I saw large gains when i sat back and held z2 to work for the most part keeping my night rides and weekend rides for my z3-4-5 rides.
I was pondering that the other day, ive just swapped the gearing on my old commuter bike from 32-14 (66") to 36-20 (52") to convert it back to a mtb, my commute is mostly flat with some sort climbs and a couple of long uphill drags but nothing run out of gears steep but enough to mean 8-10 minutes standing on the pedals constantly.
The main way I could gain fitness is to lose weight. Which would be better an extra 10minutes on the bike by doing it all at z2, or sitting at what feels like FTP as much as possible (without power meter, hrm or even speedo, just on RPE)? I suppose riding SS I'm probably naturally doing some sort of intervals anyway it's just a case of do i gear to make the flats easy z1/2 or a harder z3 and only rest on the downs.
8.5 each way shortest route or 18 miles each way longest route 🙂
Most people think I’m mad for doing all this!
I bet you're fit though !
Mine seems to be 29-32km depending on route. Which i have been known to take the scenic version which takes it closer to 35km. Shorter route seems to have 261m climb in there. Sadly due to needing to be home for 3:30 for my boy, i very very rarely commute. However, he goes to big school in Sept so will then get his own key etc which may open up my options a bit.
My commute is just about 22km each way - aim to do that 3 times a week. I'll generally take the long way home once or twice a week if the weather is nice - adds on about 10km to the ride. I can stay on quiet lanes or cycle path for about three quarters of the journey so pretty lucky there.
Aiming for 3 days seems to work for me - gives the flexibility to work round other commitments and avoid dodgy weather.
I ride a full-sus MTB with DH tyres. Most people think I’m mad for doing all this!
Why no road bike?
Mine is 9 miles each way... there's flat option but I usually go up a 75m climb for the view, for the exercise and to avoid junctions and traffic lights. I think you will find that a commute of 13 quiet flat miles will be spot on - far enough to give you a good ride but not so far that it will seem like a chore.
last job was 16mies each way and that was 4 days a week, the current job is only 8 miles but does involve climbing to the top of the cotswolds every morning, again about 4 days a week. The fifth day is for clothing, snacks, etc. resupplying so I don't have to carry too much in every day.
Why no road bike? Because it wouldn't handle all the off-road sections of my commute. Plus, I don't like road bikes! 🙂
8 miles each way, I try to do 5 days a week, although when I do a saturday morning parkrun feels like a slog.
Last 2 weeks with the wind it has been a pain in the butt for a lot of the ride, so took the bus today. I can imagine enjoying 13 each way for a few days a week, but I do ride a singlespeed so perhaps with gears 13 would be fine.
Minimum of 36 miles (200m of climbing) 2 or 3 times a week all weather. But it is SE so never extreme or icy. It takes the same time as public transport (when not delayed) and quicker/cheaper than driving. Best part of my working week, some road to connect gravel or tarmac through Bushey, Richmond and Hyde Park and Thames cycle path.
