Originally Posted by
Hermes
I watch 3 second power, cadence and interval time. When I first got my PM, I found that my cadence dropped as I tried to keep the power up. I always have a cadence goal and give it priority over power. With practice, my power improved at the cadence goal.
This is the biggest difference for me when training with HR or power. When I would do a 20 minute interval with HR, if I were dropping out of my zone, I'd go to an easier gear and increase my cadence. This would bring my HR up. When I tried this with a power meter, I found my output actually drops (regardless of what happens with HR). So, with a power meter, I tend to shift in a taller gear when I'm struggling to keep a power target.
So while I try to keep cadence in the range I want, I will sacrifice cadence for power. HR for me is a completely fall-out. It just is what it is.
I know a really good rider that does SST work at 120 rpm. The guy is an animal and can spin like crazy. My pedal stroke just isn't that nice. I'll do Z2 work at 110, but still feel like a hack. After 20 more years of it, I think I'll smooth out a little.