Wow, very interesting theory. I’m going to think on this for awhile and run some tests to see if you’re on to something. Thx.
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Got me thinking too. Inside on a constant z2 interval (erg) I’m 51/49
Outside on undulating hills z2 effort 54/46
Hard efforts outside 55/45
Going to analyze some recent outdoor flat segments and compare
What makes you think that a) you should improve to a perfectly 50/50 power, b) that said more ‘balanced’ split would be an improvement to you in terms of power or comfort? Because I have yet to see any research that would back this up. We humans are all asymmetric to some degree, and I think if you gravitate towards a certain split, then there is probably an efficiency reason for that.
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For me personally it is because I never rehabilitated my right leg post hip operation.
(Unhealthy lifestyle at the time no exercise etc…)
I simply view my imbalance as a confirmation of my notably weaker right leg.
It is also the leg that will cramp first if I overextend myself on a long hard ride.
I’m not overly concerned , but am curious about the outcome of strengthening my right leg and potential efficiencies that could be gained
Because I’m 1) OCD and seeing 43/57 drives me nuts and 2)it’s just an interesting riddle that I can’t seem to solve. The fact is that I may end up SLOWER if I get to 50/50 outdoors, who knows.
Again, it is a riddle that doesn’t need to be solved. It really isn’t even a riddle, it’s just a thing.
We all have an imbalance to some degree. Trying to get close to, or achieve, a 50/50 balance is likely futile.
Can I ask what would you recommend doing about a tight iliopsoas? Passive stretching/mobility? Is there anything you’ve found to be effective in the long term?
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I personally use a hip hook and a ball from the below source, lay on them for about 60-90s each side every day. You can probably find cheaper stuff, but I can vouch for the hook and ball being extremely effective at releasing my illiopsoas and periformis and doing that daily has made a huge, huge impact on my SI joint issues and anterior pelvic rotation (from decades of cycling and running). If I had been doing this stuff during my racing career, I think a lot of my unresolved pain during my seasons would’ve been alleviated. (I am in no way affiliated with Aletha, just bought their product.) The book she wrote about Twisted Core is very good, a bit repetitive, but I have tried a bunch of stuff to alleviate lower back and SI pain over the years including paid PT, and this has been the best investment I’ve made in that time in that regard.
I bought “The Set” on a special a while back and have been using the hook and the ball routinely. I’ve used the other one on my shoulder and it’s good too, just not really a trouble spot for me.
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Thanks for the comprehensive response. I’ll look into some mobilizations using kit I already have and if not getting anywhere might invest.
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Finally did a bike fitting, my saddle was way too low which caused me to pedal asymmetrically
Out of curiosity, did you have any other symptoms and how much too low was it?
At it’s worst 38/62, currently 45/55 to 48/52 and after the fit it seems a bit worse again but hopefully it is something that I need to get used to a bit. I was doing some stuff with my ankles to compensate and since I use rollers I notice I am a lot less smooth again after the fit. But again hopefully this is just temporary
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Did your overall power improve by getting a tighter L/R balance?
I don’t know yet. Just did the fit today. I think it will require a bit of time.
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