my friend tell me to spin over the winter ! no big gears?

Question

so does this mean small ring in front an the biggest cog at the back ? an whats the full advantage of spinnin ? what time of year do you start using the big gears at agian

Answer 1

Spinning does not mean using the lowest gear you have. What it means is maintaining a higher then normal cadence.

If your friend told you this, it would be a great time to have a cup 'o joe with this friend and discuss it. They're your friend after all and they would be happy to elaborate.

Answer 2

Develop a higher cadence by spinning faster. Don't concern yourself with the gear ratios. My advice is to cross train during the off season. Let spinning be a part of that.

Answer 3

Spinning is NOT simply using your smallest gears, it's a training method.

Got a stationary trainer? If not, go get one from a bike shop (I like the fluid trainers best) and don't go cheap. Add a couple of Spinervals DVD's to your shopping cart (try #1 and #7), then go home and use your new toys.

You'll find out what spinning is, how much intervals hurt, and how fast they help your cardiovascular system.

Answer 4

Its sensible to 'spin' as you put it over winter - using lower gears, as it keeps you warmer and the legs arn't working so hard. If you can find you can maintain this higher cadence during the winter, on lower gearing, you may find that when spring comes and you start to push higher gears and you can maintain that higher cadence, you can go a lot faster.

Answer 5

Keep your cadence as high as you can while riding comfortably regardless if it is summer, winter, fall, or spring. For most people this is about 85 RPM. A cycling computer that displays cadence is a help to get started. After some experience you will just know what feels right. Keeping your cadence high will avoid damaging your ankle and knee joints.

Answer 6

Using the big gears means less energy used. During the off season you want to work the legs, so using the smaller gears allows you to use your legs more.

Answer 7

Small cog on cam and big cog on rear wheel cassette means you will pedal harder and travel at lower speeds,
for winter,
(1) slower speeds easier to stop on wet/ice, less chance of injury.
(2) More use of leg muscles increases blood flow and warmth.
(3) Lower speeds reduces wind chill,
good luck!

Answer 8

I agree with M R, - your friend must have a reason for stating this?

No harm though. It's good cv exercise.

Happy spinning.

EDIT: I spend my winter carb-loading - courtesy of John Smiths and Boddingtons.

Answer 9

you could ask your friend........