Higher cadence shifts load from muscles to the cardiovascular system — less muscular fatigue, more oxygen demand. Lower cadence does the opposite — more torque per revolution, less cardio cost, but faster muscular fatigue. Time triallists and climbers tend toward 90-100 RPM; sprinters often drop to 80-85 RPM for maximum force. Low-cadence training (50-60 RPM drills) builds specific torque but should be used sparingly.
RELATED TERMS