ERG Mode and Entry-Level Interactive Trainers

I have an Elite Digital interactive ERG. It's probably the absolutely lowest cost and I got a great deal. You don't have to worry about shifting gears when you are in the middle ranges. However, in order to hit those big power numbers sometimes I need to make sure I'm in a big gear. Normally, I just ride in my top 2 gears. Although, it can be hard to hit those low recovery intervals without dropping my cadence below what I think is comfortable (high effort I like to spin around 100 rpm, low 75-80 rpm). For example, a couple weeks ago my coach had me do ansel adams +2 on trainer road (YES, that was really hard!!! IF=1, for 1 hr). It basically was a bunch of 135% FTP interval with very short 40% recovery. I didn't shift gears at all. I was just concentrating on keeping my body on the bike. I never quite hit the 40%, but I was down to ~50% FTP on the big gears. So, overall you don't need to worry about switching gears but might find that you want to for some intervals.

I like ERG mode. I feel it really trains the muscles. However, it doesn't train the mind. You don't have to worry if your cadence drops a bit. The trainer will adjust. You don't have to concentrate on your effort. You will hit your numbers. I've seen major increase in FTP by using a structured program and an ERG trainer.

ERG mode is an evil witch from whom there is no escape. It's a love / hate, hate / hate, kind of relationship.

Thanks guys