On CT, Intervals in Erg vs. Course Riding...Erg Feels Easier
On my Computrainer, I sometimes ride my intervals in Erg and sometimes do the workout on a course. I've been experimenting over this past couple of months, and I have to say I find riding in Erg much easier. For instance...
My FT is 170 right now. When riding a 15' FT interval in Erg, I typically break it up into 5' increments 165, 170, 175 to average out, and work on the habit of building up as the interval progresses. If I do the same 15' , let's say, on the Central Park TT course, and build up to average 170 for the interval, I am much, much more winded at the end. Shifting and keeping things steady and building on the "terrain" feels more challenging--legs, aerobically, the whole deal.
In the past few workouts I've been doing one 15' interval in Erg and the 2nd on a course. I have experimented with switching up the order of which mode I ride first. Same experience every time.
Why would that be? Anyone else feel that way? In the end, I'm sure it doesn't matter, but I thought it was interesting.
Anyone interested in trying a workout with one in Erg and one on a course and let me know what you think? If nothing else, it's something different to try and jazz up a workout with something different to think about. 
Comments
Assuming all the calibration is correct and admin stuff is in order. My assumption is the erg mode you ride at your natural cadence. In Erg mode the resistance is constantly being adjusted based on your cadence to hit the desired watts. Have you looked at the cadence of the two sets either with Pt or CT?
Good point. Yes, cadence the same. I'm very careful with the calibration all the time, and especially in this grand experiment.
@Linda: I have tried your experiment. For a few weeks this OS (in wk 9 now) I tried the Tue workout in erg mode and the Thur workout on a flat course in the 3d software. And generally, I would say that I notice a slight difference to produce the same power with the flat course being slightly more difficult. Not a big difference...could also be attributed to my legs being more tired on Thursday!
Hi Adam,
Try it on a course, course. I wonder what you'll think about that difference? I've been using the Central Park TT course, or other custom routes my DH and I have built through the years. I've never ridden a flat course as you suggest so I'll try that as a new experiment. I always thought that was too close to the Erg experience. But...anything to change it up sometimes.
I think this is leading me back to what I've always thought--the courses feel more like the roads, and can help prepare you for outside riding if you're stuck indoors in the winter. When I ride the intervals on the Central Park course, it feels much more like road riding than turning on the Erg. Shifting, being aware, cadence changes, up and down--and, yes, sucking wind.
Just my thoughts but I totally agree doing a course--course is much more effort all the way around. (physically and mentally) but makes you tougher come race day.
At EN we spend a lot of time at 95% to 100% of threshold in the OS. This work helps our bodies adapt to more work. If we were biking on a trainer or an a road and targets 100% threshold we'd spend a portion of that time above 100% and a portion below 100%. Using ERG mode as we do the intevals in OS should we spend any time as part of the main set above 100%? Ie within a 2x10' @ Z4 would we get any advantage of spending a nomal amount of time at a 105% or 110%. Or would we just be shooting ourselves in the foot?
Just a thought before I hit my 2x10' this morning (a day behind this week).
Totally agree! Everytime I used the Erg I'd find myself reverting back to my mtb gear-grinding ways at 80-85 rpms. For that reason alone, I don't use the Erg mode as I'm trying to retrain myself to more steady riding at higher cadences for road stuff.
With a course I can cheat during an interval and go easier to get a break and harder to make up for it. This can create a higher VI and therefore higher NP.
With ERG mode, there is no cheating, no option to change anything. The VI is 1.00 for my intervals. I simply do the work or quit.
That said, I agree ERG is not as mentally taxing as I don't have to think about anything, I just watch my cadence and thats it. This is a good thing at 0dark30 when it's hard enough to get down the stairs and on the bike. It does take a week to two to adjust to riding on the road again and contoling my power after using ERG all winter, but I like the change.
Obviously this is a personal perference and what works for me might not work for others.
And that's what it is all about....doing what works for YOU!! Staying unbored etc.... to get the work done. That is why I change it up ever so often to keep things fresh and unbored to get a good workout it.