Originally Posted by
terrymorse
Yes, my preferred flat riding cadence is higher, about 85-95. Why the difference? No idea.
I also find it harder to maintain the same power on the flat as on uphills. It's not an aerobic limit thing, the legs just don't want to push as hard. Why? Also, no idea.
OK, maybe one idea: I climb often, and my body has gotten accustomed to putting out power when climbing. Body's not as accustomed to pedaling on the flat, so it's not as powerful there.
I find that even if I have a gear that lets me climb at 90rpm, I prefer to do it in the low 80s. I have found myself shifting to a higher gear on places like Old La Honda, running 36x30 instead of 36x34 most of the way, but saving the 34 for the toughest bits in the last mile.
On the flats 95-105 feels right.