Most cyclists know they need a bike speedometer/cycle computer to monitor their current, average and maximum speed, distance covered and riding time. Some goes further by getting heart rate monitor and cadence sensor.
While you grab all from a bicycle shop, the most important thing is to know how to use them to maximize your workout effort.
Below is the perfect answer given by Rob Crowe, noted down on CyclingTips Australia. Spend some time to read them, it’s very useful.
“Short of learning how to train your cycling body by ‘feel’ – which is a fairly advanced technique – you can start learning about what’s happening using a simple speedo and cadence meter as long as you consider the cogs or gearing used at the time. Essentially, the translation of power improvement in my training performances can be seen from better average speeds across the same courses on the same gearing.
As I get prepared for this summer coming, my fitness improvement will firstly be seen in my endurance level, then strength, then power abilities – then my riding and racing will be more effective and produce more fitness at a higher level again.
Endurance
For my endurance fitness, I want to see cadences improve a little from 75 up to 90 on a relatively small gearing (e.g. 39 x 15), with a speedo average coming up over a few weeks. Critically I’ll always maintain similar endurance heart-rates (130 – 145bpm for me). But I want to ‘feel’ it getting easier to complete the same course (strain on my lungs, muscles and legs goes down). Put more specifically, I will train the endurance to better my time over an 80km flattish road course, using the same small gear, getting comfortable with more revs & generally stay at the same 140bpm HR.
Strength
Once some reasonable endurance is attained (I don’t get tired, I get energized), I’ll use one particular climb repeatedly (a gradual 5% hill about 7km long ). Now speed matters less, the cadence should be lower and just stay stable, but the gearing must get bigger for similar HR’s (85%) as I get stronger. I feel I can tolerate more gear load and still maintain the same cadence against the gradient, so speed will incidentally go up, but it’s the ability to sustain good smooth pedal-strokes and breathing that I’m after. It’s gym work. Put more specifically, I will train my strength to better my gearing over a 7km uphill course, using the same lower cadence, getting comfortable with 85% effort, and will see some time improvement too.
Power
Now that I’m fit AND strong, I can effectively train for more power (getting there faster). I’ll go and find a circuit that I know well with lots of undulations, turns, hills and descents – I want to get around it faster and faster so it’s got to be difficult. I’ll use bigger gears as my recovery improves over the rises; I’ll draw on my high and low cadence abilities; I’m now ONLY looking for time improvement! Put more specifically, I will train my power to better my velocity over a 20km challenging hilly course, using all cadences, higher heart-rates, and will chase time improvements every time I do it.
There are too many gadgets available in the market that fulfill all above 3 requirements. The top brands are Garmin Edge, Cateye and Sigma.
For minimum budget I would recommend all in one Garmin Edge 500 Bundle which provides main features such as GPS, Speedometer, Heart Rate Monitor and Cadence Sensor currently available with EvansCycles for only £164.99 (around $247), free international shipping, with international warranty.
Source: CyclingTips Australia
