Minion

A power meter gives a very good measure of the work done and thus a reasonable estimate of calories burned. But unless you've already got on or intend to get one for training, it's expensive and about as feasible as going to a lab.

Actually, I see there could be some confusion between Garmin computers and the actual PM. There are currently three major power meter manufacturers in or about to enter the MTB power meter market: SRM - crank based PMs. Have been around for a long time. Very expensive. Quarq - crank based PMs. New entrant, have made a big impact in the road PM market. Recently bought out by SRAM. MTB PM is supposed to come out later this month. Powertap - hub-based PMs. Another old player. Often the cheapest option, but not always so. The crank-based PMs are spec'ed in terms of the PM make and the maker of the crank they're attached to e.g. SRM/SRAM X0 = SRM PM + SRAM X0 crank arms. Cranks based PM's will give you cadence and power. The Powertap PM gives speed, power and virtual cadence (determine from power pulses). In addition to the PM, you need a computer to record the data. All three of the above use the ANT+ protocol, so you have a lot of options there. SRM and PT also make there own computers (PC7, Cervo/Joule). As far as I know, only the Garmin computers give altitude and GPS. If you're riding a 9sp group with disc brakes your only two options are the SRM triple PMs, such as the FSA K-Force light for around R30k or the Powertap SL+ MTB Disc hub for around R14k (excl. rim etc.). For 10sp, I think you can use the Powertap or SRM says they'll be releasing an X0 crank (probably around R30k) and Quarq will release theirs later this month (probably around R17k).

Check the link I posted earlier. It gives a direct comparison table between FTP zones and FTHR zones. HR doesn't work so well above L4/L5, though due to lag and the shortness of the intervals.

The Garmin PM (Vector) will only be released in March next year and it's currently road only, though the technology looks like it could be easily adapted to fit MTB pedal. I think the RRP was also around R15k.

Oops, slight misspelling there. It should be full of eels. I found them in a dodgy Hungarian phrase book.

Does it make the sound when you spin the cranks while off the bike or only while pedalling?

These ones: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Reed_switch_%28aka%29.jpg/800px-Reed_switch_%28aka%29.jpg

SRM also make a MTB triple PM for around R25k. SRAM/Quarq will be releasing an X0 PM sometime soon too. It'll probably come in at around R17k. The Powertap disc brake hub costs around R14k to which you need to add the cost of a rim, spokes and wheelbuild. For all the wireless ANT+ PMs you also need to add the price of a computer. The Garmin Edge is probably the cheapest option at around R2500.

Reed switch The soft clicking is the sound of the two metal reeds coming into contact.

Which disc wheel?

This is also a big problem for me. I need to be able to send data to my coach and a .gpx file containing only GPS and HR data doesn't cut it, unfortunately. I also need to see the data in WKO+ or some other software that allows me to evaluate normalised power, TSS etc. and track these over time (unless the Mobii software can also do this). .csv export (or else just a translator from your binary to .csv) of all the raw data would also be really useful. There're a couple of interesting uses I could find for the accelerometer data, couple to the other data, but most of them require the data to be analysed in Excel.

If you need more colours, you could get a small pot of model paint from a hobby shop. Massive range of colours, though leaning mostly towards millions of shades of grey and green. I'd try some enamel paint and then seal it in why a layer of clear nail varnish.

Can it do colour as gradient? That'd be quite fun.

Hi Mobii The Motion M01-1 looks pretty interesting. I'm thinking of replacing my Edge 705 and have a couple of questions: Does the device have an option to record torque values transmitted by a power meter that has the capability?Does the device handle cadence and speed values transmitted from a power meter e.g. a Powertap?If multiple devices are transmitting the same data e.g. speed from speed sensor, from power meter and from GPS, how does it prioritise them or does it record all of them separately?Will the device work with speed-only or cadence-only ANT+ sensors or will it only work with combined speed/cadence sensors (a different ANT+ profile)?Does the device separate g and tilt values e.g. if I'm braking on a flat surface, will the tilt remain the same or will it shift due to the changing acceleration?Related to the above, is it possible to use the tilt meter to determine gradient (obviously given a stable mount and an initial calibration)?Does the device allow me to use advancedcustom workouts e.g. on my Edge I can program a workout with multiple intervals and sub-intervals, based on time/distance etc., all with different targets?The brochure mentions using two heart rate monitors on different channels. In this case, or if I were to use two power meters, how does it record the data? Does it record separate HR or power values for each one?What format are the device's data files? Can I upload them to a 3rd party program like Sport Tracks or WKO+? Does your software have an option to convert the data to .csv format for, for example, further processing in Excel?Your brochure and website say the price is R2695, but the shopping cart says R2995. Which is the correct price? Thanks

Screwed up my left knee

Seems to happen often with Conti Gatorskins. They're circumferential threads and seem to come from the bead area. The don't look like they play a massive structural role, so losing a couple isn't a train smash.

Weight saving depends on the specific frame and fork combination. For that you'd have to do some Googling. Don't trust the manufacturer's specs e.g. independent weighings show that the Pinarello Dogma is about 200g heavier than Pinarello claims. The listings on the Weight Weenies site give actual weights for a number of components and Competitive Cyclist has actual weights for most of the frames they sell.

In that case, what does the manual say? If you don't have the paper manuals, have a browse through the various part manufacturers' websites.

It's often possible to find a cheaper generic for proprietary seals (I believe Enduro is one brand mentioned often here). In the examples I've seen, the grease does not spectacularly destroy the seal the moment you apply it - it takes a few days to weeks of gradual deterioration. That's why it's important to keep eye on the part when you're experimenting - if the seal is starting to go, you'll notice it before any major damage occurs.

Commercial O-rings also tend to be made from NBR rubber, so other seals will probably be OK. Seals should be cheap and easy to replace, so there's not that much of a risk in experimenting with a different grease, so long as you check it regularly.

My best time grid to grid was 2:03 on a slightly windy day with some cautious descending. At the time, I was either using a 23 or 25 cassette with a standard crank. My first time there was scary and I've seen a couple of people, who I consider seriously hardcore, in tears at the end of the big climb. It doesn't really get easier with repeat visits but you do get used to it. I normally ride the climbs seated, standing occasionally to stretch my legs.

Bearing seals are usually made from nitrile rubber (NBR) that is more resistant to greases, so it's OK to use a lithium-based grease there. Not sure about fork seals, though. Johan Bornman would know more about that.

If you haven't already, get/read a copy of Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Hunter Allen and Andy Coggan. One of the things they mention is that you should use 95% of the normalised power from a 20min interval to set your levels, the reasoning being that you can push yourself harder in a 20min effort than in the 60min effort that defines threshold power. They also give a list of roughly equivalent power and heart rate zones. The list is based on functional threshold heart rate which is the average heart rate for a 20min effort (they do not need to take 95% to compensate for the shortness of the effort since there is a lag in heart rate at the beginning). You can see that specific table of power and HR zones here: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/articles/cycling/power-training-levels,-by-andrew-coggan.aspx

Not all stores take part in the Retail Export Scheme. Evan's do, but some of the smaller shops I asked don't.