Cadence

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Bike computer with cadence sensor on a recumbent bike

The cadence , also called cadence (from Latin cadere , "to fall"), is the number of revolutions per time span of the pedal crank of the bicycle when cycling . The cadence is usually given in revolutions per minute (1 / min).

Some bike computers measure the cadence with a sensor , which is usually mounted on the chain stay and triggered by a magnet on the crank.

The gear shift of the bicycle allows cyclists to adjust the cadence at different speeds in order to achieve a comfortable, performance-optimal or training method desired cadence. A given performance is achieved either at a low cadence with a lot of effort or at a high frequency with correspondingly less effort.

Normal and optimal values

The cadence at which maximum performance is achieved varies from person to person and is around 60 / min for most people. Professional cyclists mostly ride with a cadence of 90–110 / min. This is easier on the joints, as the force used is lower, and it is also more beneficial for the metabolism of the muscles.

The individually optimal cadence depends on many factors, in particular on the driving style and the constitution of each individual driver. This was publicly discussed when Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong were racing for victory in the Tour de France , because their performances were similarly good, but the driving styles differed greatly: Ullrich drove an "athletic", powerful style with a slow frequency, Armstrong a "lively" style with up to 120 / min. In the internet survey of a triathlon forum, 69% of the participants stated their cadence in the range of 80-95 / min. Most of the hourly world records were set at around 105 rpm .

Racers who ride a high cadence can briefly increase their effort during sprints and breakaway attempts. Drivers with a calmer step, on the other hand, can play to their strengths when driving steadily, since from a mechanical and biomechanical point of view, the use of force (efficiency) is better.

At least as important as the "correct" cadence is an optimized pedaling cycle in order to convert the applied force into propulsion with as little loss as possible.

See also

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Cadence - WikiPedalia. Retrieved August 17, 2018 .
  2. ↑ a b smolik-velotech.de
  3. ↑ Cadence on intro-wolfsburg.de ( Memento from February 6, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
  4. ^ Die Welt online from July 24, 2005
  5. ↑ Internet survey on 3athlon.info