Torque

In cycling, torque measures the rotational force applied to the pedals. It’s a critical piece of the performance puzzle, offering insights into pedaling efficiency, neuromuscular coordination, and power production.

Two riders can produce the same power output in very different ways.

• One might spin at high cadence with lower force.

• The other might mash at a lower cadence with higher torque.

Torque shows you the force behind the power, helping to identify:

• Pedaling inefficiencies

• Muscle recruitment patterns

• Strength imbalances or fatigue effects

• Adaptations to gear selection and cadence strategy

It’s especially valuable in:

• Low cadence, high-torque efforts (e.g., strength-endurance sessions)

• Sprinting or accelerations, where peak torque matters

• Climbing, where torque demand increases with gradient and gear choice

For deeper insights, check out our in-depth article with John Wakefield on Torque Production →

Vekta automatically calculates torque (in Newton-meters, Nm) for any cycling session that includes both power and cadence data.

Formula used:

Torque (Nm) = (60 × Power (W)) / (Cadence (rpm) × 2π)

• Track strength endurance: Monitor average torque during low-cadence, high-resistance sessions.

• Analyze sprint form: Use peak torque to assess explosive power and technique.

• Spot fatigue trends: Compare torque at the same power across time to assess mechanical efficiency.

• Individualize cadence strategies: Understand how different cadences affect your torque and fatigue rate.

• Leo, P., Mateo-March, M., Valenzuela, P. L., Muriel, X., Gandía-Soriano, A., Giorgi, A., Zabala, M., Barranco-Gil, D., Mujika, I., Pallarés, J. G., & Lucia, A. (2022). Influence of Torque and Cadence on Power Output Production in Cyclists. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 18(1), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0233