HR monitoring on bike training...

idealy you should do a LT test on the bike too (same procedure as for the run) to find your zones, but Michael is right, bike LT is typically 10 bpm lower then running. It's a good enough approximation to keep you training until you can do the actual test.

There is no issue with lots of volume at zone 1 or 2 right now, as that's where you will be building your base. So for the most part...don't worry about it. As you get stronger, it will be easier. The other thing that will help is to downshift. It sounds like you may be a bit of a masher, so keep your gears low, your cadence high, and see if that doesn't improve things. but again, if you're not do drill targeted to getting your HR up, then don't worry about it sitting low. It's a good thing, really

It is normal to have a lower HR on the bike for an equivalent RPE when compared to running. As a beginning cyclist, you are probably not ready to do an LT test on the bike but there are other markers you can look for that will help you find an appropriate HR to train at until you are ready to complete the LT test.

One that you will see around is attempting to find your AeT - basically the point where you first notice a deepening of your breathing. This is more or less subjective but if you take note of this point on a few rides, it will give you a starting point. Then, when you are able you can do the bike LT test and setup your zones for further training.

Also, if you are typically running with a HR of 150-170 you are probably training too hard on the run and may want to look at an LT test or find your AeT for the run as well (depending on fitness).

Shane

Edited by gsmacleod 2006-02-03 8:47 AM