assessing physical condition

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tmctguer
i'm hoping that this question isn't too basic for the training forum.

i am interested in attempting to assess my "cycling condition". i have read lots of posts about heart rate, cadence, lactate threshold, etc. and i am wondering which of these concepts i should attempt to apply to my regimen of bike riding.

i am 46 years old, 5'8", approx. 163 lbs. i am a regular cyclist (for approx. 10 years) but do not compete in racing events (nor do i want to). i ride a very lightweight cannodale aluminium road bike. i believe i am in pretty good physical condition.

i communte to work usually 2 - 3 days a week. the rides are approx. 18 miles one way. i am usually on the bike between 1:15 - 1:25 minutes depending on the route i take -- once a week, i add a 2.2 km 7% grade hill climb to my route (11 minutes for me) which explains the extra time. the normal route is a "rolling hill" type of urban route.

i recently purchased a heart rate monitor and when i push hard on my rides, i sustain an average heart rate of 135 - 145 for the duration of the ride. if i'm feeling particulary tight, or in need of a recovery ride, i ease my pace and average 120 for the duration of the ride.

i have also done some preliminary research on power meters. they seem like a great tool to use in combination with a HRM. but should a recreational cyclist invest in one?

i am wanting some guidance as to how to assess my level of cycling fitness. are there heart rate tests i could do that might give me an indication? or should consult with a professional trainer that may want to do a battery of tests that would tell me my fitness level?

your comments would be much appreciated.

Sounds like your cycling fitness level is similar to mine, but not sure what you want to know. If you're looking for a label, I'd say "intermediate club rider" level. Best way to get more of a sense of how you rank would be to go on some club rides. Based on our club here, you'd probably be solid mid-level. Not up to the fast group who rides 20-22 or higher average for the 70 mile hilly ride, but ahead of the slow group doing 12-14 mph on the 25 mile rides.

You might be interested in the "road test" in the LA Performance Plan book. It is to ride your best time for all-out 3 mile flat time trial: greater than 10 minutes is considered a beginner level, 8-10 intermediate, and below 8 minutes is described as advanced/race level. These levels are used to key into the three corresponding 7 week training programs in the book.

Dan