadence on a bike?
Should you pedal at a high cadence?
Bricks
As you experiment on the bike, make sure you also experiment off it to discover how different riding cadences affect how your legs feel when you run. With trial and error, you’ll be able to find a cadence range that’s the ideal blend for you for both.
Make sure your cycling is fluid
No matter what the cadence, a fluid pedal stroke will leave your legs fresher for the run. Use single-leg drills, high-cadence work, track cycling and mountain biking to develop a more even and efficient pedal stroke.
Don't forget gearing
Once you’ve established the cadence that works best for you, make sure you’ve got the gearing that allows you to maintain it, whatever the course. And definitely avoid getting sucked into the machismo nonsense of having to run 53/39t upfront and 11-23t at the rear. Having the biggest gearing doesn’t win races. Consider a ‘pro compact’ 52/36t or even a ‘full compact’ 50/34t and a wider spread cassette.
And pacing
Once you’ve worked out your optimal cadence and linked it to either heart rate, power or both, apply unwavering discipline to pacing your bike leg on race day. This will have a greater effect on your run performance than anything else, especially in long-course racing.
(Images: Jonny Gawler)
