Effect of Cycling Cadence on Economy at High Power

This study was designed to determine the most economical cadence for cyclists at high power outputs (> 300 W). Six cyclists and two triathletes (age 31.5 ± 8.8 yr, mass 76.9 ± 8.6 kg, VO2max 4.84 ± 0.36 Lmin·1, weekly training 318 ± 118 km) who were capable of riding a bicycle at a speed of 40 kph for 10 min (solo) participated in five tests on a bicycle ergometer. The preliminary test measured subjects' VO2max. After that, subjects completed four trials, each at a predetermined cadence as follows: 60, 80, 100 and 120 rpm. The warm-up started at 100 W, followed by 200 W, 300 W, and 360 W, with each stage lasting 6 min. There was a 2 min recovery period at 100 W following the 200 and 300 W stage. Ventilation (Ve), oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at the end of each stage. VO2, HR, and RPE were analyzed statistically through repeated measures ANOV A and a curve of best fit was used to determine the most economical cadence for each subject at each power. Analysis of VO2 data showed significant differences between cadences at different powers: at I 00 and 200 W, 60 and 80 rpm elicited significantly lower mean VO2s than did the 100 and 120 rpm. At 300 W, the mean VO2 at 60 rpm was significantly lower than at 120 rpm, and at 80 rpm, it was significantly lower than at 100 and 120 rpm. Analysis of the HR data yielded similar