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Old 03-30-10 | 03:51 PM
  #34  
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umd
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Santa Barbara, CA

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
Really? You don't notice a difference
I do, but some people do not. I find it easier to produce more power for longer on climbs, although recently I have gotten much better at producing power on flat ground.

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
especially if you ignore your HRM?
You are really obsessed about the HRM...

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
I sure do. Nothing gets my HR up like climbing.
I can keep my HR low climbing, and I can jack my HR on the flats, if sufficiently motivated for either.

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
I really have to work to hold it on the flat, but I can climb for a long time at or near LT without forcing it. I don't think it's just me, as others here have commented on that over the years.
I think for many people the natural inclination is to work harder on climbs and relax on the flats. If I focus on maintaining a certain power output I can usually hold it pretty steady, flats, climb, and descent. I really have to, if I ever want to work on steady-state power because even the flattest roads we have hear are still pretty rolling. On a recovery ride I can cruise up a hill and on a threshold day I can hammer a descent. But if I have no goal I will go harder on the climb than the flats.
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