[iramiller]

Moderately well trained (based on 8-10hr/wk cycling specific training year round) older (40+) cyclist here... 260w average for an hour is pretty reasonable... 300w for an hour for hard a effort is possible for me when measured at the crank with a power meter.

One thing to keep in mind about power numbers vs pro cyclists is that they can churn out these kinds of watts at significantly lower body weights than a recreational cyclist. For output into electricity though it doesn't matter if I’m 35lbs heavier than a pro because watts are watts.

Regardless it seems to me that these levels of output using a full body motion of a rowing machine would be exceedingly difficult for a one hour period compared to cycling that leaves most of your muscle groups relaxed.

[jakear]

The past paragraph is funny to me - in my experience the same wattage is much easier on a rowing machine exactly because it uses more muscles. Sure I’m primarily using my legs, but they get a slight rest each cycle when I’m at the tail end of the stroke and using arms/back.

[jl2718]

For 1 hour FTP in heavy trading training, I did about 250 watts rowing and 300 watts cycling. I did 250 watts on the bike for about 6 hours, and I don’t think I could have done 200 watts for 3 hours rowing for several reasons.

I think the best multi-hour total energy yield efforts are from recumbent bicycles.