Workout advice simulating long climbs

[mcneese.chad]

@DougieD

I’m using a Kickr bike by the way and if I alter the gearing whilst in ERG it momentarily feels harder then the bike adjusts the resistance to match the watts required.

• This is notable and essentially means you don’t have the option that I cover below. Smart bikes like yours have a single, fixed gearing. It only alters the feel via “virtual gearing” which is a simple adjustment to the resistance unit with no other impact.

• So, all the info I add below is not relevant for your needs or others on smart bikes. This just applies to bike trainers (wheel-on and wheel-off). But I will include it since it may apply to others that read this topic and are unaware of the options.

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@DougieD

I was under the impression that it doesn’t matter what gear you’re in in ERG mode the resistance will feel the same irrespective of the gearing chosen? Are you saying that’s not the case?

• Sadly, we do not have hard studies showing the impact of gearing and resulting flywheel speed with respect to training effect. All we have is personal experience and anecdotes, so take all I share next with a hefty chunk of salt. This topic got lengthy discussion with opinions that run the full range in a thread from a while ago.

  • Big vs Small Chainring - Same Power (ERG Mode Gearing)

• Based upon my experience and that I have read/heard from others here on the forum (including Nate and Jonathon on the podcast), gearing and flywheel speed MAY lead to different riding feeling after periods of training. In short, here is a rule of thumb that I and others consider:

  • Flat and Fast Road Riding = Use Higher Gearing for Faster Flywheel Speed
  • Hilly and Off-Road Riding = Use Lower Gearing for Slower Flywheel Speed
  • That is a very simplified summary and is NOT accurate or useful for everyone.

Above all, I recommend that people test a range of gearing (from lowest to highest) and experience the potential difference in feelings for themselves.

• Some people say they don’t feel anything different, while others swear there is notable change (including me). The actual feel and impressions (easier/harder) can and do vary with every rider, their training history, trainer in use and other factors.

In summary, I firmly believe that the old “Gearing doesn’t matter in ERG mode.” idea is not accurate. I’ve personally felt the difference from changes in gearing and seen a significant number of other riders report similar comments. At the very least, I think it’s worth some testing by anyone interested in the topic.