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Confusing Zones on Bike Trainer

RHolmesRHolmes
in General Training Discussions

I have a big disparity between on my zones when riding my bike on my trainer when I compare riding with HR vs. riding with power (via Trainer Road & cadence sensor). I did the FTP test on Trainer Road (2x20min with small break between as prescribed) and have a current FTP of 208. My Z4 HR is 145-150, and my Z5 HR is 151+.

Yesterday, I did the Core Diet sweat test for an hour on my trainer. I was supposed to stay in Zone 2, and I decided to go by HR. So, I did one hour with an average HR of 130 (my Z2 HR is 129-137)...but my avg power per Trainer Road was 208 (upper end of my zone 4).

I feel like I did my best when I did the testing to get the FTP of 208 only a couple weeks ago...but my HR seemed really low yesterday being able to maintain that number for an hour.

Has anyone else seen this? I'm just not sure how to approach my zones when on the bike trainer.

Thx!

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

     Since Trainer Road is an indirect, calculated measure of power, rather than a direct measurement of the forces involved, it may not be th emost reliable means to follow your fitness and training. Without a direct measurement of power, either on the trainer itself, on the cranks, or at the hub, it's probably better to test with and use HR.

    That said, as one's fitness improves on the bike, it becomes "easier" to generate the same power levels, and HR will usually drop relative to power. But with a test only one week ago, this may not be the issue.

  • RHolmesRHolmes
    Thanks for the insight. I was hoping to use Trainer Road as a stand-in for power until I can afford a power meter, but I may just need to go back to HR.
  • Joseph LombardiJoseph Lombardi
    Well IMHO the key predicates of successful training is having some independent measure of effort and change in fitness....it really doesn't matter what that is as long as it  measures the desired activity and is reliably reproducible....I believe that TrainerRoad effectively does this...equally as well as HR (also an indirect measure)...however caveats are that you should not expect equivalency with power as measured with a power meter outdoors...but for indoor training I think it is highly relevant and effective....and HR indoors is also variable relative to HR outdoors ...the key is a body of data on a single (primary) measure under consistent circumstance across time...2 data points are just that...just two points...difficult to determine any association or relation between them........btw what was your HR profile during your test?...is that where your HR zones came from in your note?

    I think it is up to you which measure you prefer to train by...but I would capture all the data over a month or so...then look at it again and see if it tells you anything...I trained exclusively by HR...then Trainer Road last winter/OS....then got a powermeter this spring......I'm still correlating : ) 

    Good Luck! You're doing great...keep asking questions...and fit everything to you.


     

  • RHolmesRHolmes
    I guess this will also force my to use RPE while I keep track of the date and try to figure it out. I'm much better with numbers vs RPE.

    And, for this question, I am only considering my bike on the same trainer set up at a similar temp indoors...so very few variables.

    Thx again for the input!
  • cgres123cgres123
    Rebecca, That is one of the reasons we try to get ya'll into power. There will not be that situation anymore. There will be other things as with any learning curve but Christmas is a coming so make that on the top of your list. A lot of people, includeing myself, have bought a PT on EBay. Someone is always moving up to bigger and better or had enough and wants out of the game, that is where you can steal a deal. May be the want adds here in the forums too.
  • RHolmesRHolmes
    Should I wait/save a bit longer for a crank based system or is a hub based system enough? I'll only get to do it once and will need to look for something used.
  • Peter GreaggPeter Greagg
    Rebecca, a lot of love for Powertap in da Haus image
  • cgres123cgres123
    My vote is Hub. My reason is you can easily transfer it to road/tribike.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Posted By Rebecca Holmes on 17 Sep 2012 09:48 PM

    Should I wait/save a bit longer for a crank based system or is a hub based system enough? I'll only get to do it once and will need to look for something used.

     

    http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/108/Default.aspx?topic=Guide+to+Power+Meters

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