[quote author=nferyn link=board=19;threadid=2854;start=0#msg24175 date=1042394646]<br />Indeed, my thinking was that by maintaining a high cadence (at an equal speed), you would rely more on slow twitch muscle fibres and thus accumulate less lactic acid, thus resulting in less fatigue<br /><br />Is this line of thinking correct?<br /><br />Niek<br />[/quote]<br /><br />Some of this really depends on what you mean by high cadence, e.g., more than 90 revs/min, more than 120 revs/min, etc.<br /><br />In general, a high blood lactate level is determined by too high a (power output) intensity. Thus, by riding at a power level that is within your ability, will minimise lactate (although, having said that you can't have high lactates for 150 km!).<br /><br />The most efficient cadence, is one that is quite low (e.g., 60 - 80 revs/min), especially at low power outputs (which occur when you ride such big distances).<br /><br />However, the best cadence to use for endurance riding is via self-optimisation, i.e., the cadence that feels most comfortable. For most people this is in the range of 80 - 100 revs/min. <br /><br />Cadence, itself, is an artefact of velocity and available gearing, and also power ouput. as velocity increases (velocity increases when power increases under a given environmental and topographical situation) you have more range of cadence (i.e., at low speed up a hill, you could be stuck in your lowest gear at 40 revs/min, because you're unable to increase power). Your cadence will just track your power output.<br /><br />Try not to think of cadence as the important thing. The important aspect of increased fitness (whether that is for racing or riding around etc) is to increase power output. <br /><br />Ric