Should Cyclists Use Different Power Zones for Indoor vs Outdoor Training? (#294) episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 16 MIN

Should Cyclists Use Different Power Zones for Indoor vs Outdoor Training? (#294)

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

OVERVIEWCyclists 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 cycling feels harder, how you can narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor performance, and whether you should use different power training zones indoors vs outdoors.TOPICS COVEREDWhy indoor cycling feels harder than outdoor ridingWhich types of cycling workouts are affected more by moving indoorsHow to narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor performanceWhen to make different indoor and outdoor power training zonesRESOURCES Indoor vs Outdoor Power ExplainedKnowledge is Watt: https://www.instagram.com/knowledgeiswatt/- Indoor vs Outdoor Power post Can a Mismatch Between Course Gradient and Resistance Affect Performance When Using ERG Mode in a Zwift Workout? ASK 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

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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...

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Should Cyclists Use Different Power Zones for Indoor vs Outdoor Training? (#294)

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This episode was published on February 18, 2026.

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