Did some reading on cadence after posting that and came across and article that stated 80-95 is good for n00bs so I tried to maintain that for the duration of today's ride. Anything above about 105 I feel like I am drowning and strongly dislike it.
Also I have noticed I am unable to maintain the same intensity of speed at higher cadence, as well as having a much lower heart rate, while I am sure this is great for endurance racing. I am looking to get my daily exercise in on my commute. :X
By big ring, I am assuming you mean the handle bars and yes I am almost always in a tuck with my hands on the curved bars rather than straight.
For today's ride, I began training specifically for my commute by traveling to what I consider the half way point (San Jacinto is the goal) and then began experiencing some hip/pelvic pain on my inner left thigh (where the joint is) so I turned back due to that.
Anyway here's the
map
And here's the HRM readout:
Definitely going to need a more comfortable seat if I am going to be doing this day in and day out.