Need for cadence?
Now that I'm getting into usingmy PT more effectively, I am wondering if I should get a cadence kit.
In my pre PT days, I'd use cadence as a way of assessing the consistency of my power output (all else equal) and RPE as my general level of output. I've got my PT set up to display speed via the hub and am contepmlating getting a cadence sensor as well. Do most of you use cadence as well or would this be a waste of $50?
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Nope, no need for the cadence sensor, the hub is good enough.
I also use the hub numbers. My default cadence is between 90-95 anyway, but if I see it going into the 80s I know it's time to change gears before my legs fall apart. During my warmup I always determine which gear I need to use to hit my target watts at my desired cadence. For example, I know that to hit my VO2 intervals I usually need to use the 5th smallest cog at 90-92rpm, or I can use the 6th smallest at 94-98. I have better success at the higher cadences.
There is a setting on the 310XT where you can tell it to get cadence from the hub. On the CycleOps LYC it just pops up automatically I think. It's the "C" in the bottom row of the display.
One thing that I will say, is when I'm holding tight near the end of a long 95-100% interval, or on the 42 minute bike test sitting there on the static trainer all out, and I have the power level that I want, with the gearing dialed in @ 91RPM on my Garmin, I find it easier and smoother to focus on keeping the RPM there, than trying to chase..or watch...the jumpier power or cadence reading on the PowerTap...seems to get the job done...for me anyway
Any advice? I've experimented with the Joule smoothing and still get cadence numbers all over the place!
I just don't think it matters. I haven't seen cadence on the dial in about 5yrs and it's had zero impact on my cycling fitness, ability for me to tell how I'm riding, etc.