My power or thiers?

I don't think it matters other than if you're easily distracted, using ergo mode can guarantee that you stay at a particular power level.

Chipotle said:

Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to riding a power equiped trainer in ergo mode vs "freehand"? I do my indoor work on a Computrainer and I don't have much experience in ergo other than my MAP test setup and the warmup/calibration protocal - set the power ~ 150 watts and ride for 15 minutes then "set."

Yes I think there are both advantages and disadvantages - having using a CT for all my indoor winter (Nov-March) training the past three seasons 🙂

FWIW, I gravitated to using my CT in ergo mode for a solid L4 session (2x20 rev. X) only once a week with a selection of 3D courses on three other days and in simple 'mag-trainer' mode on my moderate day.

It will depend first on what type of training you're targetting (assuming you're training with power and not HR). Then other factors like tolerance/burnout come into play.

In 2003 I made good progress on thrice-weekly ergo session at or above current FT and totalling 30-45 min UL4 interval time per workout. Everything else was really filler to recover for the hard efforts. I used ergo mode exclusively on the hard days to set my target power and I'd simply (but not EASILY) try and make the target duration. This is really a great way to control your workout and ... force out those extra few minutes at the e/o say your 2nd interval when it's easy to slack off 5% or so.

That worked for one season but on my 2nd/3rd and heading into the 4th I have to admit using ergo much less due to the difficulty of those rides and tendency to flirt with burnout.

Sorry long post .... it's very hard to answer for you; I've only related my experience. Lotsa ergo can indeed work if you're fresh and like a strict regimen. I should also mention that you'll need a period of adjustment to variable power once returning to the road but that should be pretty obvious I guess and is a factor with a lot of quasi steady-state indoor training.

the CT is a good tool. I'd give all modes a fair shake and see what works for you.

rmur