Intervals at different cadences ?

upstateSC-rider said:

I know it's not that time of year yet but I've always wondered...Is there any difference in doing intervals at say 70 rpm as opposed to 95 rpm? For example, I use a speed vs. power graph with a Fluid2 indoor trainer which says 22mph = 401 watts (I'm not really concerned about accuracy, more concerned with repeatability).
I can do 22mph at a low rpm or a high rpm, would one be better than the other for any reason?
Thanks.
Lou.

Fair enough, but why not focus on improving your wattage numbers rather than worry about cadence?

There's no best cadence, it all varies according to many factors - it might be low on a climb, high for a TT, and coasting then high-force, high-velocity in a crit.

I'd pick whatever cadence you are most comfortable with and just go with it - unless you are going to be in a situation where you have to ride at a certain cadence.

I won't be able to tell you if it's good or bad or better or worse.

But in case you're an analytic person, you might be interested to read this
http://home.earthlink.net/~acoggan/quadrantanalysis/index.html

For me, it's been a huge revelation.

** edit **

Here, I like this link better. The content is the same but you don't have to click the graphics to actually see them.

http://www.cyclingpeakssoftware.com/power411/quad.asp

upstateSC-rider said:

I know it's not that time of year yet but I've always wondered...Is there any difference in doing intervals at say 70 rpm as opposed to 95 rpm? For example, I use a speed vs. power graph with a Fluid2 indoor trainer which says 22mph = 401 watts (I'm not really concerned about accuracy, more concerned with repeatability).
I can do 22mph at a low rpm or a high rpm, would one be better than the other for any reason?
Thanks.
Lou.

In terms of improving your "engine" cadence is essentially irrelevent, focus on power. However if cadence is an issue specific to your event (e.g. track riding on a fixed gear), then it is worth doing workouts that consider cadence since you will have to race that way. In a points race you might be anywhere from 80-160rpm, so it helps to train to be able to cope with that. Or a pursuit you will probably ride higher cadence than on the road.