Originally Posted by
kbarch
Right. It's not so much that it feels harder or easier to deliver 250w, but the ride is more or less punishing or rewarding given the same watts.
250w uphill into the wind: ugh, what a slog! - I'm such a weakling, and we'll never get there!
250w downhill: Yee-hah, what a blast! - I'm Superman, and nothing can stop me!
I think the opposite.
250 watts uphill= doable (for a limited time),
250 watts on the flat= ragged effort,
250 watts downhill- maybe 5 or 10 seconds.