http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Heart rate training?? en Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:25:04 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189362 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:31:44 +0000 adamthekiwi 189362@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Calculations for Max HR are almost all a broad guess based on bell curves (and then not very accurate), but HR is a reasonable proxy for power output, so it can be a very useful tool. As Coxy points out, the British Cycling website has useful information.</p> <p>I do my threshold tests on the Alloa-Dunfermline path, but that's because it's on my route home from work. It's perfect (certainly at the times I often ride it) as it's just shy of 18 km, very nearly dead straight and, apart from a rise to a road and subsequent drop at about the 6km mark, it's a gentle and fairly constant upward incline (if heading East). Easy to get warmed up and then do 30 minutes at full tilt - and then get the train home, because I'm gubbed! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189361 Tue, 26 May 2015 16:50:38 +0000 amir 189361@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have a heart rate monitor but gave it up in favour of natural interval traning e.g. up and down hills, between cafes ... - being a better experience and generally making me happier. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189360 Tue, 26 May 2015 16:49:18 +0000 condor2378 189360@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/heart-rate-monitor-training-for-cyclists-28838/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/heart-rate-monitor-training-for-cyclists-28838/</a></p> <p>The 220-age is rubbish IMO. I'm 36, max should therefore be 184. Actual (recently via testing) is 200. HR training is a good tool but you have to work out what your own personal zones are. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189357 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:13:51 +0000 panyagua 189357@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm interested in this too having recently acquired a HR monitor for my Garmin, and I came across<br /> <a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/sportivetrainingplans/THRESHOLD_TEST.pdf">this document</a> on the British Cycling website, which explains how to carry out a Threshold Test. I've yet to attempt the test though - need to find a suitable route. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189356 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:06:55 +0000 PS 189356@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Think you're right, Coxy. There must surely be some big natural variances in heart rates, depending on all sorts of factors. I think the highest I've ever seen mine was 187 (and it's not touched 180 this year), whereas I have similarly aged, similarly fit pals who talk about 200. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189354 Tue, 26 May 2015 14:20:03 +0000 Coxy 189354@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd be vary wary on trying to calculate you HR zones by anything other than some kind of measurment such as Functional Threshold do-dah.</p> <p>The usual estimate (220-age) should be 172 for me. But it's actually 202!</p> <p>The British Cycling website is quite good. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189350 Tue, 26 May 2015 13:50:10 +0000 wingpig 189350@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_exercise" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_exercise</a></p> <p>Covers the "zones" thing without trying to sell you anything (else) or telling you that you're doing it wrong before you've started. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14875#post-189348 Tue, 26 May 2015 13:33:33 +0000 Baldcyclist 189348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Santa brought me a new toy, good of him to make a special journey at this time of year.</p> <p>Anyway my new watch has a basic heart rate monitor which tracks your heart rate all day, and shows you the range during the day. It also lets you know what your average heart rate for a workout is, and some fun was had this morning trying to make the display go faster.</p> <p>All of that is very well, and I probably have some starting points now, basically all that money to tell me something I already know, I'm fat...</p> <p>Resting: 55.<br /> Max this morning: 185 (although maybe a wee bit more there I think)<br /> ave for 1hr45 workout: 155</p> <p>So hive mind, where is a good place to learn all about heart rate training, and "zones"? etc.?</p> <p>Ta </p>