Question: If a high resistance produces greater power does this mean that it is better always to use a high resistance setting?
Answer: In a word ‘NO’ - The air resistance setting is not an indication of how fast you can go – level 10 is not fast and level 1 is not slow. It is not a measure of how difficult it is to complete a workout. A setting of level 10 is not more difficult than an equivalent setting of 1
The same amount of power (Watts) applied to each pedal revolution will produce the same result whether it is applied when using a high air resistance setting or when a lower setting is employed. In the case of a high resistance setting the power will be applied through a slower movement working against a higher load. Conversely in the case of a lower resistance setting the power is applied more quickly working against a lighter load. For the same power output a lower resistance setting will require a higher cadence but less force. Conversely, a higher resistance setting allows a higher power output for a given cadence but requires more force.
Question: What is the optimum air resistance setting and what cadence should I be riding at?
Answer: For general exercise the resistance should be set to allow comfortable pedal spinning at a cadence of between 70-90 pedal revolutions per minute (r/m) – more experienced cyclists may be able to maintain a cadence of 90-110 revolutions per minute (r/m) and trained cyclists in excess of 110 revolutions per minute (r/m) – sprinters can reach 140 +. Depending on the circumstances cadence can vary from 50 to 200 rpm.
