Target BPM to be most efficient?

MaxPrime said:

I feel like I have more energy up near 150bpm than down around 135 or 140 (max is 200).

I think you have answered your own question. I personally would not wear a HRM in an event of any kind. It would not only be an unnecessary distraction, but may not be useful since your body is reacting to a lot of external and unique stimuli.

An event or competition is the time to listen to your body, and in some cases make it door more than it has ever done before. All the monitoring you need then is in the head.

gruppo said:

An event or competition is the time to listen to your body, and in some cases make it door more than it has ever done before. All the monitoring you need then is in the head.

HRMs are a great way to listen, actually. Lot's of the TdF riders seemed to be wearing them back in July...

Dean

I DO believe in HRM's because of how much it has exploded my training wide open. I was stuck on 25 miles just two weeks ago and now I'm up to 50 (today's ride). I do believe in listening to what I feel like - around mile 42 today I was keeping cadence/speed the same but HR was up to 175. I felt like I was working harder - but I kept pace without too much trouble.

I understand that the lower HR and higher power output from the legs is the best. But do I want to minimize my HR as best I can or just ride where my body wants me to?