[road]

Ive not used any tech for cycling other than sometimes a gps unit (etrex 20) to navigate. 

I do use a HRM watch for running which I find useful to keep in the aerobic zone, but from what Ive read there are more factors to consider for cycling. So what works for training – im no racer just a keen amateur.

HRM, Cadence, power meters? Im rather offput by power meters’ cost but if they really are a revolution then I would consider it.

 

I look foreward to your thoughts and experiences.

Topic

[fixation80]

A power meter won’t let you

A power meter won’t let you perform beyond your maximum heart rate. A heart rate monitor plus power meter go together well. I use a heart rate monitor and am well happy with it.

[CXR94Di2]

Trainer Road is a front
Trainer Road is a front runner in training plans. It requires power, cadence and HR.

You do an FTP test at first, the software then has a number to base all your workouts from. They have thousands of workouts, but also the best bit, multi week plans which gradually increase in intensity/duration to enhance your FTP. 4 to 6 weeks into a plan you’re re tested and you should have improved 3-5% if you’re already fit. Much bigger gains if you’re starting from a lower level of fitness

[Anonymous]

Fantastic thanks for the
Fantastic thanks for the useful links there

[Simon E]

bechdan wrote:

ok cool, pretty much what I thought then, can anyone suggest ways of using a HRM for road cycling? (I usually use 140-160 for general running) Any specific formulas or websites that are useful?

Most training guides talk about power or HR zones, relative to either your max HR or an FTP figure. Joe Friel’s training bible books are good but there are also masses of articles online now. Some people split the useful HR/power range into about 5 or even 6 zones but the polarised model, based on the work of Stephen Seiler, simplifies things and recommends you do just 3 types of ride. For more on that the VeloNews Fast Talk podcast episodes 51 and 68. There are other good episodes but these explain the whole thing very well.

Most importantly, ask yourself: what are your goals? The answers will help establish what to work on.

[Anonymous]

ok cool, pretty much what I

ok cool, pretty much what I thought then, can anyone suggest ways of using a HRM for road cycling? (I usually use 140-160 for general running) Any specific formulas or websites that are useful?

[Simon E]

What do you want to achieve?

What do you want to achieve? Do you want to be coached or use tools like Training Peaks?

If you don’t then something like a power meter is a luxury and could even be counterproductive. Information can be useful but numbers can turn every ride into a target-chasing exercise. Even a cadence sensor can be a distraction if you’re not using it for a specific purpose.

But if you’ve got some money to burn then a multifunction Garmin-type thing would dent your bank account effectively. Whether it’s genuinely useful for you is another thing entirely.

[Htc]

peted76 wrote:

You can go to the nth degree with any of the sports you’ve mentioned, cylcing is no different.

For training, I’d say a HR monitor is probably the cheapest most useful thing you need. 

If you buy a cycling computer, most will come with cadence and speed sensors.. 

HR, Cadence, Speed. That’s what most people will use.

If you’re okay flashing the cash then a PM will also help you monitor and measure yourself, best when used alongside the other sensors and not on it’s own… of course then you’ll need a training app as well to tell you what to do and where you’re at.. Training Peaks is good for that… 

It all adds up… most people I ride with are happy enough with a HR monitor and strava. 

 

You can get a power meter for less than £400 now, worth it if you really want to get stronger and faster.

[peted76]

You can go to the nth degree

You can go to the nth degree with any of the sports you’ve mentioned, cylcing is no different.

For training, I’d say a HR monitor is probably the cheapest most useful thing you need. 

If you buy a cycling computer, most will come with cadence and speed sensors.. 

HR, Cadence, Speed. That’s what most people will use.

If you’re okay flashing the cash then a PM will also help you monitor and measure yourself, best when used alongside the other sensors and not on it’s own… of course then you’ll need a training app as well to tell you what to do and where you’re at.. Training Peaks is good for that… 

It all adds up… most people I ride with are happy enough with a HR monitor and strava. 

 

[Author]

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