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Message started by larry on Apr 30^th, 2009, 8:49pm

Title: spinning
Post by larry on Apr 30^th, 2009, 8:49pm

OK folks, I am going to show my ignorance and inexperience here. I have only been serious 'bent riding since October 08. Before that I got on a bike maybe 5 times a year. Now I ride to work most every day, 11 miles round trip. I have heard various ones refer to "spinning" with respect to how fast you are going. So, at the risk of sounding dumb, what exactly is "spinning"? Can this be explained in words, or is it like someone explaining how to balance on your bike? Thanks for the help! [smiley=shrug.gif]

Title: Re: spinning
Post by aikigreg on Apr 30^th, 2009, 9:43pm

there are two basic types of ways to pedal your bike. Basically, Mashing means going around in slow circles in a higher gear, which for many of us will cause stress injuries to the knees. Spinning is moving the pedals around faster, putting less stress on the joints but more stress on the cardiovascular system.

It's more complicated overall, but hope this helps.

Title: Re: spinning
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 30^th, 2009, 10:58pm

What he said, keeping your RPMs up around 80 or so..

Title: Re: spinning
Post by robert.j on May 1^st, 2009, 8:01am

Back in the days of riding uprights, I turned my pedals at an RPM of roughly 85. On a bent I'm doing about 95. You're turning the pedals faster, using a lower gear, to attain the same speed. The actual RPM you use is dependent upon your own physical makeup, but will lilkely will be higher on the bent to guard against too much stress on the knees.

Title: Re: spinning
Post by larry on May 1^st, 2009, 9:15am

Thanks, guys. This is very helpful. I am learning how to get to the office quick-time without beating myself up along the way. The RPM number will be helpful, except I don't want to waste my ride home counting 1..2..3....81..82...83. I can figure it out. :)

Title: Re: spinning
Post by aikigreg on May 1^st, 2009, 9:29am

larry wrote:

the exact number isn't important. You know you're mashing if you don't change gears a lot. If you haven't changed gears going uphill and your legs are barely rotating, you're grinding. I may shift 7 or more times going up a hil, since I try my best to spin.

Title: Re: spinning
Post by AustinSkater on May 1^st, 2009, 9:39am

larry wrote:

Try this, it's much easier than counting ( if I counted my cadence would never get above 5 - since I can't ride without one hand on the bar): http://www.rei.com/product/751831

Spinning is good, I'm more of a masher myself, but since I've switched to a 'bent I do spin more - and that translates back to my DF as well.