Long-distance triathlon glossary·Cadence

Cadence : rotation frequency

Bike

Number of steps per minute (running) or pedal revolutions per minute (cycling).

Running, a healthy target cadence sits between 170 and 185 spm: too low amplifies ground impact and injury risk, too high wastes energy. Cycling, 80-95 rpm covers most intensities: lower taxes the legs (pure force), higher loads the cardio-vascular system.

In TriPaced:

TriPaced shows the recommended target cadence in every run and bike session detail. It adapts to intensity (e.g., Z2 bike cadence runs lower than Z4).

Source Lucia A., Hoyos J., Chicharro J.L., 2001 : Preferred pedalling cadence in professional cycling (Med Sci Sports Exerc)

Related terms

  • FTP : Functional Threshold Power
  • Drafting : energy saving by sitting in someone's slipstream
  • W/kg : Watts per kilogram
  • Aero position : aerodynamic optimization on the bike
  • CdA : Aerodynamic drag coefficient
  • Critical Power : CP