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Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

outsideonline.com

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Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#4
> Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists

I could see this being true for road bikers... but any XCO, CXO, or Enduro rider depends heavily on training for:

* Finding efficient body position for climbing

* Weight shifting/wheel unloading while crossing features

* Discovery efficiency gains in pedal cadence for terrain, slope, camber

I did a cross country race last July. I started mountain biking in March (guess why).

I was in great cardiovascular shape from being a rower and my legs were it great shape too. However, I've already surpassed what I could during that hour of all-out effort by a large margin by learning to do the above skills efficiently. Even a year later I keep breaking my own records. Pretty crazy, I know I'll reach a plateau eventually but for an amateur that plain is quite high.

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#5
As a practical matter training can make cyclists more efficient by improving aerodynamics even if their psychological efficiency doesn't change. It takes quite a bit of muscular endurance and body awareness to hold an optimal aero position through a long ride.

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#6
post #4

> Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists I could see this being true for road bikers... but any XCO, CXO, or Enduro rider depends heavily on training for: * Finding efficient body position for climbing * Weight shifting/wheel unloading while crossing features * Discovery efficiency gains in pedal cadence for terrain, slope, camber I did a cross country race last July. I started mountain biking in Mar…

Agreed. I would wager that in any sport where technique is important/difficult (swimming, nordic skiing, and to a lesser extent running), efficiency will improve over time, even for elite athletes.

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#7
> A caveat: The cycling in the new study was performed on stationary bikes at a predetermined cadence. It’s possible that the benefits of experience and bike-specific training would be more noticeable on the open road at a freely chosen cadence.

A pretty big caveat. I’m not surprised that cycling on a stationary bike at a fixed cadence has very little room for skill/technique improvements. This invalidates the results vis. real cycling in my book. Gear selection, out-of-saddle technique, etc. Though having said that I’d expect the skill-based component to be much smaller in riding than running as the movement pattern is much more constrained.

Still an interesting result, since it does show that there is a skill-based efficiency gain in running.

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#8
post #7

> A caveat: The cycling in the new study was performed on stationary bikes at a predetermined cadence. It’s possible that the benefits of experience and bike-specific training would be more noticeable on the open road at a freely chosen cadence. A pretty big caveat. I’m not surprised that cycling on a stationary bike at a fixed cadence has very little room for skill/technique improvements. This invalidates the result…

There is also no mention of fit changes. Changes in crank length, saddle height, hip angles etc all can have quite considerable effects on efficiency

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#9
post #5

As a practical matter training can make cyclists more efficient by improving aerodynamics even if their psychological efficiency doesn't change. It takes quite a bit of muscular endurance and body awareness to hold an optimal aero position through a long ride.

Yes - very true. I race timetrials and keeping a stable aero position requires effort and practice but it's worth it as the gains from aero improvements can be huge.

Re: Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists (2018)

#10
post #4

> Training Makes Runners More Efficient, but Not Cyclists I could see this being true for road bikers... but any XCO, CXO, or Enduro rider depends heavily on training for: * Finding efficient body position for climbing * Weight shifting/wheel unloading while crossing features * Discovery efficiency gains in pedal cadence for terrain, slope, camber I did a cross country race last July. I started mountain biking in Mar…

Yes. The article has a very narrow focus on strictly the muscular efficiency of a pedal stroke. That makes it sound like it's suggesting that novice cyclists can easily be as good as expert cyclists, and that the benefits of training are limited. The article isn't talking about muscle mass nor rider skills at all, but it doesn't try too hard to clarify that.
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