There has been considerable research illustrating the discrepancy between pedaling rates that elicit the lowest oxygen demand and the pedaling rates preferred by ex- perienced cyclists. Previous studies have shown that the most economical pedaling rate which minimizes oxygen consumption is between 50 and 65 rpm (e.g. Coast and Welch, 1985; Seabury et al., 1977) while several other studies have shown that cyclists naturally select pedaling rates between 85 and 95 rpm (e.g. Hagberg et al., 1981; Marsh and Martin, 1993). Naturally selected pedaling rates are also called preferred pedaling rates.
This discrepancy has led to experimental studies investigating possible factors associated with preferred