Originally Posted by
livedarklions
Because bicycles aren't weights being lifted so the analogy is completely wrong--the differences in resistance between the lighter and heavier bikes are not so significant as to affect the effects of resistance meaningfully. This is more like comparing lifting 198 pounds 11 times to lifting 200 pounds 10 times, but that's not even true as you'll see below.
You aren't the first person to misapply weightlifting logic here, Start with the fact that the differences in weight between bikes are likely small in comparison to the gross weight of the rider and the bike, and that the bike is actually a machine designed to minimize the vertical lifting of the weight and to maximize the advantages of forward momentum and you'll soon realize that the analogies are more confusing than they are helpful.
Also, for that matter, riding in a higher gear, or riding faster add resistance (both mechanical and wind).. Increased weight also just adds resistance. And as pointed out repeatedly, if you really want your resistance in the form of weight, just carry something heavy on your light bike.
I kind of expected a "cycling is not weightlifting" response. I appreciate your trying to refine my example to more accurately reflect a comparison to cycling. I think they are more comparable than many folks assume. I've lifted weights for training, but am not a "bodybuilder". Among those who are, it is known that many more repetitions with lower weights builds definition, a more obvious shape to the muscles. Fewer repetitions with much heavier weights builds strength. I was reminded of this when I started riding again - after several months I could see much more definition in my legs when they flex or move, even though my legs are still skinny. So, I don't think comparing 'workouts' in the two activities is so far-fetched.
I also realize that you can get more resistance by using a higher gear, and I think it is a good idea to do exactly that on occasion, for training purposes, to help build strength, just as it is good to use lower gears, to improve pedaling form. Just because there is a second way to do things doesn't make the first one wrong, but I would agree that banging around on a clunker won't give one the good pedaling form that is so beneficial to longer, harder efforts. I would also say that there is a big difference in feel between extra weight on the body and extra weight on the bike, but agree that it doesn't matter in terms of energy expended.
The biggest workout benefit in my experience, in terms of equipment choice while training, comes from heavier wheels. There is no good, practical way that I know of to mimic their effect while training, especially when you are riding with others. Every time you have to catch a wheel, or try to build a gap, you are getting a better workout than if you had ridden your lighter wheels, and a better workout than any others who are riding lighter wheels as well. Switching to light wheels for the race is a bit like taking off your heavy backpack after a long hike. You almost feel like you could fly!
Racers riding light wheels while training should save them for racing, and train on heavier wheels, by a pound or more, each. This will get them more in the long run than saving a few more grams with super-light racing wheels.
In my opinion, of course. Thanks for respecting it.
