Cycling as a Newbie

I've decided to have a go at a Triathlon, so I'm spending more time on running, swimming and cycling. This weekend, I cycled about 20 miles at an average speed of 14mph. This doesn't even compare with Lance Armstrong (surprise, surprise), who has the highest average speed at the Tour de France of an amazing 25mph. I noticed an interesting difference in style between my friend and I. When we were going up a hill, she stayed in the same gear and pedaled at the same frequency, whereas I changed into a lower gear and pedaled faster. I don't know which is considered better, but I do know that there is no way I could have gone up the hill without dropping down the gears.

Comments

[jeff]

That's a lot better than my 13 mph. I'm still trying to get back into shape!

[Tzoid]

Your way is considered better, and is one of the cycling style changes Lance A has introduced. Cycling at higher rpms increases blood flow and thus reduces procuction of lactate acid in the leg muscles. But your heart and lungs have to be up to the job...