UPDATED May 28, 2024BY Henry GoldINMorocco: Kingdom of the West no comments On Travelling & The Morocco: Kingdom Of The West Bicycle TourTravelling it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Ibn BattutaIts done. The 34 day, 2,635 km long Morocco: Kingdom of the West Bicycle Tour has made a complete circle and arrived back at its starting point in Casablanca. It was a tour with a lot of highs as in climbing, and an even number of downs as in descents, a tour full of laughter and surprises, a tour with as much couscous and tagine as your heart desired, always ending with sweet delights and Moroccan whiskey as in Nana tea, a tour that humbled us all as we cycled through the devastation caused by the epicentre of the area hit by an earthquake eight months ago. Some of us reunited with riders from previous TDA tours and spent a joyous time with old friends and acquaintances. And we all made new friends. In short, it was great fun had by all. Now it was time to go back home.I and a handful of staff still had a job to do, delivering two of our companys vehicles back to their home base in Slovakia. On the way to Port of Tangier, I was hoping to make a brief visit to pay respect in the Medina the old walled city of Tangier to a man, or should I say a legend, who was born and buried in the city. Unfortunately, as the maxim goes, man plans and God laughs, we had some vehicle problems (what else is new) and our departure from Casablanca was delayed by a few hours, which meant that the visit to the Medina was no longer an option.Local man with camelYouve probably never heard of Ab Abd Allh Muammad ibn Abd Allh Al-Lawt whose mausoleum I wanted to visit, though you most likely have heard the name he was widely known by, Ibn Battuta or, in translation, the son of a duckling. There is even according to Wikipedia a large themed mall named after him in Dubai. Many believe that he may have been the greatest explorer of all time, or at least the greatest traveller of all time. In 14th century, before there were airplanes and steamboats, not to mention nuclear submarines, it is said that he travelled around 120,000 km. His journey began when he was born in 1304 in Tangiers and ended when he died in 1369 in Marrakesh.The truth is that our tour cycled to Tangier three days after we left Casablanca. Unfortunately we didnt have a rest day there (hopefully the next iteration of Kingdom of the West tour will have one) and so, with the headwinds and my old legs, by the time I made it to our campsite on the outskirts of Tangier, it was too late to visit the burial site of Ibn Battuta.As a very young man Ibn Battuta decided to make a visit to Mecca, starting by himself on a donkey. Even now we saw a lot of donkeys as we cycled through the country, and some of us will tell you that we heard even more of them as we tried to sleep in our tents. Eventually, with several divergences, he did make it to Mecca but then he continued to travel as far as India, China, down the East and West coasts of Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Central Asia, and more. He returned home after 30 years of travelling.Even though he was an educated scholar, Ibn Battuta didnt take any notes while he travelled and only later, after coming home, like Marco Polo, another well-known traveller, did he dictate his adventures into a book A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling or more commonly known as The Rihla. And like Marco Polos stories, some scholars nowadays doubt veracity of certain of his tales. Nevertheless, whether old age, vanity or just the plain desire of a storyteller to embellish his tales, there is no doubt that son of the duckling,or Ibn Battuta, had a life full of adventures.I have come across Ibn Battutas name many times, having travelled quite a bit myself, but I have not read The Rihla, though I have promised myself that one day I will. I did want to visit his purported mausoleum and just stand there as one soulmate to another. Perhaps some wonderful revelation would pop up in my mindor perhaps not.Still, I like to think that each and every participant on the Morocco: Kingdom of The West Bicycle Tour would agree with this quote from a man of Berber descent who called himself Shams al-Din AbuAbdallah Muhammad ibnAbdallah ibn Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Yusuf Lawati al-Tanji ibn Battuta. Travelling it offers you a hundred roads to adventure and gives your heart wings. Yes, for a few weeks our hearts had wings and we were soaring.RELATEDTOURMorocco: Kingdom of the WestJoin us on this mystical cycling odyssey through Morocco The Kingdom of the West. It is a country of mountains and beaches, souks and mosques... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "On Travelling & The Morocco: Kingdom Of The West Bicycle Tour" Cancel reply

The queen stage of the Criterium du Dauphin? Stage 7 of the French race is an incredibly hard stage with an incredibly hard summit finish at Samons 2000. Primoz Roglic has now taken over the race lead and will have a key day in the yellow jersey.I term this the queen stage. By all means, a stage...

Hot off the release of the amazingly light Roval Control Team mountain bike wheelset comes their counterpart for the road. The team at Roval claims the Roval Rapide CLX II Team wheels are the fastest in the world. That is a pretty hefty claim.All Photos: Jordan Villella/BikerumorThis uber-cool wheelset has a lot going on, so lets start by explaining why it came to be.Roval Rapide CLX II Team wheels What is it?Companies are scrambling to get their finest gear to the finish line before the Paris 2024 Olympics. Undoubtedly, these will be under the Olympic hopefuls for 2024. Most World Tour teams sponsored by Roval have already been experimenting with the wheels. Ensuring they know the riding characteristics inside and out and prepping for the years biggest races.Weve seen spy shots from the classics and all seasons of the Secret wheel Remco is riding. Now we knowHow are they different from the Roval Rapide CLX II?Well, first off, only 1,500 wheelsets are available for purchase globally, making these a super limited offering.Weight wise, the new Rapide CLX II Team wheels are 130g lighter than the non-team version with the same rim shape.When the Roval team set out to create an ultra-race wheelset, the goal was to shave off more than 100g from the wheels while maintaining the aerodynamic rim shape and durability (remember these are hooked rims). The hub and carbon rim layups are the prime places to get this weight reduction.Call in the B.O.B.sSpecialized raised the bat-signal (or S-signal, I guess?) and put together a team of Specialized Science Club (elite engineers) and World Tour riders and dubbed them B.O.B. (Best of the Best).The team shaved 40 grams per rim while hitting durability targets after only ten layup iterations, but thats not good enough for the B.O.B.s.After an additional 47 iterations with varying resin systems and carbon grades and hundreds of rims tested, the team matched the Rapide CLX II in durability while shedding weight. Resulting in a wheel that will help retain the tire under extreme impact so the rider can stop safely if/when a flat at speed occurs a hot topic lately, especially for those riding hookless on the World Tour.Hub Re-designSilver hubs are one of the most notable features of the Roval Team Wheels. The XC version boasts the signatures of Specialized Factory Team athletes. The road version chose to stay plain, but they couldnt cram all those signatures on the hub anyway.The hub is an all-new low-flange design built around DT Swiss EXP internals. Roval crafts the hubs in-house. These hubs are 50 grams lighter than the DT Swiss EXP.Why the silver? Eliminating the powder coating and paint needed to make it black saved 2g of weight, and for this wheelset, everything counts.So whats the weight?They weigh about 1,360g without tape and valves. This weight is not groundbreaking for the road, but its not all about weight. Compared to the Rapide CLX II wheels, they are 130g lighter and maintain the same Roval durability standards; thats progress for sure.Aero is everythingWeight isnt everything, though its cool to have the lightest gear IMO. The best wheels always have balanced weight, aerodynamics, and hold speed for all-around use. To make the Rapide CLX II Team a tick faster, the Roval team entered the Wintunnel.The Rapide CLX II rims differing shapes are already fast, but there was more to gain. The B.O.B. team hit the tunnel and experimented with carbon spokes and different designs. While carbon spokes help save weight, the DT Swiss Aerolite II spokes give the wheel the necessary aerodynamic gain to make it lighter (than the previous) and faster.Replacement spokes that comes in the Welcome Kit Photo: Jordan VillellaThe combination of DT Swiss Aerolite II spokes with the new silver Roval Hub resulted in a 0.5-watt drag savings compared to the previous Rapide CLX II wheels, making them 1 second faster over 40k.Specialized claims the Rapide CLX II Team wheels are the fastest in the peloton. They might be, but one thing they do offer is the same aerodynamic performance across various tire sizes. Whether racing Paris Roubaix with 30mm tires or riding on the smooth, glassy tarmac with 26mm tires, the aerodynamic advantage remains the same.Why not hookless?It appears that Roval isnt 100% sold on hookless for road applications just yet. Considering how far the team went to control the tire staying on the rim when a flat occurs, and considering these wheels are under the best in the world in the World Tour, Roval apparently feels hooked rims arent ready for prime time.Limited Edition WorldWideIf these sound like your dream wheels, start saving now, because Roval only made 1,500 to supply worldwide.Naturally, that means theyre quite expensive.Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset PricingPricing: $3,800, 3,700, 3,000,$ 6,000 AUSFirst Impressions Roval Rapide CLX IIWhen the Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset box arrived, I thought it was a bike frame. Its a larger-than-normal wheelbox. Why not use a larger square design? Well, thats because Roval wants you to have the WOW moment when you open the box.You get wheels and basically everything you need to get rolling, plus some. Unveiling the Roval Rapide CLX II Wheelset, you find a piece of paper welcoming you to the team. With this welcome, you get all the gear needed to maintain the wheels performance and some extras to keep rolling happily.Whats In the Box?Roval Alloy Centerlock Ring (2)Additional SRAM XDR Freehub Body (Wheels come with H.G. installed)SINC BearingsRoval Branded Dynaplug Racer Pro + extra set of plugSpoke / Nipple KitPremium Double Wheel Bag (Embroidered)S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 x2 (26mm)Custom Roval Water Bottles (2)Ive had many wheels come through testing, and this is the best presentation Ive experienced. The price is high for these wheels, but this extra bit of maintenance kit, high-quality wheel bag, and other goodies take a bit of the edge off.After sorting through the extras in the box, I mounted the tires and seated them with my floor pump. The only thing the kit doesnt supply is a sealant. Im sure there is a good reason, but it would have been helpful.The S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss seated just as well as they were on my non-team version of the Rapide CLX II, and it didnt leak any air overnight.Weights Weight-wise, the wheels are not only lighter in hand (and on the scale) but also a pleasure to look at. The decals are soft with a slight metallic edge. The silver hubs accent that bit of metallic and play nicely with the matte carbon rims.Wheelset Weight: 1393gWheels Individual: 648g (front) , 745g (rear)Tires:261g (each)Lockrings:8g (each)Ride Impressions My first rides were on the roads near my house, on a mix of climbs, super smooth pavement, and some Pittsburgh Pave. I pumped the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss to 75 PSI front and 76 PSI rear. The rims are hooked for the Roval Rapide CLX II and can go tp higher pressures if thats your way.The Roval Rapide CLX II Team Wheels replaced a set of similar depth CADEX wheels, and the ride sensation from the beginning wasnt too different. In the wind, however, I remember why I liked the Roval Rapide CLX II. There is no slight jerk to the wheels or hesitation in the wind; they track very clearly and smoothly.An All-Around Fast WheelRolling and climbing, the wheels propel you, especially on the sprinter hill style rolling bits. Extra lightweight wheels are excellent on the pitchy stuff, but its nice to have a mix of aero and weight on rolling hills. The Roval Rapide CLX II Team wheels feel like deeper rim wheels without the weight penalty and climb way better than those similar.Ive had limited time on the Roval Rapide CLX II Team Wheelset, but my intuition suggests it is a super fast all-around wheel.Are they the fastest wheel in the world? That depends on where youre riding. Suppose youre climbing straight up a mountain. If your course is a mix of rolling hills, flats, and descents well, only time will tell.Well follow up with a full review in the next few weeks. Make sure and check back. If youd like to know more, check out: Roval.comThe post The Fastest In The World? Roval Rapide CLX II Team Wheelset Makes Big Claims appeared first on Bikerumor.

What are rollers? Rollers are a type of cycling trainer that consist of a frame, three cylinders (rollers) that are typically made of aluminum or PVC. A belt connects the middle roller to the front roller so as when the bike is ridden, both wheels spin at the same speed. As the cyclist pedals, the rear wheel of the bike spins and rotates the rollers. The rollers provide resistance to the motion of the rear wheel, simulating the feel of outdoor cycling on a flat road. Unlike traditional stationary trainers, rollers require the rider to maintain balance, making them a more challenging training tool.Rollers can be used for a variety of training purposes, such as improving pedalling technique and leg speed, as well as balance and handling skills. They are also a great tool for warming up before rides and races. As it allows the rider to get warmed up without putting too much force through the muscles. Many riders will also use rollers for low zone recovery rides for this same reason There are some rollers that have built in resistance units, but the majority you come across do not. Instead as the roller speed increases, so does the power the rider needs to produce. Riding on the rollers. Learning to ride rollers can take some practice, but with patience and persistence, most people can master the technique. Here are some steps to help you get started:Set up the rollers: Make sure that the rollers are positioned on a flat and stable surface. Adjust the roller spacing so that the front axle is slightly behind the axle of the front roller.Start with support: To get comfortable with the rollers, it can be helpful to start with some support. Place a chair or other sturdy object next to the rollers and hold onto it while you get onto the bike and start pedaling. Many use kitchen counters, as well as hallways and door frames.Keep your eyes forward: One of the key aspects of riding rollers is to keep your eyes focused on a fixed point ahead of you, such as a wall or a TV. This will help you to maintain balance and avoid the sensation of disorientation that can occur when looking down at the moving rollers.Start pedaling slowly: Begin pedalling slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Try to maintain a steady cadence and avoid sudden movements or jerky pedaling. Imagine yourself pedalling from your hips, you need to be as smooth as possible.Use your core muscles: To maintain balance, engage your core muscles and keep your upper body steady. This will help you to stay centered on the rollers and avoid swaying from side to side.Practice regularly: Like any new skill, learning to ride rollers takes practice. Try to ride on the rollers for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts as you become more comfortable.Consider using a mat: To protect your floors and reduce noise, consider using a mat under the rollers.Overall, learning to ride rollers can be a fun and rewarding experience, providing a challenging workout and helping you to improve your cycling skills.Roller sessions to tryHere are a few things you can do to improve your comfort and control on the bike when using rollers. Start with 30-minute blocks. Following the sessions make sure to take the time to stretch properly as you'll be engaging various muscle groups. These exercises can be more dynamic than riding in real life!To prevent noise and sweat from seeping into the floor, set up a fan in front of you and use a couple of yoga mats. This will also protect your flooring from the rollers.If you fancy some inspiration, have a look at this video from GCN on one of our sessions! Moving around the bike Start by spinning easily for ten minutes. Then, take your left hand off the handlebars and move it around your body for thirty seconds. Move it smoothly and leisurely without rushing. You can raise it, scratch your back, or reach forward like Superman. After that, place your hand back on the bars, roll your shoulders, and relax for thirty seconds.Repeat the same process with your right arm, alternating arms in sets of thirty seconds of movement and thirty seconds of rest. Do this five times with each arm. As you get comfortable, you can try riding with no hands or one leg, using a wall or door frame for support.Next, practice moving your hands between positions on the handlebars randomly for five minutes. Switch between tops, drops, and hoods every thirty seconds while focusing on engaging your body and core.Finally, challenge yourself to ride as low as possible on the bike. Bend your elbows, drop your shoulders, and put your hands in the drops. Try to maintain this "aero" position for as long as possible, and if you dare, see how close you can get your nose to the stem. This exercise helps you strengthen your core and reduce arm strain.To finish, spin easily for five minutes to cool down.Spin UpsThis is an exercise that can boost your confidence with higher leg speeds. With practice, you can achieve smoother and more fluid movements. For optimal results, perform this exercise while in the drops.To begin, warm up with some easy spinning for 10 minutes. Once warmed up you will then aim to complete a 6-10 second burst on the pedals. Whereby you increase your leg speed with a small seated sprint at the start of each minute. Following the acceleration, allow your legs to slow back down, regain composure and stay in control of the pedals. Spin your legs nice and easy for the remainder of the minute (50 seconds). Repeat this process for a total of 10 accelerations over 10 minutes.Pay attention to how your legs feel after the six-second burst. They will still be spinning fast, so focus on maintaining a smooth and steady motion as you slow them down. You don't need to push back on the pedals; instead, allow your legs to "float," spinning quickly but without exerting extra force.Cadence BuildsStart with some easy spinning session for five minutes and pay attention to your cadence during this time.Choose a fairly mid to easy gear Next, you will perform a three-minute block where you increase your RPM by five revs every 30 seconds, starting at around 90/100 RPM and finishing at about 120/130 RPM. As you approach the end of the block, it may become more challenging to maintain the pace. However, it's crucial to stay relaxed, focus on your core, and avoid excessive movement in the saddle. Pay attention to the point where your body starts to move around or when it feels like your legs can't keep up.Take a two-minute break during which you spin easily.Repeat the ramp and the rest for a total of four times, completing four ramps in 20 minutes. Spin easy to cool down.

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UPDATED May 23, 2024BY The TDA TeamINCycle Touring Advice no comments Thinking About Joining A TDA Tour But Not Quite Ready Yet?Maybe our world map of bike tours has caught your attention and maybe you love to ride, but have never joined a group cycling tour, let alone some of the longer, more ambitious routes we offer in far flung destinations. Maybe its something you are considering for the near future, or when you retire. Whatever it is, start here. This blog lays out 5 things we find a lot of people ask about when they first hear about our tours and get captivated by the idea but cant quite imagine this as a real possibility yet.If you are ready to sign up you can choose a tour here. If you are in the Im just browsing phase, this blog should be very helpful, but as always please feel free to reach out to us anytime if you have other questions.1. Can I do it?The big question with a simple answer yes. Yes, you can.Maybe your big concern is your age or your fitness level. There are men and women from many countries across the globe that participate in these tours. They are just regular people like you we proudly promote and encourage everyone to give these adventures a try. You will surprise yourself at what you are capable of.We recently shared a series of videos with some motivational messages from our participants as they pedalled on one of our tours. Take a look, and maybe you could imagine yourself in their cycling shoes some day.While a tour is often long and full of challenges, we provide excellent support to help you achieve more than you thought possible. The key is to come with the right attitude and some determination. Of course it is also important to prepare yourself physically and to take advantage of all the support TDA provides you before the tour begins too. Remember, we carry your bags, arrange the route and accommodations and have world class staff to support your journey.You can do this. I didnt start cycling til I was 42. I didnt go on my first tour until I was 59! Hear more inspirations from our riders here.2. Do I have to ride the whole day?Its important to remember that these are supported tours we are there for you and our support vehicles have space to carry bikes each day.This is a common concern for someone who has never done a tour with us before there is a natural fear of being too slow or being left behind. Rest assured, our staff do regular attendance to ensure everyone is accounted for and are ready and willing to give you a ride in the support vehicles if neededOf course everyones goal is to cycle as much as possible it is a cycling tour after all. We know that the people who are happiest on tour are usually the ones that dont try to grind out every last inch, but instead they are more strategic and save some energy and save their body for the days ahead. Sometimes pushing too hard means you end up having to take more time off the bike to recover from fatigue or overuse injuries. Read more.3. What type of bike do I need?A durable versatile bike is ideal. Something with wide tires and a wide gear range typically a touring bike or gravel bike work really well on most of our tours. We have an excellent blog with detailed information on choosing a bike you can find it here.We dont recommend bringing your finest high end racing bike but something that can take its knocks and be a sturdy companion for you throughout the tour. So carbon fibre road bikes are not recommended neither are full suspension mountain bikes. Having the right equipment means you will get the most out of the experience and give yourself the best chance of success.4. Is it hard to travel with a bike?If you have never travelled with your bike before, it might seem like a big hassle. What we have learned over our 20+ years in business is that once you arrive, everyone agrees that it isnt as bad as people thought and (more importantly) it is well worth it.People often wonder if their bicycle will get lost or damaged in transit or how theyll move two bags and a bike box through the airport. In this blog, we demystify the process and help you feel assured that it is very doable with the one day of transiting rewarded by weeks or months of cycling adventures on the bicycle you love and know best. Read more.And dont forget, we have a bike mechanic on every tour and they will be there to assist with reassembling the bike once you arrive at the start location.5. How much time do I need to prepare?We recommend registering 6 to 8 months in advance to take full advantage of all the pre-tour support we provide. You pay a non-refundable US$150 registration fee. Once you are registered, you will receive a series of email bulletins to help you and your riding colleagues prepare for the tour we cover everything you might not have considered entry requirements for each country, items to pack, safety and weather related topics and so much more. Then two months before the tour starts, we host a live video info session (also recorded if you cant attend live) with TDAs operations team and previous trip leaders who can provide extremely valuable and specific info about your trip no question goes unanswered and we do everything we can to arm you with knowledge as you make your final preparations.In the meantime, we also have this excellent series of blogs on many of the key aspects to consider when preparing for a tour. Check them out here.So that answers some of the most common questions we get. Do you have others? Post them in the comments below.Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Thinking About Joining A TDA Tour But Not Quite Ready Yet?" 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Matteo Jorgenson is a very consistent rider and has been Team Visma | Lease a Bike's main weapon this year - mostly as he's been one of the very few who escaped big injuries or illnesses. That run continues today as he managed to keep his podium position safe at the Criterium du Dauphin.I felt go...

When it comes to optimising your cycling performance, having a structured training plan is key. But with multiple training methods available, how do you choose the right approach for you? In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between training by feel, heart rate, and power meters, highlighting the positives and negatives of each. Additionally, we'll discuss why combining these approaches can provide a comprehensive and effective training strategy.Training by Feel Training by feel is an intuitive approach that relies on your own perception of effort and exertion. It allows you to tune in to your body, taking into account factors such as fatigue, motivation, and overall sensations. This method can be a great starting point for beginners or those who prefer a less structured approach.Riding to Feel offers simplicity, as it requires no additional equipment or gadgets, making it accessible to all cyclists. It encourages you to listen to your body and develop a deeper understanding of your limits and capabilities. Moreover, going by feel provides flexibility, allowing you to adapt your workouts based on external factors such as weather, terrain, or personal circumstances.However, relying solely on feel can have its drawbacks. The lack of precision is a key concern, as it does not provide quantitative data to measure progress accurately. Without concrete metrics, it becomes challenging to track improvements and set measurable goals. Additionally, it can be challenging to gauge effort consistently, as perceptions of exertion may vary based on factors like mood, motivation, or distractions.Training with Heart RateTraining with a heart rate monitor involves monitoring your heart rate during exercise to gauge the intensity of your effort. It provides a more objective measure of your exertion level, enabling you to train within specific heart rate zones.One of the major positives of heart rate training is individualised intensity. Heart rate training takes into account your unique cardiovascular fitness level, ensuring that you train at appropriate intensities for optimal results. It is also relatively affordable and widely available, making heart rate monitors a popular choice for many cyclists. Furthermore, heart rate monitoring allows you to track changes in your heart rate over time, enabling you to assess your fitness gains and adjust your training accordingly.However, there are some limitations to consider when using heart rate as a sole training metric. There can be a lag time in heart rate response, meaning changes in heart rate may not be immediate, resulting in a delayed response to intensity changes during intervals or sprints. While heart rate monitoring can be a valuable tool for training, it is important to be aware of its limitations and the potential factors that can influence heart rate readings. External factors such as heat, dehydration, and fatigue can affect heart rate, potentially impacting the accuracy of training zones and making it a less reliable metric in certain circumstances.Heat has a significant impact on heart rate during exercise. When the body is exposed to high temperatures, the heart has to work harder to regulate body temperature, resulting in an increased heart rate response. This means that even if the intensity of your workout remains the same, your heart rate may be elevated due to the additional strain of dissipating heat. Consequently, relying solely on heart rate to gauge intensity in hot conditions may lead to inaccurate measurements and potentially push you beyond your intended training zone.Dehydration can also influence heart rate readings. When the body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, causing the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles. As a result, the heart rate may increase, even at a lower exercise intensity. It is essential to stay adequately hydrated before, during, and after your workouts to maintain accurate heart rate measurements and ensure optimal performance.Fatigue is another factor that can impact heart rate responses during training. When the body is fatigued, the cardiovascular system may not function at its optimal level. This can lead to a higher heart rate for a given exercise intensity or a slower heart rate recovery after intense efforts. Fatigue can be caused by factors such as accumulated training load, inadequate recovery, or overall fatigue from other life stressors. Recognising the influence of fatigue on heart rate responses can help you adjust your training accordingly and prevent overexertion or potential injury.It's important to note that while these factors can influence heart rate readings, they don't necessarily render heart rate monitoring ineffective. Rather, it highlights the need to take external factors into account when interpreting heart rate data. By being mindful of environmental conditions, staying hydrated, and considering your overall fatigue level, you can mitigate the impact of these factors on heart rate measurements and make more informed training decisions.Training with Power MetersPower meters measure the actual work you are doing by calculating the amount of power (watts) generated while cycling. This method provides the most precise and objective measurement of your effort, allowing for highly specific training zones and analysis.The precision and objectivity offered by power meters are significant advantages. Power meters provide accurate and real-time data, enabling you to monitor effort levels with precision and make informed decisions about training intensity. Power data also offers valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and energy distribution, allowing for targeted improvements and more efficient training sessions.One of the primary concerns when it comes to power meters is the cost. Power meters tend to be more expensive compared to heart rate monitors or training by feel. This higher cost can be a barrier for some cyclists, especially those who are on a tight budget or just starting their cycling journey. However, it's worth noting that the prices of power meters have become more varied, with more affordable options available in recent years.Technical complexity is another aspect to consider. Understanding and interpreting power data may require a learning curve, especially for those who are new to using power meters. There are various metrics and data points to understand, such as average power, normalized power, and functional threshold power (FTP). This complexity can be overwhelming initially, but with proper guidance and education, cyclists can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use power meters as a training tool. Check our other blogs for more information on zone setting. Lastly, some cyclists may become overly fixated on the numbers provided by power meters, leading to a potential loss of focus on the overall cycling experience. Constantly chasing specific power targets or obsessing over minute changes in wattage can detract from the joy and freedom that cycling can bring. It's crucial to balance utilising power data for training and enjoying the ride for its own sake.It's important to understand that power output in cycling is highly individual and cannot be directly compared between individuals. Factors such as body composition, training history, genetics, and muscle fibre type contribute to variations in power capabilities. Therefore, comparing one person's power output to another's can lead to unfair assessments and diminish the joy of individual progress.Instead of focusing on comparisons, viewing power as a personal metric is more productive and fulfilling. Each cyclist should use power data to gauge their performance, set realistic goals, and track their progress. By embracing power as a personal growth and improvement tool, cyclists can derive satisfaction from their achievements.The beauty of cycling lies in the personal journey and the pursuit of individual goals. Rather than being fixated on external comparisons, cyclists should embrace the uniqueness of their power capabilities and harness them to shape their training plans and strive for personal excellence.Despite these disadvantages, power meters remain a powerful tool for optimising training and performance. By understanding their limitations and combining power data with other training approaches, such as training by feel and heart rate monitoring, cyclists can mitigate these drawbacks and create a well-rounded and effective workout.Combining Everything!Combining the three training approaches of feel, power, and heart rate can create a comprehensive and balanced training strategy that harnesses the benefits of each method. By incorporating all three, you can better understand your performance, optimise your training, and achieve better results.Training by feel forms the foundation of this approach, allowing you to connect with your body and listen to its cues. By paying attention to how you feel during your rides, you can tune into subtle changes in energy levels, fatigue, and muscle soreness. This self-awareness helps you adjust your training intensity and volume based on your body's signals, reducing the risk of overtraining or injury. When combined with power and heart rate data, training by feel provides a critical subjective perspective that complements the objective metrics.With their precise measurement of work output, power meters offer an invaluable tool for tracking and analysing your performance. You can set specific wattage targets for various intervals and workouts by training with power. This allows for a more precise and quantifiable approach to training intensity, ensuring that you hit the desired power zones for optimal adaptations. Power data also enables you to monitor changes in your performance over time and identify areas for improvement. When combined with the subjective feedback from training by feel, power meters provide a comprehensive understanding of your effort and progress.Heart rate monitoring adds another layer of information to your training. By training within specific heart rate zones, you can optimise the cardiovascular benefits of your workouts. Heart rate data helps you gauge the overall stress and strain on your cardiovascular system, ensuring that you train at appropriate intensities for your fitness level. By combining heart rate monitoring with power data, you can assess the relationship between effort and physiological response. This allows you to fine-tune your training zones and maximise cardiovascular fitness while considering factors like fatigue and recovery.Combining feel, power, and heart rate training creates a more balanced approach to your cycling. While power meters and heart rate monitors provide objective data, training by feel helps you stay connected with your body and make adjustments based on its feedback. This balance allows you to tailor your training to your specific needs and goals, considering both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of your performance.In summary, combining the training trifecta of feel, power, and heart rate provides a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to cycling training. It allows you to leverage the benefits of each method, optimising your efforts and achieving a more excellent balance in your performance. So saddle up, embrace this holistic approach, and unlock your full cycling potential.

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The Tour de Suisse is one of the most important stage-races in the year. It is the final big test before the Tour de France and a few of the Tour's stars race in Switzerland; an eight-day race that features plenty mountains, time-trials and a few days for the classics specialists. The race takes pla...