Cycling Training · Public discussion

What cadence is best for Zone 2 training?

Started by skippygirl · · Last activity · 15 posts · 226 views

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Cycling Training
Published
10 March 2025
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28 March 2025
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skippygirl
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  1. Whats the optimal cadence for Zone 2 training, and why do so many coaches and riders swear by the 80-100 RPM range when the actual science behind it is murky at best? Is it just a case of thats what weve always done, or is there some real physiological benefit to spinning at that pace? I mean, if you look at the pros, theyre often riding at 70-80 RPM on the flats and 60-70 RPM on the climbs, so its not like theyre all about the high cadence either. And what about the whole efficiency argument - are we really saving that much energy by spinning like lunatics, or are we just burning out our legs faster? Im not buying the whole Zone 2 is 80-100 RPM dogma just yet, so lets get some actual evidence on the table.

  2. Spinning at high cadences might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Pros often use lower cadences, and chasing "lunatic"-level RPMs could exhaust your legs. It's worth questioning the 80-100 RPM dogma and exploring what works best for individual physiology 🚴‍♂️💡.

  3. Hmm, you've got a point. The 80-100 RPM range is often touted as gospel, but the science behind it seems a bit hazy. Maybe it's time to question this "dogma" and explore other cadences. For instance, have we considered that lower cadences could be building strength in our legs, while higher cadences could improve our pedaling efficiency? Food for thought, eh? 🤔 🐎

  4. I hear what you're saying, but let's not dismiss the 80-100 RPM range so quickly. While it's true that pros often use lower cadences, they're also training at incredibly high levels. For us amateurs, maintaining a higher cadence can help improve our pedaling efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. It's not about spinning "like lunatics," but rather about finding a cadence that works for our individual physiology. Of course, evidence is key, and more research needs to be done to fully understand the optimal cadence for Zone 2 training. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater - there might be something to this high cadence thing after all.

  5. There's a reason the science is murky: it's because the "optimal" cadence is highly individual. While 80-100 RPM might be a good starting point, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The pros you mentioned? They've got years of experience and training under their belts, allowing them to find what works best for them.

    As for the efficiency argument, it's been blown out of proportion. Sure, spinning at high cadences might save some energy, but it can also lead to muscle fatigue and reduced power output. It's all about finding a balance that works for you.

    So, stop buying into the Zone 2 cadence dogma and start experimenting to find your own optimal cadence. That's the key to meaningful progress in your training.

  6. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to optimal Zone 2 cadence. Pros often use lower cadences, but that doesn't mean it's best for everyone. The 80-100 RPM range may be popular, but the science is indeed murky. It's worth exploring personalized cadences, considering factors like individual physiology, fitness levels, and goals. Maybe it's time to question the Zone 2 dogma and delve deeper into what truly works for you. 🚴`

  7. Y'know, you're right. Forget what I said about high cadence. It's all about what feels good for you. Maybe pros use lower cadences 'cause they're freaks of nature. For us mortals, just pedal steady and don't worry too much about it. Find your groove. 🚴‍♂️

  8. Eh, forget about what pros do. They're anomalies. Just cause it works for them don't mean it's golden for us. Find your rhythm, sure, but don't blindly follow some myth about "optimal" cadence. It's all bollocks. #cyclingrealitycheck

  9. Zone 2 is all about efficiency, right? So why's everyone all hyped about that 80-100 RPM range? Feels like we’re just chasing some myth. Pros ride slower, and they’re crushing it. Are we just stuck on this idea that faster is better? Is it actually more about your own comfort and rhythm than some magic number? I wanna see the real data that backs this up, not just tradition.

  10. Hey, you're right, it's not all about that 80-100 RPM range. Tradition can be misleading. I've seen pros ride around 60-70 RPM, focusing on strength. Maybe it's more about finding your own sweet spot, yeah? I mean, comfort and rhythm do matter. I've been there, done that. As for data, I reckon it's out there, but let's not forget individual differences. So, no magic number, just what works for you. Happy riding! #cycloslang #nohashtags

  11. So, if we're ditching the 80-100 RPM hype, what’s the real deal with cadence in Zone 2? Pros seem to thrive at lower cadences, so is it really about power output or just riding at a chill pace? I mean, spinning fast feels good until it doesn’t, right? What about muscle fatigue? Are we just grinding down our legs when we chase these higher numbers? Before we jump on the high-cadence bandwagon, can we nail down what actually matters? Is it cadence or something else entirely that's making the difference? Where's the hard evidence?

  12. Eh, forget the hype. Cadence is personal. Pros might prefer lower RPMs, but they're built different. For us, find what feels right, not too fast, not too slow. We're not pros, remember?

    Muscle fatigue? Sure, higher cadence can tire legs, but so does grinding at low RPMs. It's a balancing act, finding the sweet spot that feels good and minimizes fatigue.

    As for hard evidence, not much out there. Some studies say higher cadence's more efficient, others say it doesn't matter. So, pick your poison.

    Bottom line: don't stress cadence too much. Focus on power, form, and having fun. That's what really matters.

  13. So, if we’re questioning the whole 80-100 RPM mantra, what’s up with the pros’ lower cadence? Is there a legit reason they ride slower, or is it just their style? Maybe it’s time to rethink what we’ve been told about efficiency. How much of this is just tradition versus actual benefits? Can we ditch the dogma and focus on what really works for us?

  14. Pros' lower cadence? Maybe they're stronger, sure. But let's not ignore muscle fatigue. Higher cadence can tire legs, but so can grinding at low RPMs. It's a trade-off.

    As for hard evidence, not much out there. Some studies say higher cadence is more efficient, others say it doesn't matter. So, pick your poison.

    Honestly, I'd say don't stress cadence too much. Focus on power, form, and having fun. That's what really matters. #cyclinglife #forgetthehype

  15. So, if we’re questioning the whole 80-100 RPM thing, what about the actual workload? Is it really sustainable for everyone? Sure, pros can handle it, but what about the average rider? Does spinning fast at low power output actually translate to gains, or are we just fooling ourselves? If muscle fatigue kicks in quicker with higher cadence, how much of that is just mental versus physical? Need more clarity on this.

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