Outdoor power cycle use

Total Access. Why is there a difference between the power you can put into the pedals outdoors than the power indoors? The difference between indoor cycling power and outdoor power tends to be more pronounced with shorter, higher-intensity efforts, especially when you're out of the saddle. The reason why comes down to a few different factors.

Studies have shown that cyclists often produce more power outdoors than indoors. Factors like air resistance, momentum, and psychological elements play a role in this difference. For instance, a study found that competitive cyclists produced between 11-23 watts more when training outside compared to indoors.

If you try to take your indoor cycling power zones outside or vice versa without knowing the difference, your workouts will be either impossibly difficult or wastefully easy, neither ideal.

Outdoor cycling may offer more intense workouts, demand greater power output and use more major muscle groups than indoor cycling. Indoor riding, alternatively, provides a controlled environment. Is indoor or outdoor cycling harder? Indoor cycling has been shown to be harder mentally while outdoor cycling is slightly harder physically.

While most cyclists see higher power numbers outdoors for big, out-of-the-saddle efforts, many will also see lower power numbers indoors for sustained, seated efforts.

Exposure to Elements: Cycling outdoors exposes riders to sunburn, dehydration in hot weather, or hypothermia in cold conditions. Expert Tip: Always check the weather forecast and be prepared. For instance, if it's going to be sunny, wear sunscreen, and if it's going to rain, consider water-resistant gear. Helmets: A must-have for every cyclist.