I've been cycling for 2 weeks now, doing 10 mile rides monday through friday in flat terrain. I average 13-14mph in the small crank up front and middle of the cassette in the back. I could do longer rides but was recommended to take it easy as a beginner. Now, what is the next step I should take to improve fitness: -Increase distance -Increase speed but same distance -Increase gear -Decrease gear and increase cadence
I dont have a computer that reads cadence so I dont know how fast I'm spinning, btw.
Two weeks isn't very long, so I wouldn't be too rushed to increase too much of anything.
I depends on your age a bit, and your general health, but I don't see a problem invrease both your speed and distance. I wouldn't worry too much about gears; that should come "natural".
You can count your cadence using a watch while you're riding. Just count the revolutions for one leg for 10 or 15 seconds, then multiply by 6 or 4 to get the revs per minute. Most people would recommend a cadence of at least 80 or 90 when you're working hard.
Many beginners think they have to push hard gears, and also think they have to ride hard for a whole ride. Also, three hard rides a week, onalternate days is enough. You can do easy rides on the alternate days.
