Originally Posted by BigGear
I am 44, 160lbs. When I ride at 80% of my HR max, my power output is only 155 - 165 watts.
I guess it is low...
I wonder what other people of my age average at this HR percentage..
I did this test on a powemeter (CycloOps Electronics), on a road this HR gives me
15 - 16 mp/h
If riding 40km time trial at or near LT I can average 19 mp/h
I would guess switching to a road bike (I ride Trek 7.5FX hybrid) maybe give me something,
but I am not sure how much..
That's pretty darn good really. Why 80% though? You might want to do the 2x20 AT test stickied above to determine your LT/VO2-max balancing point. That's where you'll make maximum continuous power. I suspect you'll be able to crank out a couple more extra watts for sure. Good job!
What you'll find with training is your muscles get more efficient; they'll be able to make more power for the same amount of oxygen consumed. So you'll find that VO2-max won't increase that much and your AT-HR won't increase very much, if at all. BUT, the power-generated at AT will increase tremendously, +25-50% isn't uncommon.