Better to ride for distance or time?
10-15-12, 03:20 PM
#1
1337
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Monterey, CA
Posts: 858
Bikes: CAAD10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Better to ride for distance or time?
Is it better to ride for:
For Example:
Time: ride 2 hours every ride, and go further as you get faster
or
Distance: ride 20 miles every ride, and take less time as you get faster
For Example:
Time: ride 2 hours every ride, and go further as you get faster
or
Distance: ride 20 miles every ride, and take less time as you get faster
10-15-12, 03:37 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 533
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You just pick a route/intensity/length based on the kind of exercise you want to do, and how much time you have to do it. I think that is the most practical approach.
I don't really see why distance or time should be held constant.
I don't really see why distance or time should be held constant.
10-15-12, 03:40 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Memphis TN area
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
I think time is better, if you're riding for fitness. You get a better cardio workout by keeping your heart rate elevated for a certain amount of time. Your heart doesn't know how fast you're going on the bike. But if you can keep it elevated for a certain amount of time (I always hear 60 minutes at least) then distance doesn't really matter.
For me, though, it depends on if I'm making a loop route, or an out-back route. If a loop, then the loop is the distance and I usually go for speed and best time. If it's out-back then I might go as far as I want to go (like half the time available) and then come back. But then again if the out-back is more of a set distance (like the 7-mile length of the MUP) then I'll treat it the same as the loop route.
For me, though, it depends on if I'm making a loop route, or an out-back route. If a loop, then the loop is the distance and I usually go for speed and best time. If it's out-back then I might go as far as I want to go (like half the time available) and then come back. But then again if the out-back is more of a set distance (like the 7-mile length of the MUP) then I'll treat it the same as the loop route.
10-15-12, 03:50 PM
#6
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pitt Meadows, BC
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think both styles are important.
I used to really enjoy riding a commute to work and trying to beat my own time every time.
But long sustained effort I think is also important for overall health etc.
I used to really enjoy riding a commute to work and trying to beat my own time every time.
But long sustained effort I think is also important for overall health etc.
10-15-12, 06:25 PM
#9
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
This is like "is it better to spin fast in a low gear, or pedal slower in a high gear" question.
And the master responded:
It is better to spin faster in a higher gear.
Take the mileage from my hand, grasshopper.
And the master responded:
It is better to spin faster in a higher gear.
Take the mileage from my hand, grasshopper.
10-15-12, 06:31 PM
#10
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
10-15-12, 07:21 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 144
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Supersix Evo; 2013 Soma Smoothie; 2010 Cannondale Supersix; 2008 Cervelo RS; 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Time. Distance is only a proxy for time.
10-15-12, 07:55 PM
#12
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I say, set a definite distance. Like to some kinda landmark (perhaps a McDonald's restaurant) or something, and watch your time decrease with increased skill and practice. 
Last edited by SlimRider; 10-15-12 at 07:59 PM.
10-15-12, 08:17 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
Pretty sure you could search the archives and find 5,000 answers to this very same question. Pick the answer you like.
10-15-12, 08:26 PM
#14
ka maté ka maté ka ora
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: wessex
Posts: 4,423
Bikes: breezer venturi - red novo bosberg - red, pedal force cg1 - red, neuvation f-100 - da, devinci phantom - xt, miele piste - miche/campy, bianchi reparto corse sbx, concorde squadra tsx - da, miele team issue sl - ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Why are you riding?
10-15-12, 08:39 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: fogtown...san francisco
Posts: 2,276
Bikes: Ron Cooper, Time VXSR, rock lobster, rock lobster, serotta, ritchey, kestrel, paramount
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
build a base, ride lots of miles. I mean two water bottles with two energy bars and start at dawn and don't come home until the sunsets! when you've recovered, do short hard rides during the week. repeat. the first week you will feel like crap. by the 3rd week, you will kick a$$!
10-15-12, 08:53 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Burnaby, BC
Posts: 4,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
If you're training...time
If you're going somewhere...distance
Why don't you let us all in on the big secret - why are you asking this question.
If you're going somewhere...distance
Why don't you let us all in on the big secret - why are you asking this question.
10-15-12, 08:56 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,456
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 50 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It depends. (As usual.)
For steady state efforts, either are good.
If you're notorious about not 'going the distance' and slacking off when it gets hard (like, bailing out at mile 60 out of a planned 80 mile ride), go by distance if you need to push yourself to stay honest about the miles.
If you're good about pacing and aren't feeling beaten down and slower than usual, time is great.
The elevation profile does screw with the distance somewhat but I find that for the 5-7 regular rides I do around here, you get enough repetitions that you can tell how hard you were going on that day just by looking at the time.
This is the moment where all the Powermeter owners start screaming about how everything else including HR is totally, utterly useless and that the only way to train is by power and TSS scores, despite the fact that professional cycling was around well before powermeters ever existed, and a surprising number of up and coming pros and triathletes don't use them.
For steady state efforts, either are good.
If you're notorious about not 'going the distance' and slacking off when it gets hard (like, bailing out at mile 60 out of a planned 80 mile ride), go by distance if you need to push yourself to stay honest about the miles.
If you're good about pacing and aren't feeling beaten down and slower than usual, time is great.
The elevation profile does screw with the distance somewhat but I find that for the 5-7 regular rides I do around here, you get enough repetitions that you can tell how hard you were going on that day just by looking at the time.
This is the moment where all the Powermeter owners start screaming about how everything else including HR is totally, utterly useless and that the only way to train is by power and TSS scores, despite the fact that professional cycling was around well before powermeters ever existed, and a surprising number of up and coming pros and triathletes don't use them.
10-15-12, 09:06 PM
#19
Beer >> Sanity
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,449
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
EDIT: Oh, guess that means the answer is "time"
Last edited by bikerjp; 10-15-12 at 09:07 PM. Reason: add more useless content
10-15-12, 10:18 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like to ride fast but it's not the most important thing to me. I just like to get a good workout and enjoy myself.
10-15-12, 11:58 PM
#21
1337
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Monterey, CA
Posts: 858
Bikes: CAAD10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Numbers not realistic, just used them to keep the question simple.
10-16-12, 06:52 AM
#23
Fred-ish
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 1,800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
+1. It depends on what a person is trying to accomplish, and based on that, the answer becomes self evident. Doing intervals? group training ride? Touring?
I understand. This is another, "what color should I like?" type of thread.
I understand. This is another, "what color should I like?" type of thread.
10-16-12, 07:57 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,288
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8279 Post(s)
Liked 9,034 Times
in
4,472 Posts
When I do a group ride, I ride whatever distance the group is riding, and it takes whatever time it takes.
When I ride alone after work I try to get in an hour of semi-hard effort.
When I ride alone after work I try to get in an hour of semi-hard effort.
10-16-12, 08:21 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SoCal Baby
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: o5 Specilized roubaix Comp, 06 Tequilo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It is very difficult to acheive goals that dont exist. If you wish to have improved performance ,determine in what aspect, (speed, endurance, climbing) then do drills designed to improve that aspect. Riding this way or that way is the least effective use of time or distance.