1. Introduction
• Serious cyclists want
to know what cadence
they pedal most
efficiently.
• Common belief is that
a cadence of 85-95 is
optimal for Time Trial
and Triathlon races
• Some believe 100+
rpm to be optimal
• Metabolic analysis of
local bicycle racers
was used to address
this question.
Methods
Trained cyclists worked at standardized workloads of:
2 watts/kg 2.5 watts/kg 3 watts/kg
At three frequently used pedaling cadences
80 rpm 95 rpm 110 rpm
VO2 was measured for each cadence at all three workloads
Results
• Significant difference
between 80 rpm and 110
rpm at 2 watts/kg
• No other significant
difference
Conclusions
• Pedal cadence influenced breathing
while performing standardized
workloads
• More oxygen inhaled at 110 rpm
• 80 rpm data more efficient than 110
rpm at a workload of 2.0 watts/kg
Workload Economy at Common Cycling Cadences
DANIEL MARTIN
Department of Health & Exercise Science. Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, LA 71134.
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