If you are doing intervals, what is the problem with riding indoors? Have you considered the possibility of training more systematically? Like testing FTP and basing your training on that testing?

What is the issue with the knee? Does it bother you on these interval days when going hard or more a problem with going long? Does it bother you in races? Sounds like fixing that is the solution, not likely an issue of indoor vs outdoor.

Interesting insight.

This winter I was looking over my power files from last season and realized I was strongest until mid-March/early-April (when I gave up the trainer).

Thus, this season I have been riding the trainer 2-3x during the week (usually a hard workout, easy ride, and moderate ride) + a longer zone 2 ride on the weekend.

Result: easily the best riding of my life. Riding 15-20 watts higher for my 70.3 bike splits (245W -->265W).

While I dont love sitting on the trainer, I do enjoy being faster and not getting hit. For what its worth, I certainly have no pristine training dungeon. I just do it in my garage with the door open so hopefully I dont black out from the gas fumes from the mower. Oh, and a $30 fan at big lots.

I think many of the pro's would agree (Lionel, Cody, etc.)

You never seem to talk about watts. How you get them in and what you put out is what matters. Trainer. Flats. Hills. Outside. Inside. Etc. Does not matter.

I had an MRI on it a while back. Best they could fight was arthritis. Have had this issue for many many years. Anytime I am on the bike, I just have to stop pedaling and stretch it
many times. No big deal. Just that all of us have limitations and are trying to do the best with can with what we have. Now, I still need to get mentally strong, no matter how I train on the bike, but so far over the years, it has not worked. :(

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

You ever tried riding with a road racing group? That'll toughen you up and teach you how to suffer quickly. Man up or get dropped.

Dave,

You're a prime example of an athlete who could really benefit from the use of a power meter for your outdoor training and racing. At 160lb and an FTP of ~265watts that puts you at ~ 3.65 watts/kg @ your FTP. That's a decent power level for a 59 year old and should imply a much greater potential than your showing in races.

That leaves us with several questions that a power meter would quickly help resolve.

1. is your bike position as aerodynamic as a brick? Are you clothing , helmet and wheel choices helping your cause?

2. Do you pace your power in an efficient manner outdoors? Too hard up the hills? Too easy down the hills? Not hard enough on the flats? Too hard on the first half? Too easy overall? You have often said you go as hard as you can for the whole bike but I call bulls#it on that as you're obviously holding back in order to be able to unleash your trade marked butt kicking run.

I know that FD has had a huge anti-power meter prejudice but I would hope that you're enough of a free thinker to not be swayed by his irrational feelings. If you really want to see what's going on with your race biking you owe it to yourself. A used powertap could could be used on any of your three Cervelo and would be very inexpensive especially when compared to the cost of a Velotron, 100" TV or other training aids you have been willing to purchase.

So why not run a power meter on your outdoor bike? It seems like such an obvious choice for an inquiring mind.

Hugh

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

Have you tried different cleat positions and saddle positions to see if that helps your knee? I had recurring Achilles issues but based upon a suggestion on ST tried moving my cleats back toward the middle of my shoe and magically my Achilles problems are no more.

If your FTP is 265 as you say (or even 250+), the reason for your bike underperformance very clear - you're just wimping out on your indoor bike workouts.

I'm also a bit surprised about your bum knee being your limiter if you can in fact go harder outdoors - the bike position isn't that dramatically different, so you really should have very little knee pain difference.