Road cycling heart rate

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jerry

I started road cycling about 2 months ago.  I have a question about my heart rate.

My resting rate is about 62bpm, BP 100/55, weight 64kg, aged 43, no medical history.  I would consider myself of average fitness.

When I get on my bike and start warming up, I notice that my heart rate is already running at about 130bpm. Once I am warmed up and cycling comfortably I would average about 165bpm and if I was working hard like a time trial, average about 172bpm for the ride.  My cadence is 88rpm and that feels comfortable.

My rides range between 30-55km at the moment and I average about 28 kmh at the moment.

I don't feel drained when I have finished and I feel good throughout.  If I am working up a hill, I can max out at 182bpm at full anaerobic capacity.

On my ergo rower, I average for the same comfortable effort, about 140bpm and max at 165bpm.  Same-ish on the indoor bike trainer.

I would like to know if that heart rate is normal for my level of fitness/stage in road cycling. I have tried to read around the subject but most say that lower heart rates even for rookies like me.  Also when I do a recovery interval, I never ever get my heart rate below 130.  My HR does drop 15-20% from max within 60 seconds so my cardiovascular health seems ok.

I would add that my HR seems very responsive. If I am doing anything apart from lying down, the rate runs at about 85bpm.  I have no medical problems and recently passed a full aviation medical.

Any thoughts? Is it just me?

Thanks lots
Chuck

ANSWER: Hi Chuck,

I don't put a lot of stock in HR or the estimates given by the "experts" . More important is how you feel before during and after the ride or exercise.

Since you have recently passed a full flight physical and you seem to be in excellent condition, I would not allow the HR to concern me much, sounds like you are doing quite well. So what type of results are you shooting for and what is the results you have seen so far?

Hope this helps

Have a great day

Jerry





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jerry
Thanks so much. I think part of the problem is that most of the guides use HR as an indication of power output.
I will go with your advice which sounds very sensible. Maybe it is just that I am unfit. I have seen my rate come down a little but still at hamster levels. Certainly can't justify the cost of power meters!
Maybe I will post again in a few months when I am fitter with some numbers. A part of me is curious about what the rate is going to do.
Thanks again. Your expert answer is reassuring!
Chuck

Answer
Hi Chuck,

Thank you for your response. I don't think the problem is your fitness, sounds like you are actually doing quite well fitness wise. I just don't take personal stock in HR and HR Meters as being the best indicator of fitness. I am sure that as your body becomes accustomed to your riding style the numbers on the HR will be more in tune with what they are on other exercises that your body is more accustomed too.

I also understand your curiosity as far as what the numbers will do over time. I am looking forward to hearing form you in the future as your body becomes more accustomed to the new cycling exercise. Have you ever thought of picking up some cycling training information, like e-books? Or even training programs like Carmichael Training Systems?

I can definitely understand the reluctance to spend a lot of money on a power meter, I can get them wholesale and don't use one, my cost is too much for just exercise. If I were racing professionally then I would probably have one, but not just for exercise.

Looking forward to hearing from you in a few months with good news regarding your Heart Rate.

Have a great day

Jerry