# Perceived exertion varies when in different gears

**URL:** <https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/perceived-exertion-varies-when-in-different-gears/6075>\
**Category:** Equipment\
**Tags:** trainer\
**Created:** [November 19, 2018, 1:14pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/perceived-exertion-varies-when-in-different-gears/6075 "2018-11-19T13:14:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bestevaer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bestevaer/32/88735_2.png) [@Bestevaer](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bestevaer)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 1:14pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/perceived-exertion-varies-when-in-different-gears/6075/1 "2018-11-19T13:14:58Z")

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I notice that my perceived exertion during a workout is higher when I’m in the litte ring at the front and in the middle of the coggs at the back (with 95 rpm) then when I’m using the big ring. The torque I need is higher when using the little ring. With common sense this is because of the momentum in the bigger gear?

Do other people encounter this as well? And should I be training with the little ring to get the most out of my workout?

ps. I use a Tacx Bushido as trainer

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**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 1:43pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/perceived-exertion-varies-when-in-different-gears/6075/2 "2018-11-19T13:43:05Z")

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Yes, gearing in ERG matters and affects the feel.

The rule of thumb is to try to match the flywheel inertia to the majority of your events.

- **Flat and Fast Road Riding = Use Higher Bearing and Faster Flywheel Inertia**
- **Hilly and Off-Road = Use Lower Gearing and Slower Flywheel Inertia**

> [@Went from dumb trainer to smart. Why does it feel harder?](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/went-from-dumb-trainer-to-smart-why-does-it-feel-harder/5136/17):
>
> The core issue is related to this: [[Wahoo Kickr ERG Mode - Does Gear Selection Matter?] ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHUOhmG04M8) The rule of thumb is to try to match the flywheel inertia to the majority of your events. Flat and Fast Road Riding = Use Higher Bearing and Faster Flywheel Inertia Hilly and Off-Road = Use Lower Gearing and Slower Flywheel Inertia Additionally, resistance changes generally happen faster with a Slower Flywheel, because it has less inertia for the resistance unit to overcome and make adj…

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**Author:** ![Bestevaer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bestevaer/32/88735_2.png) [@Bestevaer](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bestevaer)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 1:52pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/perceived-exertion-varies-when-in-different-gears/6075/3 "2018-11-19T13:52:06Z")

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Thanks for the explanation!  
Faster flywheel inertia it is then!