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HR zone set up on bike vs. run

astokes30astokes30
in General Training Discussions

 I am new to biking (as of May) and have recently heard that your HR numbers will be lower on the bike by about 8-10 beats.  So when I set up my HR zones, do I calculate off my max HR or an adjusted down number?  I always run by pace, so it is not an issue while running.  I want to maximize my bike intervals and see that RnP have the bikes zones listed as a % of HR.  But again...max heart rate while running, or an adjusted number for biking.  (I do not have a pm for my bike...hopefully next year, so for now...HR)

Thanks!!

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Early in your training plan you'll do a test on the bike to determine your lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR). You'll then go to the DataTool (under the Training tab above) to use that to create your training zones for the bike.

  • astokes30astokes30
    I did the bike test, but think I could get higher numbers. I was not sure how accurate it was with HR only not knowing my true max HR. I now know that as of today (max test on treadmill at the U of MN) so as I look back at my results of the bike test, my lthr is way lower then running. I guess this is to be expected since I am a new biker? I will plug in the info to the DT right now. Thanks!
  • kurshingkurshing
    It has more to do with the fact that you probably just aren't testing well on the bike. The test doesn't give incorrect information. If you want to round up a little while biking to get training started, that is probably fine. Just be careful not to go too high. During your next round of testing, hopefully you nail the test a little better.

    Good luck!
  • tuckermtuckerm
    I've always found my bike HR is lower than my run HR at threshold. I thought that was normal but may be mistaken. Anyone else?
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Yes, very common for bike HR zones to be lower than run HR. How much is individual but generally the newer to cycling or your run is strong relative to your bike that you are, the bigger the delta.

  • cgres123cgres123
    X2 with Tucker ??
  • Peter GreaggPeter Greagg
    yep me too. Bike max is about 10 bpm lower than the run for me. Always assumed this was normal.
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