The number of rotations per minute that a cyclistu2019s legs make is called cadence. Different cyclists prefer different cadences, but most fall into a range of 60 to 90rpm. nnHow cadence affects gearing depends on the type of drivetrain a bike has. On a bike with a derailleur, pedaling faster (increasing cadence) shifts the chain onto a smaller sprocket, making pedaling easier. Conversely, pedaling slower (decreasing cadence) shifts the chain onto a larger sprocket, making pedaling harder. nnOn a bike with a hub gear, there is a direct relationship between cadence and gearing. Pedaling faster shifts the chain onto a smaller sprocket, making pedaling easier. Pedaling slower shifts the chain onto a larger sprocket, making pedaling harder.