LTHR (Lactate Threshold Heart Rate)

[SwissVan]

But that is a heart rate monitor that extrapolates power from HR. Imo if you already have a HRM, getting a powercal is pointless. Secondly, if power and HR is thus related, why bother with a power meter at all?

 

True the powercal uses HR and converts this to power based on clever maths and experience from the study of a large power file database.

 

Its a great concept, power readings with a simple heart rate strap. I've heard from a few sources that's its not as great when used during training and more suitable for analysis purposes.

Would be interesting to hear from someone who has been using one for a long period.

 

For instance can you accurately monitor your effort while riding i.e. if you want to ride 3 hrs at just below your LTH or threshold power without referring to RPE or HR?

[jcza]

Powercal is great for analysis but I never look at it while riding. More important to pay attention and stay alive. Like V12 said TSS etc.

[openmind]

The most important number to measure is the speed of the bike. If yours is higher than everyone else you will be ahead.

 

Don't get bogged down in magic numbers. For every threshold, lactate, HR, turn point, zone, etc there is a person who doesn't worry about any of that and wins. Also what is deemed critical today will be forgotten about in a few months/years as someone else invents/measures something new

That's just silly. Maybe you have the time to train loads of junk miles guessing at what will work for you. If you need to make the most of each training session, a little bit of effort crunching the numbers pays huge dividends. I've been racing for 25 years and crunching numbers for the last 5. My best results have been in the last five years, despite my age and far less time to train.

[G-Unit]

Ok, so I'm coming in at the end here, but can I ask a quite pointed question:

 

What is the best option to go with for measuring power, based on the following requirements:

1. Not HR calc based (I'm not convinced)

2. Must be able to use on my road bike and MTB

3. Must work with Garmin Edge 810

 

BTW, good thread - makes for a refreshing change...

[jcza]

Ok, so I'm coming in at the end here, but can I ask a quite pointed question:

 

What is the best option to go with for measuring power, based on the following requirements:

1. Not HR calc based (I'm not convinced)

2. Must be able to use on my road bike and MTB

3. Must work with Garmin Edge 810

 

BTW, good thread - makes for a refreshing change...

 

G you have 4 options

 

Stages power cranks

Crank powermeter - SRM, Quarq & Power2Max

Powertap Hub

Powercal strap (read the review by rainmaker)

 

PS: Are you going to Sabie?

 

EDIT: Link to review http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/11/cycleops-powercal-in-depth-review.html

Edited February 18, 2014 by jcza

[SwissVan]

Powercal is great for analysis but I never look at it while riding. More important to pay attention and stay alive. Like V12 said TSS etc.

 

Interesting, that's what I've heard more or less.

 

You say not while you are riding.... but surely while training i.e. on the road or easy mtb routes you would be keeping an eye on your intensity if you are following a specific training plan or concerned about over exerting... which is what I think the OP was mostly interested in?

 

How good is the data from the powercal that is displayed while riding for this purpose...?

[rouxtjie]

Ok, so I'm coming in at the end here, but can I ask a quite pointed question:

 

What is the best option to go with for measuring power, based on the following requirements:

1. Not HR calc based (I'm not convinced)

2. Must be able to use on my road bike and MTB

3. Must work with Garmin Edge 810

 

BTW, good thread - makes for a refreshing change...

I don't think a powermeter would be as effective on a bike vs on a stationary trainer. That is if you want to use it for training purposes of course. SRM is probably still the best out there if it absolutely has to go onto a bike. HR calc for training is useless btw...as pointed out earlier.

 

Various ways

Secondhand indoor trainer with power meter

Join a cadence or wattlab for a block

3rd option....just pm'd you.

[jcza]

Interesting, that's what I've heard more or less.

 

You say not while you are riding.... but surely while training i.e. on the road or easy mtb routes you would be keeping an eye on your intensity if you are following a specific training plan or concerned about over exerting... which is what I think the OP was mostly interested in?

 

How good is the data from the powercal that is displayed while riding for this purpose...?

 

Not following a specific plan other than to do miles on roadbike. Indoor wattbike sessions twice a week for interval training.

[G-Unit]

G you have 4 options

 

Stages power cranks

Crank powermeter - SRM, Quarq & Power2Max

Powertap Hub

Powercal strap (read the review by rainmaker)

 

PS: Are you going to Sabie?

 

EDIT: Link to review http://www.dcrainmak...pth-review.html

 

You got the powercal strap? That's obviously the cheapest but I'm not convinced.

 

Ultimately, I'd probably tend towards a SRM crank for my road bike. I pretty much think that it's the gold standard in power measurement. Just wondering if there were any other options?

 

I cant do Sabie as i have a wedding to attend on Saturday. Gonna be pretty low key as I'm looking to do 5hrs in the morning :-) You doing both days at Sabie?

[Mikesa9]

You got the powercal strap? That's obviously the cheapest but I'm not convinced.

 

Ultimately, I'd probably tend towards a SRM crank for my road bike. I pretty much think that it's the gold standard in power measurement. Just wondering if there were any other options?

 

I cant do Sabie as i have a wedding to attend on Saturday. Gonna be pretty low key as I'm looking to do 5hrs in the morning :-) You doing both days at Sabie?

I had a Powercal strap for about a year now. I'm not convinced. Apparently the longer the ride, the more accurate it is (i.e. greater than 2 1/2 hours). The quality of the product isn't great either.

[rouxtjie]

G you have 4 options

 

Stages power cranks

Crank powermeter - SRM, Quarq & Power2Max

Powertap Hub

Powercal strap (read the review by rainmaker)

 

PS: Are you going to Sabie?

 

EDIT: Link to review http://www.dcrainmak...pth-review.html

Wonder if one can import these?

 

http://www.stagescycling.com/stagespower

 

Looks the business on paper a cleaner solution

[jcza]

You got the powercal strap? That's obviously the cheapest but I'm not convinced.

 

Ultimately, I'd probably tend towards a SRM crank for my road bike. I pretty much think that it's the gold standard in power measurement. Just wondering if there were any other options?

 

I cant do Sabie as i have a wedding to attend on Saturday. Gonna be pretty low key as I'm looking to do 5hrs in the morning :-) You doing both days at Sabie?

 

Got the strap and satisfied with it. Cost was R1,100. Would also love SRM on the roadbike but its too expensive. Have a look at Power2Max for more affordable option or Stages. Sky are using Stages this season.

 

Marathon on Sat & half on Sun to recover.

[G-Unit]

Got the strap and satisfied with it. Cost was R1,100. Would also love SRM on the roadbike but its too expensive. Have a look at Power2Max for more affordable option or Stages. Sky are using Stages this season.

 

Marathon on Sat & half on Sun to recover.

 

Enjoy. Take your own water :-)

[V12man]

Wonder if one can import these?

 

http://www.stagescyc...com/stagespower

 

Looks the business on paper a cleaner solution

 

No agent in SA yet - but should be ok to import - I can get from a mate in the UK if you struggle to find a source

[rouxtjie]

No agent in SA yet - but should be ok to import - I can get from a mate in the UK if you struggle to find a source

Demmit...shot for the info. Would be on my shortlist tbh.

[jcza]

No agent in SA yet - but should be ok to import - I can get from a mate in the UK if you struggle to find a source

 

Not available for Campy?