Spinervals for Mere Mortals

[KayTee]

What she said . Also I've found it most helpful to use a heart rate monitor and bike computer with cadence (the pick-up's on my rear wheel, which is in the trainer). As the others have said, I try to spin the cadence Troy wants, and I watch my HR. When the latter goes up too high, I back off (lower gear and/or slower spin). Also after those big-gear efforts, I find it helps my legs recover better to spin quickly during the no pressure, "soft-pedal" periods - 80-90 rpm. But no way can I spin quite as fast as Troy wants in the big ring-12 cog! Keep doing what you can as well as you can, and you'll still get better.

[Geonz]

Yes... I really like having the heart rate monitor 'cause I tend to second guess myself about how hard I'm working. (I never remember how "hard" it was... I guess that's like childbirth or something :-))

[Bluestreak]

Thanks for the info re: the chain positions. At least now I know what I am *supposed* to be doing! I think Troy needs to include a glossary with his DVDs!

[kelownagirl]

Good discussion - I was wondering this too. My question is: what setting do you use then? Mine has 5 settings I think. I was using the one right in the middle but it's definitely harder than rding my bike on flat land. Should I try to find the setting that simulates flat land as closely as possible and works towards using the gears he suggests?

[KayTee]

Kgirl, do you mean the resistance settings on your trainer? Same principle applies - start at a level that perhaps provides some challenge but at which you still feel comfortable. If later you do OK with upping the resistance, that's great. If not, you're still getting great benefit from your indoor work, as riding a trainer is definitely tougher and more intense than riding outdoors where at least periodically you can coast the downs and spin the flats.

OK, I'm off to an outdoor ride now - too pretty out there today to sit here!