Train smarter, ride stronger. Our fitness and performance guides cover training zones, periodization, interval sessions, recovery science, nutrition for cyclists, and the metrics that matter for measurable improvement on the bike.
If there’s one training concept that has transformed how both professional and recreational cyclists approach fitness over the past decade, it’s Zone 2 training. Once dismissed as “junk miles” by riders who believed every session needed to be hard to count, Zone 2 has been vindicated by exercise physiology research as the single most important … Read more
FTP — Functional Threshold Power — is the single most important number in structured cycling training. It represents the highest average power you can sustain for approximately one hour, and it serves as the foundation for calculating all of your training zones. Once you know your FTP, you can train with genuine precision: targeting specific … Read more
Gravel racing has exploded in popularity over the past few years, growing from a niche discipline into one of cycling’s most exciting competitive arenas. Events like Unbound Gravel, the Belgian Waffle Ride, and the UCI Gravel World Championships are now drawing thousands of participants ranging from elite professionals to enthusiastic amateurs. If you have been … Read more
Cycling nutrition is one of the most impactful yet frequently overlooked aspects of cycling performance and enjoyment. What and when you eat has profound effects on your energy levels during rides, your recovery afterward, and your long-term cycling fitness. Whether you’re preparing for a casual weekend ride, training for endurance events, or commuting regularly, understanding … Read more
Indoor cycling has evolved from a dreary winter backup plan into a legitimate, year-round training tool that many serious cyclists now prefer for structured workouts. Platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad have transformed the experience from staring at a garage wall to riding virtual worlds with thousands of other cyclists or following precisely calibrated interval sessions … Read more
If you have spent any time in the cycling world recently, you have heard the phrase “Zone 2 training.” Professional cyclists, coaches, and sports scientists have been championing it for years, but the concept has recently exploded in popularity among recreational riders after prominent exercise physiologists brought it into mainstream fitness conversations. The premise is … Read more
Women are one of the fastest-growing segments of the cycling population — but they remain underrepresented on roads and trails, and many new female cyclists report feeling less confident than their male counterparts, despite equal or greater natural capability. This isn’t a talent gap. It’s a confidence gap — and confidence is entirely learnable. Whether … Read more
Training does not make you faster — recovery does. Every interval session, long ride, and hard group effort creates microscopic damage to your muscle fibers, depletes glycogen stores, and stresses your cardiovascular and nervous systems. It is only during the hours and days after those efforts that your body repairs, adapts, and comes back stronger. … Read more
If you have spent any time around serious cyclists, you have heard the term FTP — Functional Threshold Power. It is the single most important number in cycling training, the foundation upon which structured workouts, training zones, and race pacing strategies are built. Yet for many riders, FTP remains a vaguely understood concept surrounded by … Read more
Cycling Nutrition: What to Eat Before, During, and After Rides Proper nutrition transforms cycling performance. What you eat before, during, and after rides directly impacts your energy levels, endurance, power output, and recovery speed. This comprehensive guide covers the science-backed strategies that elite cyclists use to fuel their bodies and maximize results. Pre-Ride Nutrition: Fueling … Read more
Zone 2 Training for Cyclists: A Science-Backed Guide to Endurance Zone 2 training has become a cornerstone of modern cycling endurance development. Elite cyclists and coaches worldwide recognize that sustainable, consistent effort in this moderate-intensity zone builds the aerobic foundation that powers long rides and races. This comprehensive guide explores the science, implementation, and proven … Read more
Indoor cycling has evolved far beyond staring at a wall while grinding away on a stationary trainer. Modern platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad have transformed the indoor experience into something genuinely engaging, socially connected, and highly effective for building fitness. Whether you are training through a harsh winter, fitting rides around a busy schedule, or … Read more
If you’ve spent time in cycling communities, you’ve almost certainly encountered the term FTP. Functional Threshold Power is arguably the most important single number in structured cycling training—it defines your training zones, calibrates your effort levels, and forms the foundation of every major coaching methodology used by professional and amateur cyclists alike. This guide explains … Read more
Recovery is where your body adapts and grows stronger. This fundamental principle of athletic training is often overlooked in cycling. Cyclists focus intensely on workout design and pushing hard during rides, but true fitness development happens during recovery. Understanding science-backed recovery techniques and implementing them consistently transforms how your body responds to training. This guide … Read more
What you eat before, during, and after a ride has a bigger impact on your performance and recovery than any upgrade you can bolt onto your bike. Yet most recreational cyclists either overthink nutrition by copying professional race-day strategies or underthink it by eating whatever is convenient and wondering why they bonk at mile 40. … Read more
Zone 2 training has gone from an endurance coaching secret to the most talked-about concept in cycling fitness. Popularized by exercise physiologist Dr. Iñigo San Millán and embraced by professional teams across the WorldTour, Zone 2 work builds the aerobic engine that powers everything from century rides to sprint finishes. Yet most recreational cyclists still … Read more
Training makes you fitter, but recovery is where fitness actually happens. When you ride hard, you create microscopic muscle damage, deplete glycogen stores, and generate systemic fatigue that temporarily reduces performance. It’s during the hours and days after training — when the body repairs, rebuilds, and adapts — that you emerge stronger. Get recovery wrong, … Read more
Cycling injury prevention — often called “prehab” — is one of the most underinvested areas in most riders’ training. The typical approach is to ride more, stretch occasionally, and deal with pain when it arrives. A smarter approach builds movement capacity, corrects imbalances, and strengthens the key muscles that keep cyclists healthy over the long … Read more
You can have the lightest bike, the most aerodynamic position, and the highest FTP in your group ride — but if your nutrition is wrong, none of it matters. Bonking thirty miles from home, cramping on the final climb, or feeling wrecked for two days after a hard ride are almost always nutrition problems disguised … Read more
If you have spent any time around serious cyclists, you have heard the term FTP thrown around like everyone should know what it means. Functional Threshold Power is the single most important number in cycling performance — it defines your current fitness level, determines your training zones, and gives you a reliable benchmark for tracking … Read more
If there is one training concept that has broken through from the world of elite sport science into mainstream cycling culture, it is Zone 2 training. Endorsed by exercise physiologists, professional coaches, and endurance athletes across disciplines, Zone 2 training involves spending the majority of your riding time at a low, conversational intensity that builds … Read more
Every cyclist will deal with an injury at some point, but many of the most common cycling ailments are entirely preventable. Knee pain, lower back stiffness, neck tension, and saddle discomfort are not inevitable consequences of riding. They are signals that something in your position, training load, or movement patterns needs attention. A proactive approach … Read more
If you have spent any time around serious cyclists, you have heard the term FTP — Functional Threshold Power. It is the single most important number in structured cycling training, the foundation upon which all training zones are built, and the metric that best predicts your performance in time trials, climbs, and sustained efforts. Yet … Read more
If you follow any cycling coaches, podcasters, or pro team training philosophies, you’ve probably noticed that “zone 2” has become the most talked-about concept in endurance sport. And unlike many training trends, this one is backed by decades of exercise physiology research and validated by the practices of elite athletes across every endurance discipline. Zone … Read more
If you needed another reason to get back on the bike, science has you covered. A substantial body of research published in the last two years has reinforced and extended what exercise scientists have long suspected: cycling is one of the most potent tools available for extending healthy lifespan, and its benefits compound over decades … Read more
What you eat before, during, and after a ride has an enormous impact on how you feel, how you perform, and how quickly you recover. Yet cycling nutrition is one of the most overlooked aspects of the sport, especially among recreational riders who assume that fueling only matters for racers or ultra-distance athletes. The truth … Read more
If you’ve spent any time in cycling forums or talking to experienced riders, you’ve almost certainly heard someone mention Zone 2 training. It has become one of the most discussed concepts in endurance cycling — and for good reason. Zone 2 training is a science-backed approach to building aerobic fitness that makes you faster, more … Read more
Training hard is only half the equation. What you do between rides — how you sleep, stretch, eat, and manage stress — determines whether the fitness gains from your training sessions actually stick. Recovery is where adaptation happens: your body repairs muscle fibers, replenishes glycogen stores, strengthens connective tissue, and consolidates the neuromuscular patterns you … Read more
Indoor cycling has evolved far beyond the monotonous spinning sessions of a decade ago. Thanks to platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Wahoo SYSTM, riding the trainer now offers structured training, virtual racing, and social riding experiences that can genuinely improve your outdoor performance. But simply logging hours on a smart trainer without a plan is … Read more
If you have spent any time around serious cyclists, you have heard three letters that seem to dominate every conversation about training: FTP. Functional Threshold Power is the single most useful metric in cycling because it anchors your entire training plan to your actual physiology rather than arbitrary effort levels. Once you know your FTP, … Read more
What you eat before, during, and after a ride can make the difference between feeling strong at the finish and bonking spectacularly at mile 40. Cycling nutrition is not just about fueling your muscles — it is about timing your intake to match your body’s energy demands, maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, and supporting recovery … Read more
Zone 2 training has become one of the most talked-about concepts in cycling and endurance sports, and for good reason. This low-intensity, steady-state approach to building aerobic fitness is backed by decades of exercise science and used by professional cyclists, marathon runners, and triathletes around the world. If you have ever wondered why elite athletes … Read more
Cycling is one of the most rewarding forms of exercise, but the repetitive motion and prolonged positions can lead to a range of overuse injuries if you don’t take preventive measures. Cycling prehab—short for prehabilitation—refers to exercises and routines designed to prevent injuries before they occur, rather than rehabilitating after the damage is done. A … Read more
Understanding FTP: The Foundation of Smart Training Functional Threshold Power, or FTP, is the maximum power output you can sustain for approximately one hour while remaining aerobic. It’s the single most important metric in cycling training because it defines your individual physiological ceiling and serves as the anchor point for structuring all your workouts. For … Read more
You do not get stronger while you ride — you get stronger while you recover. Every hard training session creates microscopic damage in your muscle fibers, depletes glycogen stores, and generates metabolic waste products. It is during the hours and days after the ride that your body repairs this damage and adapts to become fitter. … Read more
New research published in 2026 confirms what adaptive cycling advocates have long argued: cycling with modified equipment produces significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and mental well-being for people with physical disabilities. The studies, drawing from rehabilitation science and exercise physiology journals, provide the strongest evidence yet that cycling’s health benefits extend to riders … Read more
Starting your first cycling season as a beginner comes with excitement and uncertainty. How should you structure training? How much should you ride? When should you push hard versus ride easy? This beginner cyclist training plan removes the guesswork, providing a structured 12-week foundation that builds fitness systematically, prevents injury, and establishes habits that serve … Read more
Road bike maintenance intimidates many cyclists, but the fundamentals are straightforward. A well-maintained bike performs better, lasts longer, and is safer to ride. Regular maintenance prevents the catastrophic failures that strand you miles from home and extend the lifespan of expensive components. The good news: most maintenance requires only basic tools and about 30 minutes … Read more
Nutrition is perhaps the most underrated aspect of cycling performance. Many cyclists invest heavily in bikes, components, and training, yet neglect the fuel that powers their efforts. The reality is that even the best training plan won’t deliver results if your nutrition doesn’t support your riding. Whether you’re crushing a casual ride, competing in a … Read more
Zone 2 training has become one of the most talked-about training methodologies in cycling, and for good reason. The science supporting endurance base building through low-intensity, high-volume training is compelling. Professional cyclists and elite endurance athletes have been leveraging zone 2 training for decades, but only recently has this approach gained mainstream attention among amateur … Read more
Recovery techniques for cyclists are as critical to performance gains as the training sessions themselves. Whether you are grinding through interval sets or logging zone 2 base miles, your body needs adequate recovery to adapt, grow stronger, and avoid burnout. This guide covers the most effective recovery strategies, from optimizing sleep and active recovery rides … Read more
Cycling nutrition is one of the most misunderstood aspects of cycling performance. Get it right and you ride stronger, recover faster, and arrive at the end of every ride feeling good. Get it wrong and you “bonk” (run out of glycogen), fade on climbs, feel terrible for hours afterwards, and undermine your training adaptations. This … Read more
What Happened Electronic shifting technology crossed a major threshold in 2026: wireless drivetrains are now the default choice for mid- to high-end road bikes, with SRAM Eagle wireless systems and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wireless platforms expanding rapidly across price tiers. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how modern bikes transmit power, moving away from … Read more
Indoor cycling has undergone a revolution over the past decade. What was once a grim experience on a noisy, unintelligent turbo trainer has transformed into an immersive, data-rich training environment that elite professionals and weekend warriors use year-round. Indoor cycling training platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad have made structured, effective training more accessible than ever … Read more
If you’ve spent any time in cycling communities, you’ve likely heard the term “FTP” thrown around constantly. FTP testing — and the structured training that follows from it — is arguably the single most effective framework for improving cycling performance, yet many riders never properly test or understand it. Whether you’re a road cyclist targeting … Read more
Zone 2 training has become the most talked-about concept in endurance sports — and for good reason. Once the secret preserve of professional cycling coaches, zone 2 training is now widely recognized as the most effective way for cyclists of all levels to build a deep aerobic base, improve fat oxidation, increase mitochondrial density, and … Read more
Power-based training was once the exclusive domain of professional cyclists and well-funded amateurs who could justify spending £600–£1,000 on a Quarq or Pioneer crank-based power meter. That era is over. In 2026, accurate, reliable power meters are available from under £100 — and a major OEM partnership between CUBE and 4iiii is set to bring … Read more
Gravel racing has exploded into one of cycling’s fastest-growing disciplines. This is a comprehensive guide to gravel race preparation.
Every April, the world’s best cyclists race across medieval cobblestones at 50kph, and a global audience watches in fascination. But the Spring Classics aren’t just a spectator sport — they’re a masterclass in training principles that transfer directly to amateur riding, from weekend group rides to gran fondos and beyond. As the 2026 Spring Classics … Read more
Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities you can take up — but if you’re a new female cyclist, the journey to feeling confident on the bike can have some unique hurdles. From navigating gear decisions designed primarily for male bodies, to joining group rides where everyone else seems impossibly experienced, to managing the … Read more
Cycling nutrition is one of the most overlooked performance levers available to everyday cyclists. You can spend thousands on lighter components, better aerodynamics, and structured training — but if your fueling strategy is wrong, you’ll bonk on long rides, recover poorly, and plateau unnecessarily. Get your nutrition right, and you unlock the engine you already … Read more
FTP — Functional Threshold Power — is the single most important metric in structured cycling training. It represents the maximum average power you can sustain for approximately one hour, and it’s the foundation from which all training zones are calculated. Once you know your FTP, you can train with genuine precision: every interval, every endurance … Read more
Indoor cycling has evolved from a tedious necessity during bad weather into a legitimate training methodology embraced by professionals and amateurs alike. Modern smart trainers, immersive virtual platforms, and AI-powered training plans have made it possible to get faster, build endurance, and maintain fitness without leaving your house. Whether you’re looking to supplement your outdoor … Read more
A major review published in early 2026 has confirmed what cyclists have long known instinctively: regular exercise — including cycling — is one of the most powerful tools available for treating depression and anxiety, with effects comparable to and in some cases exceeding those of medication and talking therapies. The review, which analyzed data from … Read more
Zone 2 training has moved from the margins of endurance sports science into the mainstream — and for good reason. What was once the exclusive training methodology of professional cyclists, triathletes, and elite runners is now recognized as the single most important training zone for long-term aerobic development at every level. If you’re spending most … Read more
Training hard is only half the equation in cycling performance. What you do between rides — how you recover — determines whether that training stress translates into fitness gains or accumulates into fatigue, injury, and burnout. Professional cyclists dedicate as much attention to recovery as they do to intervals and endurance rides, yet most amateur … Read more
Gravel racing is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in cycling — and one of the most demanding. Unlike road races, where peloton dynamics and tactics often dictate the outcome, gravel events reward self-sufficiency, pacing intelligence, and preparation. Whether you’re targeting the Unbound Gravel 200, Dirty Kanza, a local gravel gran fondo, or your first 50-mile … Read more
Indoor cycling training has evolved dramatically. Where once you’d spin away on a basic stationary bike with no feedback and no structure, platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad have transformed the home trainer into one of the most effective training environments available to any cyclist. Whether your goal is to ride your first century, improve your … Read more
What you eat before, during, and after a ride has a direct impact on how you perform, how quickly you recover, and how much you enjoy the experience. Yet cycling nutrition remains one of the most overcomplicated and misunderstood aspects of the sport. You do not need a degree in sports science or a cabinet … Read more
If you have been riding for any amount of time, you have likely heard a version of this advice: listen to your body. But what if you could also prepare your body so there is less to listen to in the first place? That is the core idea behind cycling prehab — proactive exercises designed … Read more
If you want to ride faster, longer, and with less fatigue, the answer might surprise you: slow down. Zone 2 training—the foundation of every elite endurance athlete’s program—builds the aerobic engine that powers everything from century rides to Tuesday night group sprints. Yet most recreational cyclists neglect this crucial intensity in favor of harder, more … Read more
Power meters have become essential training tools for serious cyclists, but they’ve historically been expensive, bulky, and complicated to install. Enter CycloWatt, a startup that has taken a radically different approach: embedding the power meter technology directly into the cleats. In March 2026, CycloWatt’s cleat-based power meter exceeded its crowdfunding goal within days, signaling that … Read more
The evidence has been accumulating for years, and in 2026 it has reached a level of volume and consistency that puts the conclusion beyond reasonable doubt: cycling — specifically regular, moderate-intensity cycling maintained over years and decades — is among the most powerful things a person can do to extend a healthy, functional life. The … Read more
Training adaptation doesn’t happen during a ride — it happens in the hours and days after, when your body repairs damaged muscle fibers, replenishes glycogen stores, and recalibrates its physiological systems to handle a similar load more easily next time. This means that recovery isn’t passive or optional; it’s the mechanism through which training actually … Read more
Indoor cycling has evolved from a dreary winter necessity into a legitimate training tool used by amateurs and professionals alike. Platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Wahoo SYSTM have transformed the smart trainer into a full training ecosystem — complete with structured workouts, virtual racing, social features, and data analytics that rival what was available only … Read more
Zwift has announced a significant expansion of its virtual cycling platform for 2026, introducing dedicated gravel-only routes and adding the iconic Montmartre climb to the Virtual Tour de France experience. The updates signal Zwift’s strategic push beyond its road cycling roots into the fastest-growing segment of the cycling market, while also delivering one of the … Read more
What you eat before, during, and after cycling directly impacts performance, recovery, and long-term fitness gains. Proper nutrition provides the fuel your muscles need, replaces fluids lost to sweat, and delivers carbohydrates to sustain power output during demanding rides. Yet many cyclists treat nutrition haphazardly, fueling inconsistently or relying on trial-and-error during races and long … Read more
FTP—Functional Threshold Power—is the maximum wattage you can sustain for one hour at a steady effort. Understanding your FTP and training zones is fundamental to building cycling fitness efficiently. Rather than riding by feel or perceived exertion, power-based training allows precise control over workout intensity, repeatable progression, and objective measurement of fitness gains. This guide … Read more
Whether you’re training for your first century ride, trying to break a personal best, or simply wanting to ride faster and feel better on the bike, understanding the science behind cycling training will get you there more efficiently than grinding out junk miles ever could. This guide covers the key principles of cycling training science … Read more
What is sweet spot training and why do cyclists love it? Learn the science, sample workouts, and how to structure this highly efficient training method for maximum FTP gains.
Master road bike descending with these 12 expert techniques. Learn correct body position, braking, cornering lines, and how to build confidence on fast descents.
Hills are the great equalizer in cycling. They test your fitness, technique, and mental toughness in a way that flat roads never can. But climbing isn’t just about having strong legs — it’s about using your gears wisely, managing your effort, and knowing when to sit, when to stand, and when to settle into a … Read more
If you’ve ever watched professional cyclists dominate spring classics or power through grueling stage races, you might assume they spend months doing intense interval training. But here’s the secret that separates elite riders from the rest: they build their season on a foundation of cycling base training. This unglamorous, steady-paced work transforms average fitness into … Read more
Most cyclists will tell you that they feel better after a ride. What they might not realize is just how powerful and well-documented the connection between cycling and mental health actually is. From reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to improving sleep quality and cognitive function, cycling offers a remarkable range of mental health benefits … Read more
Breathing is the most fundamental aspect of cycling performance, yet it is something most riders never consciously think about. Whether you are grinding up a steep climb, cruising through a flat time trial, or sprinting for a finish line, the way you breathe directly affects your power output, endurance, comfort, and even your ability to … Read more
Drafting, or riding in the slipstream of another cyclist, is one of the most effective ways to conserve energy on the bike. Studies have shown that riding behind another cyclist can reduce your aerodynamic drag by 25 to 40 percent, allowing you to maintain the same speed while using significantly less energy. In a well-organized … Read more
Winter is a tough time for many cyclists. The days get cold, the nights get longer, and motivation is often low.
In my racing career as an ultra-endurance cyclist and from my experience working as a personal trainer to cyclists, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of a well-thought-out winter training regime.
Fasted training, or “fasted cardio,” involves engaging in exercise on an empty stomach, usually in the morning, following an overnight fast.
In this in-depth analysis, I’ll explore the essential knowledge you need about fasted workouts for cyclists, delving into the science, pros and cons, and who should consider incorporating this approach into their training regimen.
I was a relative latecomer to cycling, only getting into the sport around a decade ago when I was in my twenties, but I was an immediate convert to the physical and mental health benefits of cycling.
Don’t just take my word for it though – there are a ton of benefits of cycling backed up by expert advice, and the experience of thousands of other cyclists like me. From cardiovascular fitness to mental clarity, cycling has been proven to be a huge bonus for overall well-being.
Cycling is an incredibly popular form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise, which not only offers an eco-friendly and exhilarating mode of transportation and travel but also serves as an effective way to improve fitness levels. The impact that cycling will have on body shape varies between men and women due to a number of inherent physiological … Read more
Put simply, your FTP is the maximum average power output you can sustain across one hour.
In this article, I’ll be walking you through the key elements of Functional Threshold Power, from the different formats of FTP, how to do an FTP test for yourself, and how you can use your FTP to train like a professional.
Whether you’re a casual social rider or a serious racer, I want to share my experience and guidance as an ex-professional cyclist to help you understand the factors that affect how fast you climb hills on a bike – and outline how you can improve them to boost your climbing performance.
Simply put, a “Watt” (W) is a unit of power. On a scientific level, it’s equivalent to one joule per second.
Watts are most commonly calculated for cyclists through the use of a power meter, which measures torque and cadence to display power output.
Read on to find out what Watts means for cycling power, why it’s such an important element of power to understand, and how this knowledge can be implemented in your training.
In short: Yes, cycling does build muscle. However, it’s arguably more important to understand how and why cycling builds muscle, which muscle groups cycling works, and – equally importantly – which ones it doesn’t.
Strava comes in two “flavors”: Strava Free vs Paid.
After years of using Strava’s free version, I was lured in by the additional features on offer and finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade to a premium Strava subscription.
But what’s the difference? How much is Strava premium? And is the upgrade worth it?
As an ex-professional cyclist with years of experience in competitive cycling, I’ve come to understand that success on the bike isn’t just about raw power and endurance.
Whether you’re a novice cyclist looking to improve your efficiency or a seasoned rider aiming to optimize your training, understanding the importance of cycling cadence and its relationship with your cycling performance is essential.
Cycling is an efficient, low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise and is a great tool to utilize when it comes to burning calories.
Today we will discuss the science of cycling and its role in weight loss, the pros and cons of cycling 1 hour a day for weight loss, and the other health implications.
As the starting gun echoes through the morning air, a swarm of cyclists surges forward, their eyes fixed on a singular goal: the Champs-Élysées.
But what factors decide who gets there first, and what is the Tour de France average speed?
As with most things in life, the technological revolution has dramatically impacted professional cycling. New cycling tech changes the way in which amateurs and professionals alike interact with the sport.
Revolutionary advancements in aerodynamics, tracking, equipment, communication, and anti-doping tech have had direct consequences in the sport itself. Nowhere is this more present than in cycling’s biggest race: the Tour de France.
As we count down to this year’s Tour, we delve into the intense preparation that makes each pedal stroke on the road to Paris possible.
Cyclists and runners are often regarded as some of the fittest athletes on the planet, thanks to their incredible endurance and muscle strength.
However, despite the overlaps in endurance, cyclist legs vs runners legs are very different, with the two sports requiring distinctive training and injury prevention.
It might not fit our romantic ideal of cycling, of man against machine and mountain, but it is an undeniable truth that numbers win bike races.
And no number is more sacred, more enshrined in cycling folklore, than the power-to-weight ratio.
Typically measured in Watts per kg (W/kg), it is a measure of the power a cyclist can generate relative to their body weight.
Handling is one of the most important things to develop in order to enhance your cycling performance. But are there any tricks to accelerating this development?
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned cyclist, there are always improvements to be made in your ability. Handling is perhaps one of the best routes to such improvement.
Your power to weight ratio is an important indicator of your cycling performance, particularly your climbing abilities. In this article, we’ll discuss power to weight ratio for cycling, why it matters, and how to measure your power-to-weight ratio on the bike. We’ll be covering: Let’s dive in! What Is Power To Weight Ratio? Power to … Read more
Energy drinks or sports drinks can be a super convenient way to simultaneously meet your hydration and carbohydrate needs. However, a lot of commercial sports drinks have artificial ingredients such as chemical dyes and flavorings, making them a tricky option if you’re really trying to be mindful of putting healthy fuel into your body. The … Read more
Heart rate training is one of the more scientific approaches to cycling training, as your heart rate during exercise is strongly correlated with your effort level and intensity based on the percentage of your VO2 max. However, in addition to the utility of monitoring your heart rate during exercise, or even resting heart rate, it … Read more
It’s happened to most cyclists at one time or another. Your ride is going great, you’re enjoying the miles in the saddle, your legs feel strong, and your heart rate is under control. But within minutes, everything changes. The wheels fall off – metaphorically speaking. Suddenly, every pedal stroke feels ten times harder than the … Read more
VO2 max, which is a measure of your maximal oxygen uptake, can be a particularly useful metric for cyclists because it’s a reflection of your aerobic capacity. Many cyclists have a vague understanding of VO2 max, but it can be confusing to know how to interpret VO2 max and how to use it to inform … Read more
There are many physical and mental health benefits of cycling, from improving aerobic fitness and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease to strengthening the muscles in the legs and boosting mood. Another fantastic benefit is cycling for weight loss. Biking is an efficient form of exercise to burn calories, helping you maintain a healthy weight. … Read more
There are numerous approaches to cardio training for cyclists. Some cyclists focus on doing a lot of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), others tend to stick with moderate-intensity steady-state cardio workouts, and others use heart rate zones to guide heart rate training. Another worthwhile approach is polarized cardio. Polarized cardio splits the focus to the two … Read more