Is double time helpful? Want to pedal real fast to go real fast?

Maybe not so fast. In the first place, we\’re none of us Chris Froome, although we might want to be able to ride as fast as he does.

It\’s interesting that trying to pedal very fast in a low gear wastes so much energy. I\’ve noticed that, in said very low gear, I have to pedal furiously to attain 13-14 mph; and it tires me out much too fast. I get all out of breath.

On the other hand, a hard gear and slow pedaling is also wearying. My leg muscles get too tired, too fast. One time, several years ago, I tried slow pedaling in a hard gear to see how fast I could go while staying in a low heart rate zone. I got up to 15 mph and was still in my Zone 2 (\”cruising\”); but my quads didn\’t like it any too much; and I wasn\’t able to maintain it for long.

We have to find a balance between \”hardness\” of gear, and cadence. Add to that the necessity of changing gears to meet changing conditions: a climb; a turn into the wind; and so on. On top of all that, there\’s personal preference. What feels good to me cadence-wise might feel terrible to another rider.

I try not to get hung up on it. Yes, it\’s good to practice low-gear, rapid-cadence pedaling. You might need this kind of double time on a long ride, when there\’s a long stretch heading into the wind. But mostly, choose your gear and cadence; and just keep rolling along.