Indoor Cycling: How to Prevent ERG Mode From Ruining Your Workouts (#292) episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 17 MIN

Indoor Cycling: How to Prevent ERG Mode From Ruining Your Workouts (#292)

from The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS · host CTS

OVERVIEWERG Mode, or ergometer mode, is a feature on smart indoor cycling trainers that allows the trainer or connected app to set the resistance you experience as a rider. For interval workouts, for instance, ERG Mode will adjust the resistance so you stay at a constant target power output (e.g., 250 watts for 10 minutes). The downside to ERG Mode is that it can hinder your ability to conjure the internal motivation to achieve that power target, and if you can't maintain your cadence during an interval, you can end up in the "death spiral". In Episode 292 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford provides insights on when to use or not use ERG Mode, how to set up TrainingPeaks Virtual to avoid the death spiral, and other tips for maximizing the effectiveness of ERG Mode. TOPICS COVEREDPros and Cons of ERG ModeInnovations in ERG Mode functionsWhy you would want to use ERG ModeSample data file from ERG Mode workoutRESOURCESCTS Article on ERG ModeIndieVelo to TPVirtual: Inside TrainingPeaks Virtual: Redefining Indoor Cycling and TrainingTrainingPeaks acquires virtual cycling platform indieVelo, aims to add ‘credible racing and realistic riding’ to its training offeringsOther ERG Mode Resources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85d5wF6DNkchttps://www.highnorth.co.uk/articles/indoor-ftp-vs-outdoor-ftpASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEW ERG Mode, or ergometer mode, is a feature on smart indoor cycling trainers that allows the trainer or connected app to set the resistance you experience as a rider. For interval workouts, for instance, ERG Mode will adjust the resistance so you stay at a constant target power output (e.g., 250 watts for 10 minutes). The downside to ERG Mode is that it can hinder your ability to conjure the internal motivation to achieve that power target, and if you can't maintain your cadence during...

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Indoor Cycling: How to Prevent ERG Mode From Ruining Your Workouts (#292)

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How long is this episode of The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 4, 2026.

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OVERVIEWERG Mode, or ergometer mode, is a feature on smart indoor cycling trainers that allows the trainer or connected app to set the resistance you experience as a rider. For interval workouts, for instance, ERG Mode will adjust the resistance so...

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