Training & Nutrition - Training on HEAVY touring bike vs. lightweight road bike?

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PDA
mac
05-29-06, 12:40 PM
First off, my goal is strength & aerobic training, not speed. I noticed after I came back from my LA to Mexico (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=196469) tour on my touring bike weighing over 75 lbs, my quads, calves, and importantly hamstrings were a lot stronger/harder. I was spinning at 80 rpm most of the time, but only averaged 10 mph. Would I get the same strength benefit on a lightweight bike also spinning at 80 rpm, but moving around 18(?) mph?

BloomBikeShop
05-29-06, 01:27 PM
Yes.
Garfield Cat
05-31-06, 07:00 PM
You wouldn't be touring all the time and carrying 75 lbs of bike and probably stuff with it. If you wanted to do a strength workout with some aerobics thrown in, then you could add more weight to the bike on the days you want to go strength. Just add 100 lbs more.

If you like riding for the sake of riding then shed the weight and have some fun going faster. This way you can mix your workouts. Both will give you aerobics.

edzo
06-08-06, 05:32 PM
you will get better spinnig faster on a light bike, then, on uphills
spinning your guts out.

heavy loads at low rpm will make you strong, but not fast except short sprints
mac
06-08-06, 06:43 PM
heavy loads at low rpm will make you strong, but not fast except short sprints
Well bulk (with definition) & strength is my goal. I'm not interested in the wiry look, nor being able to ride faster if that means lower overall strength levels. I've decided to plug around with my touring bike anyways as I need to carry gallons of fluids with me during the summer months.