The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS
CTS
Should Cyclists Use Different Power Zones for Indoor vs Outdoor Training? (#294)
16 minutes Posted Feb 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Welcome And Topic Setup
Why Outdoor Power Beats Indoor
Research Overview And Takeaways
Heat, Fans, And Environment
Motivation And Boredom Indoors
Physics And Pedaling Mechanics
Smart Trainers And Erg Mode
How You Make Power Matters
Training The Indoor Skill
Should You Change Zones
RPE, Heart Rate, And Adaptation
Exceptions And Athlete Examples
Newsletter And Closing
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Show notes
OVERVIEW Cyclists almost always report a discrepancy between the power output and/or perceived exertion between indoor and outdoor cycling. Typically, this means struggling to achieve the same power output indoors than can be achieved outdoors for common workouts like FTP intervals or VO2 max efforts. Even easier Zone 2 rides can have higher RPE values (i.e., feel harder) indoors compared to outdoors. In Episode 294 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford reveals why indoor...