Equipment for your Bike

Behind every successful sport there is an organized and well equipped training schedule. Every proper training session needs well equipped machineries and gears so as to make your training sessions smooth, worthy and effective as far as the performance of an athlete is concerned. In case of cycling some of the most required training equipments are –cycling computers, power meters, turbo trainers etc.

Cycling computers

The cycling computer gives the measurements of loops & rides whenever you drive them. Besides, the odometer fixed into it gives the mileage which determines your ability. The censor of the equipment must be attached at 5mm away from the spoke so as to avoid hitting the spokes and a kind of flimsiness arising out of it. So cycling computers act as a very effective equipment for a good training purpose.

Power meters
Power meters for increasing V02 max

Conducting trainings with power meters like Powertap, SRM, Ergomo etc gives you the scope to determine the physical demands required for cycling. Suppose you want to increase the consumption of oxygen, conduct a test of maximizing the VO2max power output. The power output can be maintained for five minutes. Setting up a proper target in training, is the basic objective of all trainings. As the VO2max training is tough so it’s better to split it up within shorter intervals.

Are power meters really needed?

The following functions are performed by a power meter:

* Measure & displays the heart rate.
* Measures the riding speed, time & distance.
* It determines the maximal aerobic power (MAP).
* Provides instant feedback about performance and measures the rider’s actual output.
* Hence, power meters are so necessary for cyclists.

Power meters, which one is best for use?

Always go for a power meter which is professionally built for athletes and sports persons, especially cyclists.

It should preferably be carbon-enforced and aluminum structured for lightness. The weight should preferably be not more than 500 grams. The components should be completely encased within the shell to protect from moisture. And best if wireless!

Trainer Vs outdoor cycling

How to use a trainer for building up base miles indoor?Well, it varies widely.
Try to start off with long sustained trainings. Like starting off with a schedule of 2 and ½ hour long, slow race with a low intensity.
Next day increase the schedule to 3 and ½ hour of low intensity again.
The day after, go for a recovery ride of 30 minutes.
And the next day, take a ride of 45 minutes on the trainer, with some intervals.

Turbo trainers
Turbo trainers Vs gym exercising bikes. The firsts are much preferable than gym bikes.

Firstly, they save you the time, which is crucial in this busy life.
It is hot and uncomfortable in gym, maybe the heart rate shoots up easily.
The bikes in the gym are not comfortable.

In all these ways, the turbo trainers are way better than the gym bikes. And above all, no need to pay for the gym membership!

Written by alastair · Filed Under Training