HRM w/Power Meter?
04-27-07, 08:34 AM
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HRM w/Power Meter?
Can I eliminate my HRM now that I'm training using Wattage? I've had my VO2 Testing done and was given my Zones in both HR and Watts. Do I really need my HRM if I'm training using Zones by Watts?
Do most of you use both or just your Power Meter?
Out of curiosity, are the pros just using their Power Meter's? Lately, I've noticed that many of the pros are not wearing HRM straps during the races. A couple years back you always saw them with HRM straps on. I wonder if this is due to the increased use on Power Meters?
Do most of you use both or just your Power Meter?
Out of curiosity, are the pros just using their Power Meter's? Lately, I've noticed that many of the pros are not wearing HRM straps during the races. A couple years back you always saw them with HRM straps on. I wonder if this is due to the increased use on Power Meters?
04-27-07, 08:37 AM
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Depends--what does your coach want you to do? If you are your coach, then do what you want to do. If we are your coach, you'll get 3 answers, yes, no, maybe.
04-27-07, 08:42 AM
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Although power is the name of the game I still think HR is very important. I use both. It really help you dial in your optimal zones. For instance I can make 150 watts at 60rpms at a 135 heart rate, or I can make 150 watts at 145 beats per minute at 85 rpms. Those numbers are not exact, but it gives an idea of what I am pointing out.
If I really need to keep from pushing it at during a ride to survive to the end I will pay more attention to HR than watts. Some days when I just don't have it the HR may be up, and the watts are down a little. How hard the ride was, and how tired I am may be more of a function of my HR than how many watts I averaged.
I focus on the watts, and they are the determining factor of progress, but I want to see how many watts I am making at a certain HR level at a certain cadence.
Good luck,
Richard
If I really need to keep from pushing it at during a ride to survive to the end I will pay more attention to HR than watts. Some days when I just don't have it the HR may be up, and the watts are down a little. How hard the ride was, and how tired I am may be more of a function of my HR than how many watts I averaged.
I focus on the watts, and they are the determining factor of progress, but I want to see how many watts I am making at a certain HR level at a certain cadence.
Good luck,
Richard
Originally Posted by mseanschmidt
Can I eliminate my HRM now that I'm training using Wattage? I've had my VO2 Testing done and was given my Zones in both HR and Watts. Do I really need my HRM if I'm training using Zones by Watts?
Do most of you use both or just your Power Meter?
Out of curiosity, are the pros just using their Power Meter's? Lately, I've noticed that many of the pros are not wearing HRM straps during the races. A couple years back you always saw them with HRM straps on. I wonder if this is due to the increased use on Power Meters?
Do most of you use both or just your Power Meter?
Out of curiosity, are the pros just using their Power Meter's? Lately, I've noticed that many of the pros are not wearing HRM straps during the races. A couple years back you always saw them with HRM straps on. I wonder if this is due to the increased use on Power Meters?
04-27-07, 09:12 AM
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Your powermeter should have a HRM built into it and it still will be a indicator of fatigue, ie. you are putting out the same 200w but HR is up 15 beats on the same course and conditions
04-27-07, 10:36 AM
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I use both as much as possible. on rolling terrain it's easier to look at your HR since it changes much slower, also for longer endurance rides you want to make sure you pay attention to your HR aswell to make sure you're not overshotting and you'll actually be able to finish the ride. For intervals, time trials, steady climbing, pushing into headwinds, or just cruising on the flats, power is great, helps you stay exactly where you want.
After a workout having everything recorded and graphed is great, and over time it will help you see trends in fitness, like when you start seeing your avg hrt rate go down for the same power bench marks then you know it's time to retest. You can also use the power vs hr to see how long it takes you to recover from efforts, and hopefully see an improvement over time, or just use that info tactically to keep your match's in order.
After a workout having everything recorded and graphed is great, and over time it will help you see trends in fitness, like when you start seeing your avg hrt rate go down for the same power bench marks then you know it's time to retest. You can also use the power vs hr to see how long it takes you to recover from efforts, and hopefully see an improvement over time, or just use that info tactically to keep your match's in order.
