Zwifters

68 watchers
Feb 2021
12:39pm, 24 Feb 2021
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larkim
I'm similarly baffled though as I actually have a naturally high running cadence. Long runs I'll hit about 185 and my last 10-ish K race I averaged 199.

I should say that probably 75-85 (150-170) is where cycling feels most comfortable - I don't prefer 70 vs 100, it's just that in the Zwift sessions the cadence diktats are usually one or the other, and I grimace at the 100rpm sets and look forward to the 70rpm sets.

Happy to persist with the training, and though I know the cadence hit doesn't contribute to earning stars on the workout I still do ensure I hit them!

(Funnily enough my whippet son is being prodded by a physio to up his cadence from a langourous 150-ish into the 170s to help him address some tendon issues. He thinks my running cadence is hilariously fast when we run together.)
Feb 2021
12:49pm, 24 Feb 2021
73,319 posts
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Gobi
I race between 90 / 130 rpm unless the climb goes beyond my gears , largely ride at 90/110

I like the smoooth feel of 90 plus

As said - lower cadence works the muscles more , higher the CV system

However they are not mutually exclusive and science says anything you want it to say if you do enough research.

I have a fast cadence when I run, 5km actually races will see me over 200 cadence average

There is no right or wrong answer, both can be trained
Feb 2021
1:11pm, 24 Feb 2021
7,406 posts
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Northern Exile
The training program I've been following has repeatedly stated the importance of 90rpm as the optimum/sweet spot cadence.
Feb 2021
1:12pm, 24 Feb 2021
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Yorkshire Pie
I do tend to average around 90 on the turbo - my cadence always seems to be lower on the road though.
Feb 2021
2:15pm, 24 Feb 2021
17,259 posts
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Chrisull
Lunch time spin -have been for 2 months trying to get under 16 mins on Watopia hilly route. Today 15.08, almost a minute pb. Also if the ride had lasted 20 mins, probably have broken my ftp best as well.
MsG
Feb 2021
2:48pm, 24 Feb 2021
1,816 posts
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MsG
My running cadence is naturally 90. Cycling is more like 75-80 but after all the cadence work in the zwift training plan 85 is feeling better.

100 takes some getting into. 105+ I have to really work the core to prevent bouncing on the saddle.
Feb 2021
2:53pm, 24 Feb 2021
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Northern Exile
105 is terrible, I also have to work hard at not bouncing
Feb 2021
2:54pm, 24 Feb 2021
7,408 posts
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Northern Exile
Thought: Is that why Shimano branded their groupset thus?
Feb 2021
2:54pm, 24 Feb 2021
10,430 posts
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lammo
Nice one Chrisull, I need a new cadence sensor...
Feb 2021
4:33pm, 24 Feb 2021
73,323 posts
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Gobi
All relative- I don't get bouncy until above 130

About This Thread

Maintained by Dowse
For Zwifters to organise rides, discuss races and celebrate our virtual cycling world like the nerds...

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