Flats vs. Climbing
09-05-08, 03:00 AM
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Flats vs. Climbing
What seems to be the general consensus for training as far as training on flats versus climbing. What I mean is that if I train for climbing will it have any effect on my ability to ride distances on flats/false flats. Or, if I train for long distance will it have any effect on my ability to climb.
The reason I ask is because I have planned out a couple routes to begin training soon, some of which are relatively flat and others have some decent climbing incorporated. More than likely I will use all the routes for training so I don't get bored too quickly, but if one type of training is more beneficial than the other I'd like to know so I can emphasize that type of riding more than the other. Thanks!
EDIT: Mods, can you move this to the road forum, I have NO idea how this post ended up in SS/FG. Must mean time to go to sleep now.
The reason I ask is because I have planned out a couple routes to begin training soon, some of which are relatively flat and others have some decent climbing incorporated. More than likely I will use all the routes for training so I don't get bored too quickly, but if one type of training is more beneficial than the other I'd like to know so I can emphasize that type of riding more than the other. Thanks!
EDIT: Mods, can you move this to the road forum, I have NO idea how this post ended up in SS/FG. Must mean time to go to sleep now.
09-05-08, 04:06 AM
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What are you training for? Helps to know this kind of thing, though the answer will almost definitely vary from person to person. I train on whats available, switch it up every time and see what I get. I love the hills, on a fixed, on a road bike, on a touring bike, nothing gets me excited like a nice hill section to mash up. A rider who is well conditioned for all terrain conditions will almost certainly be a stronger rider.
09-05-08, 05:56 AM
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What seems to be the general consensus for training as far as training on flats versus climbing. What I mean is that if I train for climbing will it have any effect on my ability to ride distances on flats/false flats. Or, if I train for long distance will it have any effect on my ability to climb.
The reason I ask is because I have planned out a couple routes to begin training soon, some of which are relatively flat and others have some decent climbing incorporated. More than likely I will use all the routes for training so I don't get bored too quickly, but if one type of training is more beneficial than the other I'd like to know so I can emphasize that type of riding more than the other. Thanks!
EDIT: Mods, can you move this to the road forum, I have NO idea how this post ended up in SS/FG. Must mean time to go to sleep now.
The reason I ask is because I have planned out a couple routes to begin training soon, some of which are relatively flat and others have some decent climbing incorporated. More than likely I will use all the routes for training so I don't get bored too quickly, but if one type of training is more beneficial than the other I'd like to know so I can emphasize that type of riding more than the other. Thanks!
EDIT: Mods, can you move this to the road forum, I have NO idea how this post ended up in SS/FG. Must mean time to go to sleep now.
09-05-08, 08:38 AM
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Flats are good for recovery rides and intervals. It is really hard to get a sustained high-intensity workout on a long flat route.
09-05-08, 08:54 AM
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Fixed that for you. You just have to push yourself in a way that many people aren't willing to do. How hard a workout is depends on power output, and duration.
You can definitely get a hard sustained workout on flat ground it just takes more discipline. When climbing the hill makes it hard, on flat ground you have to make it hard by the pace you maintian.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
09-05-08, 09:06 AM
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I agree that it can be mentally more difficult to push yourself on the flats, but for some people it may be the other way around. As far as for training, there are physchological and technical components of climbing that are hard to improve unless you climb, but for the most parts fitness in one will translate to the other. For climbing, often steady state intervals like 2x20s will help, and can be done on flats. I do 5x5 VO2max intervals on a hill because it is easier for me to hit the appropriate intensity, but the results benefit flat riding as much as climbing, maybe even more so.
09-05-08, 09:14 AM
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This is the same as asking 'is it better to train against wind or with it on my back' -- You ride with what you have and do hill repeats if you need to get better going up hills etc..
09-05-08, 02:33 PM
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09-05-08, 03:28 PM
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Train in the hills as much as you can. But, mix it with some long distance mixed terrain. I know that rocketing down the road at 25 mph on the flats is cool but it does not build power like hill work will.
09-05-08, 06:49 PM
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Hills, hills, hills! Bottom line, you can get a good workout anywhere, but it sure is harder riding up a hill. Get good on the hills, and the flats become that much easier. Riding hills won't "hurt" your ability to ride flats, but it's hard to get decent at climbing without hitting the hills.
