Understanding the type of cyclist you are is important to establish the type of training to which you have to dedicate.
Do you know what type of cyclist you are?
It is easy to say 'I'm a cyclist': you just need a bike, a sufficient dose of passion and a few weekly rides on your two wheeled toy to qualify. It is much more difficult to assess the type of cyclist you actually are.
Cyclists, like all athletes across all sports, are not all the same. Each one has his own abilities and preferences. Physiology, which characterizes you from birth, defines your athletic qualities.
Discover your unique characteristics and what type of cyclist you are
If it holds true that a athlete’s psychological profile can be defined but not scientifically measured, very precise tools and techniques are available to assess his physical profile.
Each cyclist is characterized by morphological, neuromuscular and metabolic qualities that define his strengths and determine his specialization over time.
This is the exact way to establish your type and potential with little if any margin for error.
- Are you an endurance rider or more suited for faster and shorter events?
- Are you a natural climber?
- Are you a sprinter, a track, cyclocross or mountain bike rider?
The tools that identify your cycling type
Using the right tools, you can enhance your natural abilities, compensate for your shortcomings and reap great satisfaction in the saddle.
Depending on your type as well as your short to long term cycling goals, your training plan needs be adapted in terms of both intensity and individual components of your training plan, which have to be prioritised, including the distribution of workout volume and load.
The periodization of your training will also have to take into account the ideal level of recovery specific to you.
Get ready then and get going with Bike Personal Coach’s self-assessment test!
A Critical Power test is the best tool to identify your cycling type, your physiological qualities and the characteristics of your engine.
Bike Personal Coach allows you to take the first test in your own time; it twill also indicate when a follow up test will be required, normally at intervals between 5 and 8 weeks.
The first test defines your fitness level at the beginning of your training season whilst the follow up tests will allow you to evaluate progress based on the work done as well as define the training load for the following period.
What do you need to take the test?
- The self-assessment test can be taken using as little as a heart rate monitor and cadence and speed sensors;
- A power meter, either installed on the bike you use to take the test or embedded in a smart turbo trainer, is optional but highly recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Bike Personal Coach’s app on your smartphone will guide you step by step through the test.
The total duration is approximately 50 minutes, including warm-up and cooldown phases, and it is best to carry the test out indoors as not to be disturb by external variables and get more accurate a result.
Bikevo’s Critical Power test consists of 5 phases:
1. A warm up phase of approximately 20 minutes aiming to get your HR to the right level;
2. A full gas, high cadence, max power 15” sprint followed by 6’ recovery;
3. A second full gas, high cadence, max power sprint, this time for 30’ also followed by 6’ recovery;
4. A 6 minute medium cadence at highest sustainable average power
5. 10’ Cool Down
Bikevo’s Critical Power test consists of 5 phases:
- A warm up phase of approximately 20 minutes aiming to get your HR to the right level;
- A full gas, high cadence, max power 15” sprint followed by 6’ recovery;
- A second full gas, high cadence, max power sprint, this time for 30’ also followed by 6’ recovery;
- A 6 minute medium cadence at highest sustainable average power
- 10’ Cool Down
Time to know your cycling type! Test’s results
The test’s results will help you understand your athletic characteristics and your current fitness level. All relevant data are presented in the Bikevo app under the My Engine page.
There is a graphical representation of the various cycling types and your current type is plotted therein:
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fast pacer;
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sprinter;
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Time Trialer;
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Climb pacer;
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Climber.
The "my data" section summarises foe your reference and future comparison the key indicators as detected from the test. Last but not least, the “Zones” sections outlines the 7 heart rate and power zones that will be the corner stones of each and every workout Bike Personal Coach will present to you.
Run the test for free
You can take the test for free by registering your account. The features of Bike Personal Coach will be accessible for free for a period of 7 days.
What are you waiting for to do the test? Register your free account now!
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