I’ve created an educational video to highlight three important tips when training a higher cadence. The first one is a technique tip that may solve the underlying reason some of your riders cannot seem to pedal faster than 95, 90, or for some, even as low as 85 rpm.
The second one is related to the neuromuscular adaptation we seek with higher cadence, and the third is on standing up at higher cadences. Should you do it? If so, for how long, and what are the considerations?
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about coaching riders at higher cadences—it might be easiest to address them in another video.
Other articles in this series:
How to Develop a Faster Cadence, Part 1: Why Cadence Matters
How to Develop a Faster Cadence, Part 2: Four Considerations for Training Leg Speed
How to Develop a Faster Cadence, Part 3: More Drills and 6 Profiles to Improve Cadence
Loved the example you used as a ski instructor to explain the importance of “upper/lower body separation” as it relates to form and efficient peddling. With regard to your second and third points, I also try to explain the difference between high twitch vs slow twitch muscle use. Thank you for what you do with your association.
You are very welcome, Gary. I also like that example a lot—I hope it doesn’t get lost on non-skiers!
You are so right, understanding that there are different muscle fibers that specialize in different things can be helpful, too.
Thank you so much! I have been trying to explain that to a group ( who I sort of adopted from another instructor who wanted them to “bob” ugghhhh). So well put!