Has anyone cross-trained for cycling with a Concept II Ergometer? I've been erging for about 10 years, but have only started cycling 1.5 yrs ago. Where cycling for me tends to be more of an endurance exercise (1-2 hrs typically), ergometer training tends to be less so (my erg sessions run from 2000 m sprints to 45 minute "steady-state" pulls).
I have noticed a few interesting things, and I'm wondering if anyone has shared these observations:
1) I seem to be more comfortable on the erg with a higher sustained heart rate. I can sustain 180-185 bpm for 20 minutes or so without a quick build-up of lactic acid.
2) I can reach a higher max heart rate on the erg without crashing - measured up to 205 once. I have trouble going above 192 on the bike.
3) I don't have a power meter on the bike, but on the erg I can average about 220-230 watts for 40 minutes without absolutely crushing myself. My guess is that I can't do this on the bike.
4) Increasing performance on the bike has not necessarily translated to increased erg performance.
I'm a heavier rider, 5'10" and 196, so this may account for my relative strength on the erg compared with my biking performance (I'm an 18-19 mph guy riding alone for 20-25 mi.). Also, I suppose upper body strength helps with erging, and is a liability (bulk-wise) for biking. Also, no hills on the erg!
I suppose the recipricating motion of the erg vs. the constant power of bike pedaling may play into the training differences I'm seeing.
Anyway, the erg is a tortuous machine, like the bike, but they seem to offer very different training benefits as far as I can tell.
I have noticed a few interesting things, and I'm wondering if anyone has shared these observations:
1) I seem to be more comfortable on the erg with a higher sustained heart rate. I can sustain 180-185 bpm for 20 minutes or so without a quick build-up of lactic acid.
2) I can reach a higher max heart rate on the erg without crashing - measured up to 205 once. I have trouble going above 192 on the bike.
3) I don't have a power meter on the bike, but on the erg I can average about 220-230 watts for 40 minutes without absolutely crushing myself. My guess is that I can't do this on the bike.
4) Increasing performance on the bike has not necessarily translated to increased erg performance.
I'm a heavier rider, 5'10" and 196, so this may account for my relative strength on the erg compared with my biking performance (I'm an 18-19 mph guy riding alone for 20-25 mi.). Also, I suppose upper body strength helps with erging, and is a liability (bulk-wise) for biking. Also, no hills on the erg!
I suppose the recipricating motion of the erg vs. the constant power of bike pedaling may play into the training differences I'm seeing.
Anyway, the erg is a tortuous machine, like the bike, but they seem to offer very different training benefits as far as I can tell.
