Thanks to all who mentioned out the MaxHR is not a 'changeable' figure. It does decrease as one ages, but it is sort of 'set' by genetics. I didn't mention it but should have.

That being said, it seems people with higher than 'average' MaxHRs and higher than predicted by the 220-age formula (assuming it applies to the general population, which is a leap), gravitate to bicycling and possibly other sports where having a higher than average MaxHR is an advantage. Thus my 'investigation' on this forum. While I used the word 'theory', it was in the very loosest sense of the word. Also that's the reason for the 'chicken or egg' statement ... do 'active' people have higher than average MaxHRs (chicken) or does having a higher than average MaxHR bias one toward choosing activities that can benefit from this trait (egg). Again as many have pointed out it is a trait, not something you can change much.

And yes, averages are just that .... they represent no one, but do give us insight into groups.

Would certainly never hold this 'study' out to represent anything ... really was just a fun thing for me and at least I hope mildly interesting to some here.

Cheers
Zdrifter