Den: Hawkeyegal: RonB is correct. The 100 RPM guy doesn’t know what he is talking about or is bragging and just trying to impress you. The “experts” have always recommended 80-90 RPM as a normal cadence for the majority of ride conditions. Spin occasionally into the upper 90′s-100′s if you feel it. On hills try to keep your cadence between 70-80 RPM if you have the gears. Spinning faster takes the stress off your leg muscles and puts it on your cardiovascular system which can sustain the strain for a much longer period of time than your leg muscles. Higher cadence also takes strain off your knees. High cadence is good, but consistent 100 RPM is not necessary. Unless your spinning neighbor is a Lance wannabe or NuFred, there is no need to worry about 100RPM. If you pedal downhill don’t forget to yell “WEEEE”. Otherwise like others have said, us mere mortals are fine at a normal cadence.

Oh thank you Ron B and Den! This helps ease some anxiety! Even though here in Iowa the weather is supposed to be kind of cruddy – I plan to get out there and get some miles in.

Thanks again for your suggestions! They help TREMENDOUSLY!!!