Imtb

Mmm okay, how about on the road. Is your FTP the be all and end all as to how good you become - or does the distance you are riding make a difference?

If I have an FTP of 270 what impact does that have on different types of MTB races - 45km, 75km, stage races? If we take out factors like how good one is on single track, down hill - technical skills, what else comes into play. I believe that one can only improve FTP of a relatively fit rider by about 10%...so if that is the case what else can one improve on to ensure continued increases in fitness levels for MTB. I am 47 - will a guy who has an FTP of 320 always be better than I am because I am unlikely, no matter what training I do, to reach anything more than around 300. Is there a kind of genetic level most riders reach, that being 10% improvement with training of a relatively fit rider?Imtb2008-01-23 04:32:01

There are alot of posts about Cyclo-core on Bike Forums http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-89408.html

I bought alot of Graham Streets programs - infact before switching to BikeMax, I used Cyclo-core, Cyclo-speed and Cyclo-zen. I even have his program Cyclo-Fuel which has improved my eating considerably and I believe his programs are very good. What I like about them is that he gives you a 16 week program for instance and it gives you a very specific breakdown of exactly what to do on a day to day basis and why. His core training is really good - all you need is an exercise ball, dumbells and a mat. He also has indoor sessions one can do on a trainer...so yes I think most of what he does is pretty good and it keeps you focused. A good balance between the mental and physical aspect...and it is aimed at the everyday rider right up to the elite.

No problem...power is the same whether its MTB or road. I did mention in my first post that I trained on a mountain bike.

Thanks madmarc, I think between you and Bruce I get the picture. Training on a heavier bike isn't going to make me faster but riding a lighter bike in a race, pwer to rate ratio will mean I will be able to go faster and feel faster! I only ride a heavier bike during training because I am using an old bike that has v-brakes. My Anthem2 has disc brakes and doesn't support a PowerTap.

QUOTE] Are you not at a disadvantage training on your mtb and then switching to your road bike in terms of geometry? ie. length of cranks etc? Yet another powercut just when things were getting interesting! Nope, I don't have a road bike, I race mountain bikes.

Thanks Bruce - how does it differ from working in the gym. As one gets stronger you add more weights - is this the equivelant of working in a harder gear?

To ride the heavier bike at the same speed as the lighter bike you would need to generate more power. if you are training with a power meter and using it properly the weight does not make a difference as has been noted 300w is 300w. in a race the heavier bike would be slower. I understand the heavier bike would be slower. As MadMarc says, its a power to weight ratio. But what I really want to know...are there any advantages at all in training on a heavier bike?

Doesn't work with disc breaks so I occassionally race on the PT bike

My MTB training bike with the PowerTap is 3kg heavier than the bike I use for racing..will I get any payback?

Thanks Peter, I was hoping that would be the case

Perhaps one needs more speed on the flat and training on hills doesn't necessarily improve speed - I assume.

I do all my intervals (MTB) - 4min, 15min, 20min on hills. My limiter was hills and I feel that I have definitely got stronger on the hills - but how will this affect my riding on flat sections. Will training on hills help me on the flats - should I be doing intervals on flat sections as well. I notice in a 20 minute interval, as soon as the road becomes a little flatter, I really have to go something to keep up my power and assume my heart rate goes up as well.

I would agree with Dirt-rider. Kenda Karma 2.1 are good for both dry and wet conditions. How easy is it to change tubeless tyres if there is a sudden downpour over night - I mean if you want to use tyres that are really good in mud but nor so good in dry conditions. Lastly - anyone ever sprayed their bike with Mr Min to reduce mud sticking to the frame - remember reading that somewhere but have never tried.

Imtb2007-12-04 13:54:26

The scarf is given by Buddhists to guests - Kata or white scarf in greeting. Didn't ride like that!

Blessed and ready to race!! With helmet to be added. Imtb2007-12-05 03:12:16