THIS IS the optimal TT cadence!

[TiMan]

Much has been said about optimal TT cadence. Some say if you have great aerobic developement then go for a high cadence.....others say that the more muscular man should use a lower cadence. Others say that you should do whats best for you. I think this is all too much thinking, instead shouldn't we look at those that perform the best in TT efforts and try to learn from them?


Here is my .02

The optimal cadence for TT is what is commonly seen in the top time performers....be they pro or not.


This cadence is between 95 and 110...and most commonly about 98-105.



More proof of this can be seen from the cadences used by HOUR RECORD BREAKERS.


Going back in time here are the record holders and their cadences used for their records.

Boardman.......105

Rominger.........102.2

Indurain.........100.9

Obree............?

Moser.............103.1

MERCKX..........103.9.....the so called big gear masher.

Ritter...........105.4

Bracke...........106.3

ANQUETIL....2nd time 92.7.....the only lowish cadence man

Riviere..........104.7

Anquetil....1st time...104!

Coppi............103.3



So my advice is to build your aerobic engine so that you can grind a BIG GEAR at a high cadence.

 

[Demosthenes]

Interesting stuff.

 

[ganderctr]

The higher the cadence the more load is put on the aerobic system for the amount of work done. The ideal balance is where the aerobic system and muscle strength are balanced.

I used to have a very low cadence (around 70 RPM) and since increasing to around 90 RPM, I've noticed a huge difference in my endurance.