[StormStrikes]

Is it abnormal to bounce in the saddle at high cadences/rpm's? I mean like on the order of 105+ rpm?

Ive noticed the last few times I have been on the trainer doing intervals, when I push to do faster cadences it seems I start to bounce in the saddle a little. Ive noticed it a couple times out on the road but obviously not nearly that much because I dont spend that much time over 105 rpm on the road.

I know at a normal cadence, say 70 - 80 rpm, bouncing in the saddle is a result of improper saddle height. Is there something I need to be checking?

[carlharsch]

If you're bouncing at high rpm, you likely need to engage more gear.

[StormStrikes]

Okay, well that's what I have been doing but was not sure if there was some sort of issue that needed to be addressed. I like spinning at that cadence sometimes for the cardio workout, getting my heart rate up and so on and just to get my legs used to spinning that fast for longer durations in hopes that I can work my way up the gears at some point and sustain that cadence at higher gears.

[carlharsch]

yeah, in spinning class, the instructor is always telling the class to "stop the bouncing, add more gear". I try to ride at about 85 rpm cadence with occasional sprints with the same gear for short bursts. I have a hard time maintaining 90 or more for very long on the road.

[StormStrikes]

Originally Posted by carlharsch

yeah, in spinning class, the instructor is always telling the class to "stop the bouncing, add more gear". I try to ride at about 85 rpm cadence with occasional sprints with the same gear for short bursts. I have a hard time maintaining 90 or more for very long on the road.

Well now that I know, then what I think I will do is start paying closer attention at what rpm the bouncing starts and try to stay just under that and start pushing that and try to work my way up through the gears at that rpm.

[rola643]

You could also work on smoothing out your pedal stroke...Hilldancer?

http://youtu.be/sVbwngNoHm0

http://youtu.be/sVbwngNoHm0

[Merlincustom]

Assuming your saddle height is correct and you are pedaling against reasonable resistance, if you're bouncing at 105 your technique needs work. Just keep practicing. I think you're a newcomer to the sport. That's not a criticism. It takes years to develop souplesse. I was on a club ride with Bobby Julich in the off season years ago when he was living in Philadelphia. He was impressively smooth.

[Merlincustom]

Also, for road riding, I think 70-80 cadence is a bit slow. Ideally you'd like 90-95 to be something you could do in your sleep.

[carlharsch]

Very good point about the pedal stroke and technique.

[StormStrikes]

I am new to the sport and I would agree and never take it as criticism that I have things to work on. When I notice it out on the road I do try to smooth it out. So I guess I will just have to keep chipping away at the technique.

If 90 - 95 rpm is the goal, I have a great deal of work yet to do.

Rola, that video is insane! Id love to be able to pedal that fast for a good duration. Uggg, so much to do, LOL.