Headwinds and Heart Rate v's Power

Training
1

Let me start with, I hate headwinds. I’m small. They are loud.

However despite this, I do try and approach them with acceptance, and see them as a good training tool.

I am noticing however, an interesting thing. My power to heart rate always seems lower into a headwind (EDIT to clarify, what I mean is, I am producing LESS power for the same heart rate into a headwind than with a tailwind) Obviously my.average speed will be….but why the power? If I am working the same (on an RPE and HR scale) surely the power should be the same?

Is it because a) I am using more upper body subconsciously stabilising the bike, b) just stressed because of the noise/effort c) something else?

It is just me or do others notice this?

2

Don’t know but more possible reasons:

  • sustained grind with headwind vs more microbreaks with tailwind
  • different cadence

And yes, I feel the same

2 Likes
3

Ive never really monitored it perhaps you get better cooling from a headwind.

4

A more steady cadence/torque requirement battling against the wind a bit like how some riders produce better power numbers riding uphill battling against gravity. You can’t take microbreaks uphill or into a head wind without very suddenly dropping speed and therefore cadence, you’re forced to work steadily.

Better cooling? Nothing worse than riding uphill with a tailwind at exactly the same speed you are riding on a hot day.

5

No this isn’t it, better cooling would mean greater power for a certain heart rate than less power to a certain heart rate (which is what I currently get)

6

Ah right, I don’t know why I read it the other way before your edit. For me if there a headwind I can be moving slower in the legs, putting out less power but the HR will be the equivalent of if I had been putting out more power on a still day. I have to work harder for less power.

7

Ah yeah, thats it! But why though? What makes the heart rate higher?

It’s not a slow cadence issue for me, Im capable of putting out good power at slow cadence on a climb and love an extended tough 50 to 60 rpm climb.

8

I notice this as well. I suspect it’s a combination of the increased mental stress and increased use of stabilizer muscles to keep yourself upright and going straight - I’ve noticed the increased HR seems to be more prominent when it’s gustier out and I’m riding deeper rims/getting pushed around more.

2 Likes
9

More of your body is working against it rather than all your energy is going into the pedals, perhaps.

1 Like