Cycling Training - training tips, advice and articles
Heart Rate Training
Heart rate monitors have long been the weapon of choice for cyclists to monitor and control their training programs and performance. Being able to see exactly how hard you are working has a huge amount of benefits.
Power training
Training with Power monitors/meters is the latest craze to hit the cycling world. This is now the preffered method of the professionals to monitor and plan their training schedules.
Interval Training
Interval training is a tried and tested way for the cyclist to significantly boost performance.
Cadence & pedal stroke training
Working on improving your pedalling stroike or actions is often overlooked by cyclists. However virtually all professional riders work on some of these exercises in order to improve the efficiency of thei pedalling.
Indoor training
When the weather turns bad or circumstances prevent you from heading outside for a training ride the indoor training may be the answer. With stationary trainers, fluid trainers, rollers and ergo bikes to choose from what is the best option?
Weight training
Weight training can be a great way to jump start the cycling season by building initial muscle mass that will later be developed into more cycling specific muscles. In addition using weight training to develop your core strength can have a surprisingly positive effects on your performances on the bike.
Training for a century
Training to cycle 100 miles in a day can be a daunting task. It needn't be however once you read this century training guide.
Cross training
Cross training can be a great way to either revitalise your cycling ytraining if boredom sets in or a great way to maintain fitness if you are unlucky enough to get injured.
Recovery
Recovery is the most important aspect of any cycling training program as it is the only phase of training when the body actually gets stronger. However it is also the most ignored aspect of training, amongst all endurance athletes.
Race Training
Race training requires even more focus on your training than simply getting fit for the odd sportive. Find out how to give yourself the best possible chance of success in your race with this article.
Bike Fitting
Ensuring you have a bike that fits your body correctly is the single most important thing to address before you begin any cycling training program.
Gearing
Triple, Compact or a Double chainset? This has been a long debated topic in the cycling comunity, the answer to which will only really be found by looking at the pros and cons of each type of chainset.
Basic Kit List
Here is a basic and more advaanced kit list for you to use so that you never head out on a ride having forgotton that vital piece of equipment again.
Clothing
There is a huge amount of cycling clothing in the market. Choosing the right clothing for your ride can be tricky but not with this helpful guide.
Long Rides
When going on long rides such as centuries or brevets the type of equipment you'll potentially need can be a lot different to that when you head out in the evening for an hours spin round your regular training loop.
Guide to buying a mountain bike
This guide to buying a mountain bike explains exactly what you need to look for when deciding which mountain bike to buy as well as a detailed section telling you how to get the best deal and potentially save hundreds of dollars.
Nutrition Basics
Learn to know your simple carbohdrates from your unsaturated fats. This article describes all the basic food types and tells you what kinds of foods contain what.
Recovery Nutrition
Eating the right foods straight after a ride can dramatically increase the speed which your body recovers at meaning you can train harder, more often leading you to improved performances on the bike.
Hydration
Dehydration can significantly impact your performance on the bike. This article discusses the various factors to consider regarding hydration on the bike and offers ways to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Long ride nutrition
If you are riding a century or brevet you'll need to ensure you eat and drink the right things. This article explains what you'll need to consume to ensure you get to the finish line in the quickest time possible.
Vegetarian nutrition for cyclists
If you are a vegetarian cyclist you will need to pay close attention to your diet to ensure you are fulfilling all of your body's requirements. This article will explain what you body may be short of and how you can change your diet to give it what it needs to maximize your on bike performance.