Originally Posted by
caloso
Watts are watts. Physiologically, an equivalent power output will be equivalently draining. And that's why power meters are useful training tools.
Psychologically though, it can vary.
Originally Posted by
asgelle
It's hard for me to reconcile that with the understanding that muscle fiber recruitment depends on the speed and force of contraction and that different types fatigue at different rates.
I tend to favor the first position as a practical matter. I'm sure differences in cadence, and position in climbing versus riding on the flats do make some difference, but for practical purposes it still comes back to watts are pretty much watts whether its 300 watts up an 8% grade at 9mph, or 25mph on the flats.
In training in Florida, for mountainous races such as Everest Challenge, I've found that long intervals aimed at raising FTP, done on flat ground are pretty effective training for climbing, because its all about w/kg.
Admittedly training on the flats for climbing is not perfect, because there are some muscle recruitment issues, as well psychological issues, but it translates pretty well.