Too high a gear?

Equipment
1

Am I correct in assuming that if my output is noticeably higher than target at a reasonable cadence (80-90RPM) then I am probably just pushing against the weight of the flywheel and that this is due to being in too high a gear?

Kcker core in ERG mode.
Standard large front chainring (not compact) and 11 or 12 tooth rear.

2

Yup, some trainers have what are called Wattage Ceilings & Floors. These trainers may require different gearing to hit some higher and/or lower power values. This can be present in ERG but also other modes depending on some additional variables I’ll leave out to avoid confusion since ERG is used here.

In your case, using max gear may prevent hitting lower wattage as seen in some recovery or lower Endurance intervals. So you will need to shift and drop gearing until you hit your power target and desired cadences range.

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3

@Andy_Girvan,

@mcneese.chad is spot on here. What I typically recommend for most athletes is using the smaller of the two chainrings (if you have more than one) and shifting about halfway up your cassette. From here, I take a little time to find the cog that creates a straight chain line, which, in my experience, has been right around the halfway point.

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4

Thanks guys. Good to confirm my understanding and also to start to get a handle on the proper terminology. “Wattage floor” is a great description.

I am currently using top gear as a result of having some chain chatter a long time ago and rather than spend time adjusting the RD I simply disconnected the cable and slipped onto the smallest cog.

I’ll look into using the smaller chainring or sorting the RD.

Are there other issues associated with running on too high a gear?

5

  • Many trainers can tend to report power data with a wider range than the stated tolerance. It’s been ages since I looked at any specifics to remember trends (higher or lower) for the Core, but it does deviate IIRC.

  • Something to do with higher flywheel speed and/or the method used to determine the power estimate not being as reliable in those faster gears. Once you venture into big ring territory (50t +) and mid to high speed on the cassette we tend to see most trainers start reporting data out of range.

  • That along with general resistance unit response time (faster with slower flywheel speed / gearing) are common reasons to see small ring (34t) recommended for ERG mode. But plenty of people prefer the feel and function at higher flywheel speeds.

  • The last item is that the noise/sound of the trainer in higher gears will be louder than lower gears. Just a matter of the machine in motion generating more noise at the higher speeds. This is true regardless of the trainer mode in use or condition of the drivetrain. Faster = louder. And if there is any vibration issue, that is generally worse at higher speeds in tandem with noise.

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