Recommended max resistance on cycletrainers
I'm about to buy a trainer to start the indoor season on the bike. Different trainers come with a different maximum resistance, commonly ranging from 800-950 Watts. My main goal is finishing the Ironman 70.3 as fast as possible. Currently I'm doing the 90 km in a little less than 3 hours if it's a bit hilly, faster if flat. I want to increase my climbing abilities as well as the overall speed on a flat course (one of the triathlons is extremely hilly).
Is 800 Watts resistance enough, or should I go for one with 950 Watts?
(1)1 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Either one will suit.
You won't be able to sustain the maximum wattage for more than a few minutes, and if you can, your wattage meter is lying to you.
This is a link to an SRM (crank based power meter) power analysis from Mont Ventoux, one of the final stages of the Tour de France. The first part of the graph shows the "leadout" (Usually refers to the lead of a final sprint), which is where the domestiques (support riders) tried to crush it hard to eliminate anyone not ready for the climb. During this portion, they were averaging between 400-450 watts up a 6-7% grade, at about 30km per hour. The rest of the time they are around 350-375 watts.
When sprinting, you can hit 1000-1500 watts (Or at least the top pro sprinters can), but these are short burst segments, sustained no longer than 30 seconds at the very most.
Just as an n=1, I am usually right around an hour for the 40k, and I average 230ish watts, for about 3 w/kg. They average 5-6 w/kg. Your position on the bike and overall aerodynamics are going to matter much more than how much you can stomp on the pedals.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.