Discussion
Hi all
After starting this topic...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
...I thought I'd share the results in case anyone reading this is wondering whether or not to get a turbo.
Typically, since mine arrived spring has sprung but I avoided the temptation to ride anywhere last week and instead put some hours in on the turbo to see what difference it could make.
From the suggestions made in above topic I went with pablo's 10x2 minute pattern but I have to say that for my first session in the evening of Easter Monday I didn't manage 2 minutes. Or 10 blocks! I'm not sure if it was me getting used to the turbo or the excess of Adnams ale with friends in Suffolk over the Easter weekend...! Tuesday was better and on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday I was feeling much more comfortable and managing the 10x2.
After a rest on Saturday I headed out for my first post-turbo ride on Sunday afternoon and was delighted and amazed at the difference. 66.2 miles, 4400 feet of climbing (lots of short steep hills inc one bit of 29%, plus a couple of longer drags) at ave speed of 15.2mph. While that speed may not seem much to a lot of you more experienced riders it was only my 4th ride over 60 miles and the first time I've managed better than 14.5mph ave at that distance, although I can manage 16-17mph ave over a regular 18 mile lunchtime loop from/to work where the terrain is rolling rather than steep.
Apart from feeling stronger on the hills, the main thing the turbo has done is take me out of my comfort zone. I have always been aware of keeping my cadence up and as soon as a climb started to bite I'd change down through the gears to protect my legs for the rest of the route. But pushing myself on the turbo for 2 minute bursts has made me realise I can attack the hills a bit more, take the pain and still complete a reasonable distance.
I originally thought I'd only use the turbo when the weather was bad but now I will definitely be using it on a regular basis in between getting the miles in out on the road.
If in doubt, get one
Cheers
L'rs
After starting this topic...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
...I thought I'd share the results in case anyone reading this is wondering whether or not to get a turbo.
Typically, since mine arrived spring has sprung but I avoided the temptation to ride anywhere last week and instead put some hours in on the turbo to see what difference it could make.
From the suggestions made in above topic I went with pablo's 10x2 minute pattern but I have to say that for my first session in the evening of Easter Monday I didn't manage 2 minutes. Or 10 blocks! I'm not sure if it was me getting used to the turbo or the excess of Adnams ale with friends in Suffolk over the Easter weekend...! Tuesday was better and on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday I was feeling much more comfortable and managing the 10x2.
After a rest on Saturday I headed out for my first post-turbo ride on Sunday afternoon and was delighted and amazed at the difference. 66.2 miles, 4400 feet of climbing (lots of short steep hills inc one bit of 29%, plus a couple of longer drags) at ave speed of 15.2mph. While that speed may not seem much to a lot of you more experienced riders it was only my 4th ride over 60 miles and the first time I've managed better than 14.5mph ave at that distance, although I can manage 16-17mph ave over a regular 18 mile lunchtime loop from/to work where the terrain is rolling rather than steep.
Apart from feeling stronger on the hills, the main thing the turbo has done is take me out of my comfort zone. I have always been aware of keeping my cadence up and as soon as a climb started to bite I'd change down through the gears to protect my legs for the rest of the route. But pushing myself on the turbo for 2 minute bursts has made me realise I can attack the hills a bit more, take the pain and still complete a reasonable distance.
I originally thought I'd only use the turbo when the weather was bad but now I will definitely be using it on a regular basis in between getting the miles in out on the road.
If in doubt, get one
Cheers
L'rs
totally echoes my experience with it too.
the other thing, if you are a rider that already punches and punishes themselves and is an ace sprinter/time trialler, by riding at a high cadence (say 110 rpm) on the flat for an hour or so instead, you'll probably improve stamina and ability on longer more sustained climbs. It allows you to focus on specific areas of your cycling I find.
I got a fancy one that hooks up through my computer to a tv so I can follow actual courses with real video footage and that adds a bit of incentive and a lot of enjoyment to it, but still fun to look at the figures at the end
the other thing, if you are a rider that already punches and punishes themselves and is an ace sprinter/time trialler, by riding at a high cadence (say 110 rpm) on the flat for an hour or so instead, you'll probably improve stamina and ability on longer more sustained climbs. It allows you to focus on specific areas of your cycling I find.
I got a fancy one that hooks up through my computer to a tv so I can follow actual courses with real video footage and that adds a bit of incentive and a lot of enjoyment to it, but still fun to look at the figures at the end
zebedee said:
It allows you to focus on specific areas of your cycling I find.
Agreed. Early days for me but in due course I'll be looking for other training sessions/plans to mix things up a bit once I work out which areas I need to target. Quite easy at the moment - I need to focus on everything!zebedee said:
I got a fancy one that hooks up through my computer to a tv so I can follow actual courses with real video footage and that adds a bit of incentive and a lot of enjoyment to it
I looked at those but having only got the bike recently, then a new Giro helmet, Garmin, clothing and all the other bits & pieces like lubes etc I settled on the cheaper option of an Elite Qubo Power Fluid Elastogel. Loving it so far. Probably helps because it's a new toy but once I set my sights on something I can be quite focussed so hopefully will not get too bored too soon!That other posts suggests you have had the turbo about a week or two? I totally agree with the quick and significant benefits of turbo sessions but I doubt they will have improved your performance in such a short time.
Keep them up though, they really are very effective. I've been doing two sessions per week (2x20min). I do the sessions based on my heart rate but I've noticed I am doing the sessions at increasingly higher gears for the same perceived effort/HR which means I am increasing my power.
I want to introduce some different sessions perhaps 60 minute efforts as I'm training for long alpine climbs.
Keep them up though, they really are very effective. I've been doing two sessions per week (2x20min). I do the sessions based on my heart rate but I've noticed I am doing the sessions at increasingly higher gears for the same perceived effort/HR which means I am increasing my power.
I want to introduce some different sessions perhaps 60 minute efforts as I'm training for long alpine climbs.
Got it just over 1 week ago...
- Mon 30 mins try out
- Tues 1x45 min session
- Weds 2x45 min (1 before & 1 after work)
- Thurs 2x45 min (1 before & 1 after work)
- Fri 1x45 min
I agree, maybe the improvements on Sunday were not directly down to physical effects from above (although the sessions wouldn't have done any harm) but, as I mentioned in my original post, perhaps the turbo helped me mentally by proving to me how much I can push myself and keep going. When on a ride "x" miles from home I've always been aware of the needing to ride back so maybe have been a bit more conservative with the effort.
Not got a HRM yet but Garmin with HRM & cadence is on it's way
- Mon 30 mins try out
- Tues 1x45 min session
- Weds 2x45 min (1 before & 1 after work)
- Thurs 2x45 min (1 before & 1 after work)
- Fri 1x45 min
I agree, maybe the improvements on Sunday were not directly down to physical effects from above (although the sessions wouldn't have done any harm) but, as I mentioned in my original post, perhaps the turbo helped me mentally by proving to me how much I can push myself and keep going. When on a ride "x" miles from home I've always been aware of the needing to ride back so maybe have been a bit more conservative with the effort.
Not got a HRM yet but Garmin with HRM & cadence is on it's way
Interestingly, i've always been told that TT's are boring and will collect dust blah blah... I set mine up in the office on monday and cant leave it alone... although after riding saturday and yesterday, decided on a rest day today. will be caning it again tomorrow. I personally like the way you can sort of switch off a bit on it.... not worry about potholes or people pulling out on you, just focusing on each turn of the pedal.
Hope i still feel the same in 2 months !!!
Happy training peeps
Hope i still feel the same in 2 months !!!
Happy training peeps
nammynake said:
That other posts suggests you have had the turbo about a week or two? I totally agree with the quick and significant benefits of turbo sessions but I doubt they will have improved your performance in such a short time.
Keep them up though, they really are very effective. I've been doing two sessions per week (2x20min). I do the sessions based on my heart rate but I've noticed I am doing the sessions at increasingly higher gears for the same perceived effort/HR which means I am increasing my power.
I want to introduce some different sessions perhaps 60 minute efforts as I'm training for long alpine climbs.
I would agree with the o/p that he has more awareness of his thresholds and capacity to hurt himself as a result of the TT so can take that to the road. If he has been on it for 2 weeks on a programme and hasn't done much regular cycling before, physical improvements should be coming in to as he will be more conditioned. As time goes by power and recovery will improve too, then he will really have improved his performance, as you say.Keep them up though, they really are very effective. I've been doing two sessions per week (2x20min). I do the sessions based on my heart rate but I've noticed I am doing the sessions at increasingly higher gears for the same perceived effort/HR which means I am increasing my power.
I want to introduce some different sessions perhaps 60 minute efforts as I'm training for long alpine climbs.
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