uclown2002
Guru
- Location
- Harrogate
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Too Tyred
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Yorkshire
I'm pleasantly surprised at how I don't seem to have lost much climbing ability in my time off the bike. I took a new PB on Watopia Wall last week and was only 15 seconds off my PB on Radio Tower yesterday without trying to kill myself. FTP has already gone up to 178 after the race and I'm surprised it didn't go up again after the mountain ride, I must have eased off more than I thought on the flatter sections.
Better pacing could be a factor and also I'm really enjoying using the Kickr Snap on 100% difficulty. Dropping into lower gears on climbs really makes you push and concentrate so you don't grind to a halt. Granted, my cadence dropped very low on the Tower in first gear, but that's what it's all about in my opinion - to prepare yourself for those real life climbs. There's no 50% button in real life. I know it doesn't actually make it 50% easier, but I find that extra strain from a lower cadence to be much more satisfying.
Better pacing could be a factor and also I'm really enjoying using the Kickr Snap on 100% difficulty. Dropping into lower gears on climbs really makes you push and concentrate so you don't grind to a halt. Granted, my cadence dropped very low on the Tower in first gear, but that's what it's all about in my opinion - to prepare yourself for those real life climbs. There's no 50% button in real life. I know it doesn't actually make it 50% easier, but I find that extra strain from a lower cadence to be much more satisfying.
theboxers
TheBoxers on Cycle Sim sw
- Location
- OTC (on the couch)
I'm similar for different reasons. I have a relatively low HR and can't sustain near my max for very long, spinning pushes my HR up. I think the spare tyre I lug around is occupying the space my lungs need to go so I can't supply the required air to be able to put out more power.
As the tyre gets smaller I'm hoping my climbing ability will improve and I'll be able sustain the power a little more.
Randyberlin
Guru
- Location
- Sitka, Alaska
Judging from the bigring rides, you're climbing just fine. Some impressive long slogs that test my quitting self rationalization skills.
Randyberlin
Guru
- Location
- Sitka, Alaska
Go for it. I'm not great on the hills so, as long as you pootle to the hill to save energy I think you'll have a good chance. I did that when the course was quite busy, so lots of other riders to chase after which I think is useful when going for a fast time. Of course, if you beat my time I'll have to go for another PB
Too Tyred
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Yorkshire
I'm sure my 'climbing ability' looks like child's play to most on here including yourself! Where is this leaderboard of people's PB's up the climbs? I'd like to see how far off I am!
When I set the Wall PR coming 21st out of the 350ish on the board I panicked and thought the calibration was wrong. I re-did it and the numbers were coming out the same. I haven't been completely sedentary over the winter, playing lots of football. That will help to keep the watts, I thought I'd come up short on the endurance! I'll take 1:14m slower on the Epic KOM (time was 33:59m), I remember I had a big group on my PB.
If you ask @kipster to join you to cyclechat Strava group. Tell him your Strava user name if different from this forum.
theboxers
TheBoxers on Cycle Sim sw
- Location
- OTC (on the couch)
Sorry but that's
. Me a climber 
. Climbing is a light persons game and I ain't light 
.I've only ever really measured myself against myself. There are so many variables on these platforms/trainers/bikes/physical characteristics that it is all you can really do sensibly. Just carry on trying to do your best and you'll see the power and times improve for yourself and suddenly when you do eventually venture out in to the real world you'll wonder why it is comparatively easy.
Also I'm not not zwift currently. I've just never felt the need to move to it. I may do so at a later date though.
@Two Tired Just request to join the cyclechat turbo Strava club and let me know what your Strava name is and I'll accept the request.
Too Tyred
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Yorkshire
Found it thanks! Declan B.
bobinski
Legendary Member
- Location
- Tulse Hill
Nice.
Lots of reports now from people who have ridden Alpe at 100% and also 50 % saying times nearly identical BUT a greater strain on the body overall at 100%. It’s s good to have the choice.
All down to gearing, I leave it at 50% because my turbo setup with a 39t crank and 28t rear cog is about the same physical effort(similar cadence) when I'm on the road with my 28t crank and 32/36t cogs. I could go with the same setup but seen as I multi disciplines I need to practice 53*11 as much as 28*40.
I don't regard hills or mountains as climbs, because of my gearing outside. It's the same to me as pushing along a flat road in Z3, set cadence and keep heart rate where you want it. Hills only become a problem if your gearing takes you out of your comfort zone for cadence, too slow rpm
Too Tyred
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Yorkshire
There's probably an argument for keeping it at 50% and keeping your derailleur safe - and your knees. The power output has to be the same no matter what. But, you can't knock it back when you hit a 20% hill in real life (on the same bike). The only thing that will prepare you for that is riding steep hills. So if I can ride 12% indoor my knees won't snap when I go visit some real hills. It's all preference.
Thanks for the group add, I've found the leaderboards. It's a bit faffy isn't it.
