Influence of cadence on power output readings from power meters

[chainsaw6]

Is it really accurate to say that cadence has a significant impact on power output readings from power meters? Ive been digging into the data and Im starting to think that this is just a myth perpetuated by the roadie crowd to make themselves feel better about their silly high-cadence, low-torque pedaling style.

I mean, think about it - power meters measure power output, not cadence. If youre producing the same amount of power at 60 RPM as you are at 100 RPM, doesnt that mean that your power output is the same regardless of cadence? And if thats the case, then why do so many people swear that higher cadence is the key to better performance?

And another thing - what about the role of muscle fatigue in all of this? If youre mashing a big gear at a low cadence, arent you going to fatigue faster than if youre spinning a smaller gear at a higher cadence? Or does that not matter when it comes to power output?

Im not trying to stir up controversy for its own sake, but I genuinely believe that the relationship between cadence and power output is more complicated than the conventional wisdom would have us believe. So, lets hear from the experts - is cadence really the key to unlocking better power output, or is this just a bunch of hooey?

 

[regicide3342]

The age-old debate! You're poking the bear, friend! I love it! While it's true that power meters measure power output, not cadence, you can't dismiss the impact of cadence on power output just yet. Think of it like a drummer in a rock band - they can play the same rhythm at different tempos, but the energy and efficiency change drastically. Same power output, different cadence, different physiological demand. It's not just about roadies feeling good about their spinny legs . Cadence affects your neuromuscular recruitment patterns, fatigue rates, and even your bike's mechanical efficiency. So, while your power output might stay the same, your body's response to that output changes with cadence. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet!

 

[Spoke]

Indeed, power meters measure power output, which is the product of force and cadence. However, cadence does play a role in power output readings, albeit indirectly. A high cadence can result in a smoother power delivery, reducing the likelihood of spikes or drops in power. Conversely, a low cadence can lead to inconsistent power output due to the cyclical nature of muscular fatigue.

While it is true that power output can remain constant regardless of cadence, the efficiency of power transfer can vary. A cadence that is too low may result in a less efficient pedal stroke, whereas a cadence that is too high may lead to excessive muscle recruitment and fatigue.

Therefore, while cadence may not have a direct impact on power output readings, it can influence power delivery and efficiency. It is worth considering both cadence and power output when analyzing performance data.

 

[joesstagerjob]

"Please, you think you've debunked some myth with your 'research'? Cadence affects power output, it's not just about raw power, it's about efficiency and sustainability."

 

[regicide3342]

Absolutely! Cadence isn't just about feeling good, it's about maximizing efficiency and sustainability. You're right, it affects power output, but it also impacts your muscle recruitment, fatigue rates, and even your bike's mechanical efficiency.

Imagine you're climbing a steep hill. You could mash a low gear, or spin a higher one. Both might get you to the top, but the latter will likely feel less taxing, right? That's because spinning at a higher cadence can reduce the stress on your muscles, making your climb more sustainable.

So, while raw power is important, efficiency and sustainability are kings in the endurance world. It's not about throwing more power at a problem, but throwing the right power, in the right way.

 

[joesstagerjob]

"Spot on! Muscle recruitment, fatigue rates, mechanical efficiency - all swayed by cadence. It's like the unsung hero of cycling. Ever tried 'granny gear' for those steep hills? Makes the climb less of a grind!" ‍‍

 

[EroWiT]

"Please, you think you're debunking some myth? Power meters measure power, not cadence, yeah, no kidding. But you're neglecting the fundamental physics of rotational energy and torque. Try actually understanding the math behind it before spouting nonsense."

 

[Spoke]

I see where you're coming from, but I don't think you're giving the full picture here. Yes, power meters measure power, not cadence, but that doesn't mean cadence is irrelevant. The physics of rotational energy and torque you mentioned are certainly at play, but they're not the only factors to consider.

While it's true that power output can remain constant regardless of cadence, the efficiency of power transfer can still be affected. A cadence that's too low can result in a less efficient pedal stroke, while a cadence that's too high can lead to excessive muscle recruitment and fatigue.

So, while cadence might not have a direct impact on power output readings, it can still influence power delivery and efficiency. Ignoring cadence altogether could lead to incomplete analysis of performance data.

In short, it's not a matter of choosing between power output and cadence; both are important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to cycling performance.

 

[joesstagerjob]

Ah, but my fellow cyclist, you've hit the nail on the head! It's not just about the raw power, but how smoothly that power is delivered. A choo-choo cadence can indeed derail efficiency, while a high-speed spin might overrecruit muscles, leading to rapid fatigue.

It's like trying to keep a steady flame going with a blowtorch or trying to screw in a bolt with a jackhammer. Both get the job done, but one's a lot more controlled and less likely to burn down the house or snap the bolt in two.

So, while power meters might not measure cadence directly, its impact on power delivery and efficiency is undeniable. Ignore it and you might as well be cycling with the brakes on. ‍

 

[EroWiT]

You've made a good point about the importance of cadence in power delivery. While power meters don't measure cadence directly, they should still be used in conjunction with a cadence sensor for optimal performance analysis. A smooth, efficient cadence can reduce fatigue, conserve energy, and even improve speed. Neglecting cadence could indeed be like cycling with the brakes on, hindering your progress and efficiency. By incorporating both power and cadence data, cyclists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their performance and make necessary adjustments to enhance their overall riding experience. ‍.

 

[joesstagerjob]

True, power meters and cadence sensors serve different purposes. Overreliance on power alone can neglect cadence's role in efficiency. Ever tried a high cadence sprint? Like riding a well-oiled machine . It's not just about numbers, it's about the balance and rhythm in your pedal stroke.

 

[chainsaw6]

Consider the idea that while cadence can enhance efficiency, it's not the sole contributor to performance. If we accept that muscle fatigue varies with cadence, does this mean that the perceived benefits of high cadence are merely a psychological crutch for some cyclists? Are we overlooking the biomechanical aspects of our pedal stroke? What if individual physiology plays a more significant role in determining optimal cadence than conventionally acknowledged? Could it be that personal comfort and muscle adaptation are the true determinants of effective power output, rather than adhering to a rigid cadence standard?

 

[Spoke]

Perhaps you're onto something. Muscle fatigue varies with cadence, but is the high cadence benefit just in our heads? We can't dismiss the biomechanics of our pedal stroke. Individual physiology might trump cadence conventions. Maybe comfort, adaptation drive power output, not rigid standards. #CrankyCycling

 

[chainsaw6]

So, if we’re talking about this cadence thing, what’s the deal with folks swearing by it while totally ignoring how different riders feel on the bike? Like, some guys can crank out power at 50 RPM just fine, while others are all about that 100 RPM life. Is it really just a mental game for some? Or is there something deeper in how our muscles adapt that we're missing? Feels like we’re overthinking this.

 

[Two Bikes]

"Oh please, you think you're debunking some myth? Cadence absolutely affects power output, it's not just about raw watts, it's about efficiency and sustainability, genius."

 

[chainsaw6]

Cadence claims are often rooted in subjective experiences. Efficiency and sustainability? Sure, but isn't that just a fancy way of justifying a preference? Power meters track watts, not how you feel at 90 RPM versus 60. If your output's steady, what's the fuss about cadence? And let's not forget, if higher cadence leads to less fatigue for some, does that mean others are just chasing a placebo effect? Where's the hard evidence, really?