It makes climbs longer!
I live on a small island and the longest climb we have is around 6 minutes. With my heavy steel gravel bike I can add 2 minutes to that climb and train 8 minute intervals. Otherwise I couldn’t train that duration. Another benefit is that it makes you push harder when you train with a group.
Adding weight to your rides, is only going to have a negligible physical effect on your training. It would make climbs harder, but others have said, you’ll still be putting out the same power, just going slower. You could get almost the same effect by just grinding a smaller gear.
The only real benefit I can imagine would be psychological. When you take the weight off, everything will likely feel super light and nimble. You probably won’t be putting out any more power or going any faster than if you’d trained without the extra weight though.
Good points!!
Thanks
Thanks for the answers!!
I do continue using weight on the bike and I working with heavier relationships in little ascents.
Regards