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All  |   Discussion (0)How to ride (General)

Be relaxed: The more relaxed you are on your bike, the less energy you will burn and the more energy you will have.   thesource (378)

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Spin: Spinning is cycling at a fast "cadence" (revolutions of the crank per minute). Touring cyclists general spin at 80rpm, while professional road cyclists spin at 100rpm or more. It is more efficient to spin instead of grinding at low cadence, because:

- less force is applied to the pedals per revolution, putting less pressure on joints and muscles;
- it predominantly uses "slow twitch" muscles, which have greater endurance capacity;
- grinding at low cadence to produce a more powerful stroke uses more energy and produces blood lactate which makes the legs feel heavy.

It is a good idea to practice gearing-down in undulating terrain. The aim is to maintain as much momentum as possible, at the same cadence.

For example, a cycletourist on a 24-speed bicycle may gear-down quickly with this combination:
1. Before climbing: largest front ring and 5th gear on back
2. Starting to climb: middle front ring and same rear gear
3. Slowing down: smallest front ring and same rear
4. Actual climbing: same front ring, and 4th rear gear, then 3rd, then 2nd, and 1st if necessary.   kellyjones00 (593)

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