Stroke rate and pace

[NickKira]

I'm sure this is an easy one - I saw (on a YouTube vid) that the pace only measures the effort put in on the pull phase, but is it also affected by stroke rate? For example, if I pull at the same power at 22 strokes per min and 28 strokes per min, will the pace adjust to give a quicker pace? My brain says "duh, of course", but when I see comments about people speeding up by slowing their stroke rate I'm questioning my understanding. Any clarification?

[Carl Watts]

The simple answer is yes.

The key here is the SAME POWER per stroke. Depending on your strengths and weaknesses the results are varied. I have seen people online that are faster than me at my current best but they are up at 28spm but cannot maintain the pace I row at 18spm.

[bisqeet]

the drive is the same on all stroke rates (in theory)

so the power put into one stroke is the same. lets say 10W

if you pull 18spm = 180W
30 SPM = 300 W...

more power = faster pace...

not being able to rate up linear (using the same power at higher rates) is a deficiency in the aerobic base.

[jamesg]

if I pull at the same power at 22 strokes per min and 28 strokes per min, will the pace adjust to give a quicker pace

No, Power is Power (rate of work), however you deliver it, and the erg translates the same Power to the same speed or pace.

But if you put the same Work (which is Force x Length) into each stroke, but pull more strokes per minute, then you deliver more Power and so go faster.

We pull low ratings because this lets us pull a good stroke with plenty of work in it, without getting exhausted in a short time.

The C2 technique video shows how it's done. Try the backstop drill, with the monitor set to Watts so that you can see in detail how you produce Power and how much.

http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... que-videos

[hjs]

I'm sure this is an easy one - I saw (on a YouTube vid) that the pace only measures the effort put in on the pull phase, but is it also affected by stroke rate? For example, if I pull at the same power at 22 strokes per min and 28 strokes per min, will the pace adjust to give a quicker pace? My brain says "duh, of course", but when I see comments about people speeding up by slowing their stroke rate I'm questioning my understanding. Any clarification?

Ofcourse, instead of 22 per min you pull the same power 28 times, 3/11 extra power, so a good bit faster.

If you go faster at lower rates you simply pull harder per stroke, and or longer. Low rate is a trainingtool, not a way to race, for that you need higher rates.

[NickKira]

Thanks for all the replies - appreciated.

Hjs (or anyone else) - so, if my watts per stroke does not change will the pace icon show a faster pace if I am rowing at 28 instead of 22. From your explanation and others I would say yes as I’m doing more work and should be going faster - correct?

[hjs]

Thanks for all the replies - appreciated.

Hjs (or anyone else) - so, if my watts per stroke does not change will the pace icon show a faster pace if I am rowing at 28 instead of 22. From your explanation and others I would say yes as I’m doing more work and should be going faster - correct?

Watts and pace are the same, if one goes up the other does to. The pm has a watt reading, a pace reading and cal reading. But they are just different numbers for the same thing.

Will say it in my own words. If you keep the energy put in the handle the same, your rating will make your pace. So yes rating up will make you faster. Say you rate 20 and rate up to 25 you will put in 25% more energy....

[NickKira]

Thanks for the answer - got it now. Cheers