i dont use a heart rate monitor for any of my training. i can see the logic in using a heart rate monitor for lower intensity rides and i think that it could be a good idea for some people. however on occasions i have been riding with people and when they have reached a hill they have made an effort to ride slowly up the hill just to maintain their zone. i dont agree with this at all. i believe in varying the level of effort even on my long rides is preferable to staying within the confines of zones. this doesnt mean i put the hammer down on all of my rides but it means that i utilize changes of speed and effort sensibly and appropriately.
when you watch professional cycling you often hear the cyclists talk about a lack of racing and race miles, the elite cyclists that i know just race and include easy rides inbetween. obviously racing is completely unaffected by a heart rate monitor yet this is where the professionals get all of their in season fitness from, i think this proves that you dont have to use a heart rate monitor to experience fitness gains from cycling and as races are treated by elite cyclists as the most important source of fitness it also shows that training with a heart rate monitor is not the best way to improve when attempting 'quality' training sessions. attempting to simulate a race effort is the best way to improve fitness outside of racing itself and this is best achieved through interval sessions and other efforts where a heart rate monitor is not used, after all you wouldnt slow down in a race if your HRM told you too. i think restricting intensity may be an issue for the regular racing cyclist inbetween races but for those who dont race and want to experience fitness gains through intense training sessions i see no reason to use a HRM for these particular sessions. if you dont know your body then it might be a good idea too use one to prevent yourself from going too hard in easier sessions but i know mine well and am able to ride with discipline when it is needed.
i am a 15 year old youth cyclist who rides for a basque team called Fonorte. when i get older and my training volume increases i may use a a heart rate monitor to ensure my easy rides are easy enough but i dont think i will ever use one for high intensity efforts.
when you watch professional cycling you often hear the cyclists talk about a lack of racing and race miles, the elite cyclists that i know just race and include easy rides inbetween. obviously racing is completely unaffected by a heart rate monitor yet this is where the professionals get all of their in season fitness from, i think this proves that you dont have to use a heart rate monitor to experience fitness gains from cycling and as races are treated by elite cyclists as the most important source of fitness it also shows that training with a heart rate monitor is not the best way to improve when attempting 'quality' training sessions. attempting to simulate a race effort is the best way to improve fitness outside of racing itself and this is best achieved through interval sessions and other efforts where a heart rate monitor is not used, after all you wouldnt slow down in a race if your HRM told you too. i think restricting intensity may be an issue for the regular racing cyclist inbetween races but for those who dont race and want to experience fitness gains through intense training sessions i see no reason to use a HRM for these particular sessions. if you dont know your body then it might be a good idea too use one to prevent yourself from going too hard in easier sessions but i know mine well and am able to ride with discipline when it is needed.
i am a 15 year old youth cyclist who rides for a basque team called Fonorte. when i get older and my training volume increases i may use a a heart rate monitor to ensure my easy rides are easy enough but i dont think i will ever use one for high intensity efforts.