Originally Posted by
skidder
I still find a lower cadence (in the 75-80 RPM range) to be more comfortable on a long ride. If I try pedaling into the 90s RPM range and I just start breathing faster and get exhausted. If I'm running out of gas I just shift down a gear or two and keep the same slower cadence, seems to work for me. YMMV.
Well it is definitely more comfortable to ride at a relatively low cadence with a relatively low pedal force. Where it becomes more efficient to increase cadence is when you are riding at tempo and above power, otherwise the required increase in pedal force soon becomes your limitation (Power is proportional to pedal force x cadence). But it requires a degree of cardio conditioning and muscular coordination to achieve. Interval training plans typically focus on both of these performance aspects.