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Discussion: Question on bike pacing
Subject: Question on bike pacing By: Rob T. Written on: 2006-02-06 02:00:23 Message: Well I've started training both on a bike trainer in the gym (for brick workouts after swim in lap pool) and on the bike. I noticed that I go slower on the trainer, but I ran across something curious. I did a constant heart rate workout yesterday (140 bps as recommended by the computer for my age and weight) and noticed that it made me work a lot (a whole lot) harder then I normally work on the bike. I rode for an hour, and the level it kept me at kept that lactic acid burn in my quads the whole way. Normally when I ride my bike I avoid that burn thinking that I can't sustain a pace that burns that way for an entire mile. But then again on the trainer I did just that. Sustained that burn for a whole hour. Is this how you guys normally train. Do you push your muscles till they burn and simply keep on pedaling? IDK too much about heart rate training, or the different thresholds, how to calc etc. So I normally ride as quick as I comfortable can (no burn) and simply do my time. I still feel very tired at the end of a 2 hour ride regardless, so is there really any benefit to bumping it up a little till i feel the burn. Just curious what you guys think? Also I noticed that the trainer said i average 15.2 mph on a 62 minute ride (slower then I do on a real bike), but it said I only went 13.67 miles in 62 minutes. Any ideas on what is up with that???? Rob
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: William D. Written on: 2006-02-06 19:17:21 Message: Faster cadencewill reduce lactic acid build up. I was told at bike shop to do 80 - 100. It worked for me.
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Jennifer L. Written on: 2006-02-06 22:45:56 Message: The stationary bikes always tell me the same thing too!! I can hardly believe that I am working so hard and only traveling x mph. I wish I could have that explained too...anyone?
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: bob g. Written on: 2006-02-07 09:20:32 Message: also when you are on a trainer, you are pedaling for the entire hour. When you are on the bike, often the cadence goes pedal, pedal, pedal, coast, pedal, pedal, coast. etc. William also hit it on the head with the faster cadence and lower resistance. It worked for Lance
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Rob T. Written on: 2006-02-07 21:33:02 Message: Ummmmmm on the trainer I'm doing 90-110 cadence. I think its slower on the bike. But if anything I believe I'm much faster on the bike. Considering my cylometer says I average 16-17 mph whereas the trainer said i average 15.2, and only went 13.67 on a 62 minute ride. But keep in mind guys, my question was do you pedal at an effort that causes the lactic acid burn. You can have a pace of 95 rpms, and still select a gear that causes that burn. It was exactly what I did on the trainer. I just was surprised I was able to maintain that pace for the entire hour even though I felt that burn. So do you guys ride at an effort (regardless of cadence) that causes that burn, or do you ride at a lower intensity and why.... Thanks. Rob
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-02-07 23:50:40 Message: I would not worry about your speed or triing to feel the burn this time of year. Keep up the high cadence practicing smooth spinning and easy but long distance for the winter then in the spring you will have a good base to train for speed doing 10 mile time trials and such. I also feel that I work much harder on a trainer, could be boredom, but one thing that helps is to have a fan blowing on me. I over heat without one. One other thing. If you have been riding quite a bit for a year or more and are still feeling the burn at 16 -17 MPH you may want to check the seat height and other bike fit issues. Ron
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Rob T. Written on: 2006-02-08 09:03:43 Message: I have been riding for more then a year but not on a road bike, and not on a regular basis. Ie the only serious bike training i've done has been since I've started tri training again this year, and that was 3 weeks ago. I'm simply out of shape. Its been 2-3 years since I've done 80 mile rides, so I was pretty disappointed to do my first 'distance' ride and be exhausted after 20. At least I'm still not on knobby mountain bike tires. I'm going to start looking for a used 'true' road bike before I do my half IM in november. I've seen a used trek 1420 for 400 dollars but I can't find any specs on the bike. Anyone have experience with these bikes? Right now I'm on a no name road bike that basically is just an aluminum frame and skinny tires, but I still can't see spending a grand on a bike. I'll choke on 400 but its bearable you know? Rob Oh and my other excuse for my speed is are you guys recovered from your prior workouts when you ride at 21mph?? My legs give me the finger when I get on the bike the day after a 10 mile run. Considering how I feel, I'm fairly happy with a 16.5 average. Considering walking alone takes considerable effort, I guess 16.5 isn't too bad lol. Ontri.com's beginning olympic program is whooping my butt, but I think that has something to do with starting in January when it said I was supposed to have started in November *grin*.
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-02-08 10:47:06 Message: Rob After a long time without riding, 20 miles is a long ride and most people would feel it. Sounds like you are doing great. You will be a strong racer. If you are looking for a used bike try craigs list. It's a clasified ad website that lists by location so you can physically inspect and try the bike before you buy. Ron
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Jamie B. Written on: 2006-02-09 13:16:03 Message: when on a trainer or indoor bike think more of the time and not distance. You get so much more benefit from pedaling non stop for 2 hours straight then you would going out on an easy 3 hour ride where you constantly have to slow down or stop pedaling to keep your heart rate in zone 2 I love biking outside even when its cold but sometimes to get the best workout I find that I have to deal with the boringness of being on a trainer even if is a 5-6 hour ride.
Subject: RE: Question on bike pacing By: Dario E. Written on: 2006-02-09 13:33:52 Message: I have been religiously drinking Endurox RX after a workout. It is a recovery drink which helps to offset fatigue and rebuild worn out muscles so that your next work out is not a waste. My motto is "TRAIN SMART. NO EXCUSES"
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