Cadence (cycling)

In cycling, cadence is the number of revolutions of the crank per minute; roughly speaking, this is the rate at which a cyclist is pedalling/turning the pedals. Cadence is related to wheel speed, but is a distinct measurement.

Cyclists typically have a cadence at which they feel most comfortable, and on bicycles with many gears it is possible to maintain a preferred cadence at a wide range of forward speeds. Recreational and utility cyclists typically cycle around 60–80 rpm. According to cadence measurement of 7 professional cyclists during 3 week races they cycle about 90 rpm during flat and long (~190 km) group stages and individual time trials of ∼50 km. During ∼15 km uphill cycling on high mountain passes they cycle about 70 rpm. Sprinters can cycle up to 170 rpm for short periods of time.^{[citation needed]}.

Any particular cyclist has only a narrow range of preferred cadences, often smaller than the general ranges listed above. This in turn influences the number and range of gears which are appropriate for any particular cycling conditions.

Certain cyclocomputers are able to measure cadence, and relay the reading to the cyclist via a display, typically mounted on the bicycle's handlebars.

See also

• Cycling power meter
• Bicycle gearing
• Tachometer — a motor vehicle's tachometer is analogous to a bicycle's cadence; they are both measurements of the drive-train's rotational speed prior to the "transmission" (derailleur)

External links

• Marsh, Anthony P. (Summer 1996). What Determines The Optimal Cadence?. Cycling Science. Retrieved 20 May 2011.

• CR Abbiss, JJ Peiffer, PB Laursen, 2009 Optimal cadence selection during cycling. International SportMed Journal Retrieved 21 May 2011