Legend has it that Campagnolo, a pro racer, was leading a race through Italy's snowy Dolomite Mountains when he punctured a tire on a descent. Fumbling with frozen fingers trying to loosen the heavy wing nuts on his wheel, he was passed by a score of riders. Though some questioned whether the sets were worth the price, afficionados would use nothing else. While there are many opinions as to what exactly is the optimal cadence for bicycling, everyone seems to agree that cadence is important. Paul went on to mention that most recreational bicyclists pedal too slowly, expending energy inefficiently in higher gears.
Professional cyclists have very high cadences.
Road racers' cadences can vary between 75 and 120 revolutions per minute. In mountain biking it is a somewhat different story. In mountain biking there is a wider range and variety of cadences used. Ruthie Matthes talks about cadence.