HELP!! Kurt Kinetic Trainer isn't cooperating!

[Cassandra_Cain]

PE?

PE = perceived exertion aka, how hard you feel like you are working (not necessarily how much work you are actually doing).

I always find it higher on the trainer for the same power level vs. being outside on the road.

This should help!

SCALE AMOUNT OF EXERTION HOW A CYCLIST MAY FEEL
0 nothing at all still in bed, planning to ride
1 very weak exertion get up, look at bike
2 weak packing up gear
3 moderate flat road; carry on conversation
4 somewhat stronger moderate hill; still can talk
5 strong pumping harder; difficult to talk
6 stronger slightly breathless; talk in short phrases
7 very strong long, steep climb
8 still stronger hard work; can only grunt
9 even stronger toughest ride you remember
10 very very strong feels like Mt. Everest

[pooks]

Does that mean you're working harder, or you just feel like you're working harder?

[Cassandra_Cain]

Does that mean you're working harder, or you just feel like you're working harder?

It means you 'feel' like you are working harder, or that it is more strenuous - even though the work you are actually doing xx watts, is the same.

Example, doing 200 watts for 20 minutes on the indoor trainer will feel 'harder'/more difficult for many people (not everybody), than doing 200 watts for 20 minutes outdoors.