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Reddit mentions of The Cyclist's Training Bible

Sentiment score: 25
Reddit mentions: 43

We found 43 Reddit mentions of The Cyclist's Training Bible. Here are the top ones.

The Cyclist's Training Bible
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    Features:
  • best gauge intensity with power meters and other new training technology to maximize form and fitness and reduce fatigue;
  • more knowledgeably and accurately make changes to their annual training plan over the course of a season;
  • dramatically build muscular endurance with strength training;
  • improve body composition and recovery with smarter nutrition.
  • With more case studies to draw from and multiple contingency plans for those times when training doesn’t progress as planned, The Cyclist’s Training Bible continues to be the definitive guide to optimal cycling performance.
Specs:
ColorCyclists
Height10.9 Inches
Length8.5 Inches
Number of items1
Release dateMarch 2009
SizeOne Size
Weight2.03 Pounds
Width0.9 Inches

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Found 43 comments on The Cyclist's Training Bible:

u/SAeN · 22 pointsr/Velo

You're looking for something that's already been written. It's called The Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel and Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Andrew Coggan (the latter is entirely relevant even if you have not got a power meter).

u/biciklanto · 18 pointsr/Velo

I think discussions on power meters fit right into the purposes of /r/Velo. Why don't you tell us a little about your riding and training background? How long have you been training, and what sort of goals do you have? Have you read Friel's Training Bible or Allen and Coggan's Training and Racing with a Power Meter?

As far as power meters go, there are a few different types on the market right now (and others will chip in here if i'm forgetting anything, because reasons). Here I'm sorting them from closest to power generation down the driveline:

  • Pedal-based meters measure at the foot, and can measure left and right separately (not a useful measurement...yet.). Examples here include Garmin's Vector pedal system and Look/Polar's Keos. PowerTap will be releasing their P1 pedals this summer as well.
  • Crankarm power meters are newcomers at a lower pricepoint. Stages Power is a left-only power meter that pulled prices down with their introduction of power for $749. Additionally, 4iiiis has released a power meter that is just hitting the market — this is priced insanely competitively, like $350 or something, and it'll be interesting to see if it's a useful player.
  • Next up is crank-based power, and there are a lot of players here. SRM has been considered the gold standard of power, with a price to match, but that is changing. Quarq (from SRAM) is also well known, Power2Max seems to be highly regarded and is very competitively priced, Rotor has a system, and Pioneer Electronics has a new model that's a little pricier but also quite advanced. PowerTap is also releasing a chainring power system this summer.
  • Finishing up is hub-based power with the venerable PowerTap hub, which has been around for about forever and is a known quantity and still a solid value proposition.

    Head on over to DC Rainmaker and check out his reviews, because his is the gold standard on incredibly detailed information on all things electronics. His reviews are excellent, and he's getting a 4iiii unit to review so we'll know how it fairs. That'd be the best option if you're really price sensitive because their pricing promises to massively undercut all the other players on the market.

    So this should be a start.
u/climb4fun · 15 pointsr/Velo

Cycling training, as you can imagine, is complex and there are many opinions on how to best train for races. I'm no expert on coaching/training but I have been a serious cyclist and racer for 25 years.

Today, the most common approach to training is to use 'periodized' training. The idea of periodized training is to structure your year so that you build a foundation of fitness over the winter (after an autumn break) and then tailor your workouts carefully in the spring and summer such that you peak in time for important races.

It is called 'periodized' training because your year is broken up into periods (and those periods are, in turn, broken up into smaller periods). The first of these high-level periods is a rest period around this time of year. Then, over the winter, you'll be in a 'base period' during which you develop a foundation for peak fitness next summer. Your spring and summer will have multiple 'build' and 'peak' periods designed to build your fitness ahead of important races (build) and then to taper off just a bit to reduce fatigue just prior to important races (peak).

Today's training methods (as opposed to training from 2 decades ago when I first started racing) is very scientific and prescriptive thanks to technologies that provide us with metrics on our performance. Specifically, heart rate monitors and, more importantly, power meters. Data from these can be used to maximize your workouts' impact and can be fed into physiological models of how bodies respond to and recover from workouts in order to predict and manage what's called your 'form' during the racing season. Because these model quantify your body's response to workouts, 'form' can be quantified and is defined as: form = fitness - fatigue.

Your goal is to maximize form on race days (so-called 'peaking'). But because your fitness is always dropping when you are not doing workouts and your fatigue is increasing when you do work out, managing your form is a dynamic and not so simple. Furthermore, each person is different and, as we age, our response to training changes. And, to add more complication, each type of race also demands different skills and abilities and so it all becomes complicated which is why coaches exist. Frankly, I find this fascinating though.

For amateurs like us who don't have coaches (or limited coaching), there are tons of online tools and books which can help. Book-wise, I recommend that you get a copy of a The Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel. Check out www.trainingpeaks.com for nice training/planning tools including - if you get the paid version - preplanned workouts. And, for sure, get a power meter (I can't recommend one as I have Vector pedals which, although I like very much, are (too?) expensive and, for some reason, not widely liked) along with a hear rate monitor. For winter training, get a trainer whose resistance you can adjust from your handlebars. You can also get rollers too but don't unless you also get a trainer because a trainer is more versatile.

Frankly, equipment doesn't make a huge difference as long as your bike is reasonably light (and then, this is only important if your races have lots of climbing) and your wheels and components are at least reasonably decent. A Scott Foil 15 and Specialized Allez are both fine bikes.

One last comment. When doing your workouts be sure to follow the planned intensity. Especially in your base periods, many workouts will be at a low level of intensity which will be boring. Don't be tempted to go hard during these long, boring, low-intensity workouts as they really do pay huge dividends in preparing your body for the heavy-duty 'build' workouts that will come a few months later. The metaphor to a building's foundation is not just a trite description - it really is true.







u/White_Lobster · 14 pointsr/Velo

Joe Friel's book is good. Take your time with it and really understand what he's recommending. It's a bit complicated to figure out at first, but he knows what he's talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375132557&sr=8-1&keywords=joe+friel+the+cyclists+training+bible

u/retrac1324 · 10 pointsr/Velo

Friel's training bible is very popular - http://amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201

For GoPro style race videos, sometimes with commentary - http://bikevideoarchive.com (seems to be down at the moment)

u/Giraffe_Racer · 9 pointsr/Velo

The Cyclist's Training Bible is the go-to introduction to training concepts. It's probably information overload if you're just getting into the sport, but there's a ton of good information.

The Time-Crunched Cyclist is a really good introduction to interval training. You'd need at least an HR monitor to do the workouts. I don't follow Carmichael's plans in that book, but I did adapt it a little to fit my needs last summer.

u/slykens · 8 pointsr/Fitness

First, all you need to get is the cyclists training bible by joe friel. It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know. Base, Build, Peak, baby!

Next, join us over in /r/velo. It's a little dead now in the off season, but things get going in the spring!

edit: I also have the book "Racing Weight" by Matt Fitzgerald. I would highly recommend it.

And you're already thin. Becoming a better cyclist is way more important than losing 2 or 3 more pounds of body fat.

u/OnlyFactsNoContext · 8 pointsr/Velo
  1. Join a local cycling club. Here's a big one in Chicago

  2. Build up your palmares so that you can ride something more than CAT5. Cycling racing demands that you move up categories based on your experience. Mostly to keep people who have never raced in a bunch sprint or a paceline from hurting competent racing cyclists. Having never raced before you're likely to start for a season or so at the lowest level (CAT5).

  3. Start racing in local centuries or cyclosportives. I don't want to stomp on your dreams, but unless you're clearly (I mean solo to victory 10+ minutes ahead) then you're probably not pro level. Here's a list of rides happening this year in Chicago.

  4. Commit this winter to doing Joe Friel's program, race a few races in the spring then get your personal physiological characteristics measured (VO2max etc). See how you compare to others.

  5. Start sending out packages (palmares, physio stats, any other value you'd bring to a team) to development squads.

  6. Hope that you got the stuff.
u/pinkpeach11197 · 7 pointsr/Velo

I use a spread sheet I'm fairly sure it was made or at least endorsed by Joel Friel. You can download it here: https://www.trainingbible.com/resource.php.
If you don't have a plan I strongly recommend getting this book called "The Cyclists Training Bible" which will guide you in all aspects of creating a personalized plan and answers a bunch of other training questions. You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1934030201/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419837779&sr=8-1&dpPl=1&dpID=519fhwt12TL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40. It is also available as an ebook.

u/soutioirsim · 7 pointsr/Velo

These are just my two cents so interpret how you want. From the looks of things, it seems like you've got a lot of interval sessions in there and this time of year you should focusing on base miles (lots of steady efforts)

I know what you're thinking, '..but I've done a lot of long rides over the summer, so I've essentially already done my base miles?' The thing is that developing your aerobic engine (which is what base miles do) takes a lot of hours and this is the time of the year to do it. Also, doing lots of interval sessions can burn you out before racing season even arrives!

My advice, primarily taken from The Cyclist Training Bible by Joe Freil, would be to cut down your interval sessions to once a week. Also, you mentioned you wanted to help your sprint for next year and the perfect way to do that at this time of the year is some weight training once a week. Fill the rest of the time with base miles. Your running is good for base stuff as well so keep that up.

Finally, if you find yourself getting bored on the turbo you could always do some speed skill sessions which focus on how you pedal and to improve the 'smoothness'. Two sesssions that I currently do are:

Spin ups

  • For 1min, gradually build up to max cadence (without bouncing)
  • Maintain this high cadence for as long as possible
  • 3min recovery and repeat several times

    Leg Isolations

  • Unclip one leg and focus on form, especially at 12 o'clock position
  • When leg gets tired, switch legs and repeat
  • When leg gets tired, pedal with both legs for 2min and focus on technique. Repeat.
u/[deleted] · 7 pointsr/Fitness

Get him this book as a gift. If/when he gets to the strength chapter he'll come back for help.

u/willhickey · 6 pointsr/Velo

There is so much complexity in becoming a good bike racer... if you can hire a coach you should. But here's some generic advice:

  • Buy a copy of The Cyclists Training Bible and read it.
  • Work on your core strength and stability. This mostly involves static exercises like planks, not lots of situps. Friel's book discusses this in depth.
  • Go on group rides and pay attention. See who looks the most comfortable on their bike and the smoothest in the group and then learn from them.
  • After base season, train hard. If your training time is limited by school you can compensate somewhat by doing lots of really high intensity. Again, Friel's book gives good examples.
  • Be patient. You won't get a pro contract next year. But you could get mononucleosis or crash and end up completely burned out and never want to ride a bike again. It's important to think long-term and stay healthy!

    edit: clarified final bullet to not end on such a downer sentence.
u/s0briquet · 5 pointsr/MTB

Hello Aron156,

I noticed that you're still in high school, which means you've got the benefit of youth on your side. So it really comes down to what you want to get out of cycling.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to follow the three rules of the French.

  1. Ride the bike
  2. Ride the bike
  3. Ride the bike

    If in doubt, check the rules again.

    The problem you're going to run into is that most cycling trainging programs are focused on road cycling, because that's where people make money.

    If you're serious about racing, then fitness should be your #1 priority. This site has some good information on nutrition and training, so you can get started for free.

    robbyking's suggestion is pretty good, but if you think you might want to make a career of cycling then, The Time Crunched Training Program will only get you started. TTCTP focuses on high intensity interval training, and that's good, but there's more to it than that. A more complete book on training and nutrition is The Cyclists Training Bible. This covers several of the techniques the pro road riders that I know use for their own training.

    Personally, I do HR zone training, but I'm a bit older, and I work in a job where I have to sit all day (read: I need fitness more than performance, and I get the most benefit from HR Zone training). A decent HR monitor can be had for relatively cheap. Get a heart rate monitor that can track your Max HR and Average for a ride. They can be had for about $50USD. Then you can start to figure out where you're at fitness wise.

    Hope this helps. :)

    *edit: formatting and clarity
u/imsowitty · 5 pointsr/Velo

Buy and read The Cyclists Training Bible by Joe Friel.
http://www.amazon.com/Cyclists-Training-Bible-Joe-Friel/dp/1934030201

Even if you aren't targeting a particular race, the best way to improve is to train in cycles.

"ride lots" is fine too, esp. since you aren't particularly interested in racing, but the truth is if you want to get as fast as possible as soon as possible, train like you're racing. This may not be as fun, but you have to decide what's worth it to you.

u/kapow_crash__bang · 5 pointsr/bicycling

Start doing intervals. Here's a decent guide. Here's another.

I'd recommend getting a book like Serious Cycling or The Cyclist's Training Bible if you'd like to learn more about how to go about training in a structured way.

u/_Cream_Corn_ · 4 pointsr/Velo

Buy and read all of this;

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201

Tons of invaluable knowledge

u/acerni · 3 pointsr/Velo

Personally, I'd work on over-unders, in your case going uphill; for a given work interval, stand up for 1-2 minutes bringing your HR/Power/RPE above threshold, then back down into the saddle and to tempo or sub threshold for 1-2 minutes (to start I would recommend doubling your work time to find your "recovery" time). Repeat this 3-4 times, then rest for an equal amount of time going very very easy, ie zone 1-2. Repeat. This mixed in with some steadier efforts. If you haven't read Friel that's a good place to start. Racing Weight and the Quick Start Guide help me lose weight. Depending on the type of racing you're doing, you may not have to lose all that much more weight. I race in NYC (virtually flat, no hill more than 40m) and I race fine at 5'10" and 165-170 lbs. Hope this helps.

u/sitryd · 3 pointsr/Velo

I can only tackle a few of those questions - I'm entering my second season on a team, but I joined the team a month after buying my road bike and only did one race last season so may not be the best source on all of this....

  1. First, where do you live? I live in northern California, and the Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA) posts a pretty good calendar of races here. There will be time trials, road races, criteriums, and circuits posted once the calendar finalizes and different events announce their schedules. Time trials are classically solo events - you start off and ride by yourself, and ride against the clock. There are team time trials, but you're not going to see that as a starting racer (though i may be wrong about that). Road races are your longer races (the one I did last year was 49 miles). Criteriums and circuit races are shorter, much faster races (quick and tight turns, requiring good handling skills). I'll let someone else give details on those, though, since I havent raced in either type myself...

  2. You'll start seeing some races in February, but I think the season in chief starts around April and will end in August or September. This is purely based on the calendar of races I'm looking at this year, though, so grain of salt. There's other bike racing events in the off months (namely, cyclocross) if you can't keep yourself off two wheels...

  3. I cant speak to other races, but the road race I competed in (Cat 5) was won by a racer going an average of 18 mph over those 49 miles.

  4. I think in the Cat 5 races you can probably be competitive riding solo... You'll have riders working together despite team affiliations, and it's not like youre going to see Cat 5 teams forming leadouts in the final stretches to launch their sprinters. Unless theyre taking it reaaaaaally seriously.

    Unsolicited, but think its helpful: read up on how to train up... Last season I rode when I felt like it, usually one long ride on the weekend and then a few commutes to work (28 miles roundtrip), and was in decent shape so thought I'd do okay. Racing was faaaaar harder than I expected. I picked up this book and read it cover to cover for this season, and am working on building up a base to start out this season stronger (and it's already made a big difference). You can also find a lot of the information in various locations online, but it'll help lay out the transition/base/build/peak cycles that are helpful in training for a race, and what kind of workouts to do to reach your goals.

    Beyond that, just enter a race or two and see how it goes and if you enjoy it - theres no need to go insane without knowing whether you're going to like it.

    But that being said, enjoy your first season!
u/snowboardracer · 3 pointsr/Velo

> can you clarify? (new to this). Thanks!

You may want to check this book and this book out from your local library. There is a "new competitor" plan in the first book that focuses on the goals you outlined in your post. But, even the "time crunched" plans require 6+ hours on the bike per week over 3 to 4 days. Is she able to hop on a trainer once or twice a week in addition to heading out with you and the groups? Those books with the included plans may help.

Have you considered riding with your wife outside of the group setting for a bit? You'd be able to train with her and get her endurance up so she'd be able to hang with the groups you both would rather ride with.

In the end, the shortest answer to help her is "ride more" but that's more of an /r/bicycling response than an /r/velo response.

Edit: And in case anyone is curious, it seems OP is in Florida. Around my parts, 30 mile routes at 18-20mph is no joke, let alone 22 or 24mph. But, rated climbs are about 5 miles from my driveway ;)

u/sir_earl · 3 pointsr/cycling

Check out this book

u/fueled_by_sunergos · 3 pointsr/Fitness

Hi from the US!

Have you dropped by a local bike shop? There might be some one more experienced with the route for this race and be able to give you a more specialized answer so you can be better prepared.

Make sure to check out /r/mtb and maybe /r/velo.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/275683-racing-bikes-vs-mountain-bikes/

My friends and I like to do uphill sprints, and intervals on a couple times a week, at least, in addition to a long road or gravel rides.

Honestly, I wouldn't hit the gym up much this close to a race- I'd focus on riding, with a long ride once a week plus a couple smaller ones later in the well, separated by intervals. And then a good full week of recovery before the race.

But, in general, medium intensity-medium volume (6 sets of 12) squats, deadlifts, leg press, never the same day or day before a long ride or race, worked best for us during the off-season.

I'd pack several snack bars, a first aid kit, a rear derailleur hanger, multitool with chain breaker, extra chain, tire levers, tubes and patches, paper currency, toilet paper or wet wipes, plenty of water. Maybe an extra tire.

Rest as needed. I wouldn't worry about time, so much as finishing and navigating the route.

There will be more races! Wait until you discover enduro... Until then, have fun, check out "The Cyclist Training Bible" and http://www.ridethedividemovie.com

u/3oons · 3 pointsr/cyclocross

No worries - cycling is full of random terms that you have to get wrong a few times before you start to sound like a real cyclist!

As far as long-term plans - you can't go wrong with anything by Joe Friel

https://www.amazon.com/Cyclists-Training-Bible-Joe-Friel/dp/1934030201

And again, there's nothing wrong with an intense program this year so you can get some racing under your belt - just know the limitations of it. Also, since cross is so technical, a season of racing on a shortened training plan will probably do you wonders next year. That way you won't have any jitters and will know what you're in for.

Also, "Base Building for Cyclists" is very good as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Base-Building-Cyclists-Foundation-Performance/dp/193138293X

u/SlowNSerious · 2 pointsr/bicycling

Generally accepted cadence for aerobic focused pedaling is between 80-100. Any less than 60 is considered grinding. Bradley Wiggins won the hour world record with a cadence of 105, shorter cranks have higher cadence typically.

The generally accepted book for cyclist training is: https://www.amazon.com/Cyclists-Training-Bible-Joe-Friel/dp/1934030201

The next step is attending local group rides. Guys will tell you what you're doing wrong quickly if they're anything like me and they'll drill good habits into you. Hanging with them will make you cycle longer and harder than you're used to and bump up your fitness.

u/IcemanYVR · 2 pointsr/cycling

You are going to need to increase your power (FTP) and introduce long intervals into your training. I"m talking about specific rides where your only goal is something like 3x20 minute intervals at 85-90% of your max power or heart rate. These are rides done by yourself, alone, and in some degree of pain towards the end of the session.

There's plenty of information on the internet on increasing your FTP, but essentially you want a decent (20 minute) warm up followed by 3 x 20 minute intervals at 85-90% of your max power or HR with 5 minutes of rest (riding super slow). You can start at 10 minute intervals first if you like. This has always worked very well for me in the past and I'm old school before Power Meters so it does work using HR, but most modern training is now done with power meters. It will still work with a heart rate monitor, but you need to know a few things about your heart rate zones, max hr, etc.

A good book that will probably get mentioned here is "The Cyclist's Training Bible" and it is highly recommended. Good luck, getting faster is hard work, but the rewards are worth it.

u/scottcycle · 2 pointsr/Fitness

Wrt when you have gym access again.

My current program is split into 2 phases, Phase 1 (Growth) and Phase 2 (Recovery), the prior lasting 4 weeks and the latter 2 weeks. Each week has a Day A and a Day B (Wednesday and Friday for me) in which I go to the gym and work on a specific routine. Both days focus on lifts/exercises which are targeting key areas and muscle groups that are utilised when cycling.


>Day A Routine

> * Pre-Lifting Stretches

  • Squat
  • Lying Leg Curls
  • Leg Extensions
  • Deadlift
  • Lateral Pull Downs
  • Push Ups
  • Inverted Rows
  • Ab Wheeling
  • Post-Lifting Stretches


    >Day B Routine

    >
  • Pre-Lifting Stretches
  • Squat
  • Lying Leg Curls
  • Leg Extensions
  • Deadlift
  • Overhead Press
  • Dumbbell Rows
  • Leg Raises
  • Post-Lifting Stretches

    In Phase 1 I'm always building on what I did on the previous Day, so either adding weight to the bar, or doing more reps in a set. So it works out that in terms of sets/reps and weight I'm doing this during Phase 1:

    >
    Day A
    >
  • Squat (3x5) +2.5KG each day
  • Lying Leg Curls (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time. Starting at 3x5 working to 3x10, then adding 7KG and going back down to 3x5
  • Leg Extensions (3xN+1) same progression in reps and weight as Lying Leg Curls
  • Deadlift (3x5) +5KG each day
  • Lat Pull Downs (3xN+1) same progression in reps and weight as Lying Leg Curls
  • Push Ups (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time
  • Inverted Rows (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time
  • Ab Wheeling (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time

    > Day B
    >
  • Squat (3x5) +2.5KG each day
  • Lying Leg Curls (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time. Starting at 3x5 working to 3x10, then adding 7KG and going back down to 3x5
  • Leg Extensions (3xN+1) same progression in reps and weight as Lying Leg Curls
  • Deadlift (3x5) +5KG each day
  • Overhead Press (3xN+1) N = # of reps done last time. Starting at 3x5 working to 3x10, then adding 2.5KG and going back down to 3x5
  • Dumbell Rows (3xN+1) same progression in reps and weight as OHP

    So that's 4 weeks of progression in each of those lifts/exercises either amounting to an additional 8 reps or 20KG. I should probably note here that I'm only on my second round of Phase 1 so progression is still coming easily.

    Phase 2 as I mentioned is all about Recovering and is essentially my deloading week(s) in terms of lifting. So I will drop the weight on the bar, and halt the progression in the number of reps. Below is what happens in terms of sets/reps and weight during Phase 2:

    >
    Day A
    >
  • Squat (3x5) -NKG. N = 1/4 of the final weight lifted in Phase 1, i.e. if I lifted 80KG in my final day of Phase 1 I'll drop the weight by 20KG
  • Lying Leg Curls (3xN) N = # of reps done last time. -7KG in weight
  • Leg Extensions (3xN) same as Lying Leg Curls
  • Deadlift (3x5) same as Squat
  • Lat Pull Downs (3xN) same as Lying Leg Curls
  • Push Ups (3xN) N = # of reps done last time
  • Inverted Rows (3xN) N = # of reps done last time
  • Ab Wheeling (3xN) N = # of reps done last time

    > Day B
    >
  • Squat (3x5) -NKG. N = 1/4 of the final weight lifted in Phase 1
  • Lying Leg Curls (3xN) N = # of reps done last time. -7KG in weight
  • Leg Extensions (3xN) same as Lying Leg Curls
  • Deadlift (3x5) same as Squat
  • Overhead Press (3xN) N = # of reps done last time. -2.5KG in weight
  • Dumbell Rows (3xN) N = # of reps done last time. Weight remains unchanged


    After Phase 2 is complete I simply start over again with Phase 1 and repeat it all over.

    As I mentioned I just finished my second round of Phase 1 and I can't believe the leaps and bounds I've come on since starting. I mean both in terms of my lifting ability, and in terms of my cycling. And not just specific areas of my cycling, but across the board in all aspects of my cycling. From impressive gains in my sprinting (both in speed and technique) to my hill climbing (again both in speed and technique). My overall fitness and stamina has also seen the upside to adding some gym work to supplement my cycling programme. What I thought were big strong legs at the beginning turned out to be relatively weak things, as evidenced by the numbers I was lifting at the start 4 months ago, and the numbers I'm lifting now.

    This all supplements my current cycling plan which is a 4/5 day plan of; Day 1 (Medium Cycle), Day 2 (Short Cycle), Day 3 (Bonus Cycle), Day 4 (Short Cycle), and Day 5 (Long Cycle). The lengths equating to:

  • Short = 10 - 20 miles
  • Medium = 30 - 60 miles
  • Long = >60 miles
  • Bonus = either Short or Medium


    During Phase 1 of my lifting I tend to stick to the lower to middle end of those distances, whereas in Phase 2 I tend to be in the upper end of those distances.

    This leaves my week looking like the following:

  • Monday - Rest Day
  • Tuesday - Day 1 (Medium Cycle)
  • Wednesday - Day A & Day 2 (Short Cycle)
  • Thursday - Day 3 (Bonus Cycle)
  • Friday - Day B & Day 4 (Short Cycle)
  • Saturday - Rest or Bonus Day
  • Sunday - Day 5 (Long Cycle)

    Hope this provides some insight into potential directions for you to go in terms of your training to supplement your cycling. For more Joe Friels "The Cyclist Training Bible" is definitely a recommended buy from me.
u/jet_pack · 1 pointr/cycling

At less than 65% you would drop into "Active Recovery" zone. The % of your max heart rate correlates to (perceived) effort.

after training, your 65% MHR power would go up dramatically. A typical training plan you would do base training for long hours at 65% for 2-3 months. Then start adding in higher intensity intervals.

This is pretty much the TLDR for The Cyclist Training Bible

u/slightlymedicated · 1 pointr/bicycling

Welcome to the dangerous world of road bike racing. It is a deep hole and how far down you go depends on you.

A few tips below:

  • Come check out /r/velo.
  • Find a few local group rides and get used to riding in a pack
  • Meet people that know more than you and ask questions
  • Sign up for a race or two
  • Get dropped in said races
  • Start doing some intervals. An even simpler way to look at it is ride hard one day, ride easy the next.
  • Maybe join a team, maybe ride unattached for now.
  • Check out The Cyclist's Training Bible. Disclaimer: I still haven't read it.
  • Look at TrainerRoad or get a coach (I can't afford a coach so I use TrainerRoad plans)
  • Do more intervals
  • Hang on and finish mid pack in race
  • Repeat

    Hope this helps some :)

    Edit: Sponsorship. If you're racing road you'll end up joining a team if you choose to. That team will have sponsors and will get you deals. My current team has Specialized, a local shop, Stages power meters, Castelli, Selle Italia, Sidi, and a few more. Everything is pretty much 20-50% off. We put together a packet of why they should sponsor us, who the riders are, and what we plan to do to promote their brands. If you're looking to join a team then find one that you get along well with. Having people that will answer your dumb questions, that show you what a paceline is, and are focused on having fun is way more important than 20% off a tire.
u/cycletroll · 1 pointr/Velo

You are right. SO MUCH OUT THERE.

The training bible is a great start/must read - https://www.amazon.com/Cyclists-Training-Bible-Joe-Friel/dp/1934030201

From there, I'd think about what worked for you as a rower and try to build out a plan that makes sense for how you individually enjoy training. Success is heavily tied to your happiness during the activity/training grind (as I am sure you know from rowing).

I am happy to try and give you tips as questions come up, feel free to DM me. I am not the best rider, but I've been fortunate enough to learn from some very smart riders.

u/pdub99 · 1 pointr/bicycling

So no one has really mentioned this yet, but if you want to be going stronger next summer, don't do hills / hard rides over the winter. Base miles are relatively easy miles. Also, a bike trainer takes up way less space than an elliptical, and lets you use the same seat / bike geometry / etc.
Take a look at Joe Friel's training book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377283726&sr=8-3) or this one - http://www.amazon.com/Base-Building-Cyclists-Foundation-Performance/dp/193138293X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377283778&sr=8-1

u/max1391401 · 1 pointr/cycling

Read The Cyclists Training Bible by Joe Friel.

Like others say its such a hard question to answer. I (and many others) found that book to be a very good starting point.

u/mikedao · 1 pointr/Velo

Before you do that, you might want to read this: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201/

You can use that with this: http://www.amazon.com/Training-Racing-Power-Meter-Hunter/dp/1934030554/

And create your own workouts and training plan.

u/Corndogginit · 1 pointr/cycling

*This is from a layman's perspective on exercise science and physiology as it relates to amateur cycling training

I'd rank ways to measure the training load of intervals like this from least to most helpful:

4. Distance at RPE or Speed
3. Time at RPE or Speed
2. Time at HR

  1. Time at a specific Power Rating

    My understanding is that Time and Intensity are what matter for training for specific physiological adaptations, so the more accurately you measure those two factors, the better quality your training will be. Distance tells you nothing about time it takes to complete a specific interval. It's related to time in that at a given speed on unvarying terrain different distances will take different times to complete, but we can't control for those variables on the road. On a track or a very flat course with no wind....maybe.

    Speed tells you very little about intensity because of the same factors as well as your level of rest and recovery.

    Rate of Perceived Exertion (how hard am I working on a scale of 1-5 or 10 or whatever) can be a really good training cue for yourself, but until you have something more objective to measure it against (heart rate or power) it doesn't necessarily tell you much.

    Heart rate is influenced by a number of factors outside of the intensity of a specific workout, including rest, hydration, health, recovery, etc. It does, however, control for a lot of environmental variances (gradient, wind, etc.)

    Power is probably the most accurate way to measure intensity, and when coupled with heart rate and RPE you can draw some pretty profound conclusions about physiological responses from your body.

    I train with heart rate since I'm too much of a peasant to own a power meter. Typically I try to do my intervals at different heart rate levels based on what I'm attempting to train (muscular endurance, power, etc.) and try to return to a baseline heart rate within a designated resting interval. If I can't recover in time, typically it means I'm not rested enough for the workout or I haven't done enough base training and I change my plans for the day or the week.

    I'd recommend the Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel
    https://www.amazon.com/Cyclists-Training-Bible-Joe-Friel/dp/1934030201

    It certainly helped me.
u/BerettaSC · 1 pointr/bicycling

I tried to ride 3-4 times per week. Some weeks are better than others. I am going to participate in my first race on March 11th, so I am riding every day until then. Sometimes it is only 30 minutes, but other times it is 2-4 hours. I have two young children and a full time+ job, so I just work it in where I can.

My suggestion is to find a community around a good bike shop or a club. If you live in a populated area at all, there will be a bike club. Check Facebook.

There are two books that really helped me.

The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners: Everything a new cyclist needs to know to gear up and start riding https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623361648/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IcXBybG217E1R

The Cyclist's Training Bible https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934030201/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.cXByb7BXMY38

u/chock-a-block · -2 pointsr/bikewrench

This isn't going to be a popular answer: don't buy upgrades.
Ride your bike and save your money. Then replace your existing bike with something better later.

If something breaks/wears out, by all means, replace it with something a little better. But, the bit-by-bit upgrades thing doesn't dramatically improve the bike.

Instead of buying a power meter, how about finding two group rides a week that are vaguely competitive and reading Joel Friel's book? http://www.amazon.com/The-Cyclists-Training-Bible-Friel/dp/1934030201

The simple act of trying to go faster a couple of times a week will improve your performance. Friel's book will give you an idea how to structure a week. Remember that the number of hours/week in the book is very high for most.

If you really want to train with power, once you have a plan using Friel's book, find a stretch of road that you can easily and safely ride hard without stopping for about 5 minutes and has two landmarks to start/stop a stopwatch. Ride the stretch of road the same time in the week every other week and log the times. Over time, (many weeks) you should see increases in performance. There's your power meter.

I'm not saying power meters are useless. I'm saying there's quite a bit to learn before using one has definite benefits.