V12man Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Hmmm, always a bit skeptical of weekend warriors with power meters. At the moment having fun finishing most races in top 30-50 spot with no power meter. Just three rides a week with the mates. I struggle to see the possible benefit of the power meter, I think I would need more time on bike to improve seriously. I can see for pros that its a must, but weekend warriors... That being said its on my list, Carbon wheels then stages power meter You will get a lot more benefit from using power meter to train (and race) than a set of carbon wheels - even on 3 sessions a week you can significantly improve your performance, and better yet, you can identify your weak points, and train specifically to improve those, as well as see how they are improving. - that said - you will need a coach to help with the programming of your training using the PM - at least initially, and your intensity of training will probably go up - so you may train less but harder.
T-Bob Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Have a look at Newton Ibike. There was one in the Classified, they are pretty accurate and reasonably priced. Not a full strain gauge power meter but there are alot of useful features that you can strap on from their website that will also measure pedal stroke efficiency and more. You'll get people who scoff at this one but google some reviews and see how they compare when cross tested with other more traditional ones and its pretty good bang for buck. I think one of the pro teams on the world tour uses them if that matters to you. Could be an option.
rudi-h Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 i'm also quite a scientific guy and would love a power meter. however the issue of measuring power on different bikes (road and mtb) is either impractical or very expensive. I have found a series of different tests that I go do at Virgin Active on their Wattbikes every second week or so to track progress. While I'm on the bike I ride (I always ride without a heart rate monitor) at the level of intensity that I would like to be at. The purpose of having different test is that I can adapt based on the amount of time that I have and what my training is going to be for the next day or two. If I have the time and don't have a big day planned afterwards, I typically do a 45 minute all-out test where I try to maintain constant power from the get go. Other test would maybe be a 20 minute ramp test etc. where I record previous progress. Not nearly as good as a power meter, but a hell of a lot cheaper and it is a sure way to track improvements!
PURE Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 If the cost of a power meter is to far a stretch, but you want to train with power in a structured manner, this is a option.Sign up for https://www.trainerroad.com/and get yourself trainer with a constant power curve. I'm using cycleops jetfuild pro. Select a training program from TR and off you go.Using the above setup I have seen improvements across every aspect of my riding.
V12man Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 If the cost of a power meter is to far a stretch but you want to train with power in a structured manner, this is a option. Sign up for https://www.trainerroad.com/and get yourself trainer with a constant power curve. I'm using cycleops fuild pro. Select a training program and off you go.Using the above setup I have seen improvements across nearly every aspect of my riding.You can also use the cyclops virtual racing with that device - great way to spend time in the pain cave....
Barker Posted March 21, 2015 Author Posted March 21, 2015 Went to my LBS today. They will be finding out what crank based power meter options i have for my bike.
V12man Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 Went to my LBS today. They will be finding out what crank based power meter options i have for my bike.you need a new lbs - they should know this. What bb and bike do you have?
Barker Posted March 21, 2015 Author Posted March 21, 2015 My LBS deals mostly in Mtnbikes unfortunately. I have Merida Reacto 4000 11 speed Shimano 105. Not sure what BB Currently compact crank. 53/36 So hopefully by monday business end ill know my options and the costs.
V12man Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 StagesPower2maxsrm will have crank based alternative already available. cycleops have just announced a cranks based system as well as pedal based, and garmin have pedal based that are currently available. Stages is probably cheapest, but it is left side only - not a huge disadvange really unless you are very asymmetrical.
Yo-Yo Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 What happened to the Pioneer power meters? They were looking like a great option when the new versions came out. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Cycle+Sports/Pedaling+Monitor New version reviewed by bike radar: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/accessories/power-meters/product/review-pioneer-power-meter-gen-2-sgy-pm910h-48733/
GoLefty!! Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 Pioneer is still on the market but there is some rumour that they are joining forces with Shimano for the soon to be released Shimano Power meter.This with Di2 will be a very powerful and feature loaded system. think syncro shift integrated with Di2 and ease of maintaining power zones during workouts.
BicyclePower Posted March 22, 2015 Posted March 22, 2015 with power training one needs to look at the following: " So what's important when choosing?There are a variety of factors when considering which power meter to choose, and each individual will place a different weighting of importance on each of those factors. So it requires a priority and value judgement on the individual factors by each person.So, here are some considerations when choosing a power meter: Quality of the DataIn my opinion, the most important consideration when choosing a power meter is the quality of data.Data quality is multi-factoral, the devil is in the detail and the level of data quality required depends on the purposes you intend to use the power meter data for. Some uses demand a high quality of data (e.g. maximal pedal force and pedal velocity testing, or field testing of aerodynamics), while others purposes are far less demanding (e.g. general guidance on level of effort while riding) while other applications of the data quality standard might fall somewhere in between. Where possible though, I suggest shooting for units that provide the highest quality data you can afford. Data quality factors include:AccuracyThere are claims and there is reality, and there is a lot in between with power meter data. Manufacturers typically make a claim to be accurate within a range (e.g. +/-2%). But this generalised statement of accuracy masks the real story, and in some cases meters will/can function better than claimed, and in some cases they can/will perform worse. How the meter measures the forces or torque applied by the rider, and how it measures the rotational speed of the cranks (or rear hub) are typically the most important factors in ensuring accuracy.There are also other factors, e.g.:- choice of cycle-computer that you pair with the power meter can affect accuracy (both displayed and recorded data) or limit your control over an import feature that affects accuracy- how frequently torque and rotational speed data are sampled, whether it's duration or event based sampling, how the data is actually transmitted from the power meter to the cycle-computer, and what assumptions the meter's firmware makes when calculating power from these measurements- accuracy in different situations, e.g. instantaneous/very short duration sprint power data versus power data for a time trial, or how a meter handles extremes of cadence, how it deals with starting and stopping pedalling and so on.- type of chainrings used as some meters are sensitive to the quality and type of chainrings and how they are fitted, and non-circular chainrings can and do affect the accuracy of power readings- is the meter suitable for the purpose (e.g. some won't work well in a fixed gear scenario, or might struggle in muddy CX races)- data quality may be significantly affected by how well the meter has been installed, or- how sensitive it is to changes in environmental conditions, in particular temperature, but also when water is about.- susceptibility to data drop outs (and what it does when this happens)Precision (and/or repeatability/consistency)This typically goes hand in hand with accuracy, but not always. A meter that isalways 3% under is probably better than one that is 2% under one day and 2% over the next, even though the latter could be claimed to be more accurate.CalibrationIs it required and/or is it available to the user to validate the calibration? I do NOT mean performing a torque zero/zero offset. I might be a bit old school when it comes to power meters, and in time I may be shown that some units really don't require it, but I am still of the firm opinion that any measuring instrument should provide the means for the user to validate its calibration at a minimum, and preferably be able to adjust it if found to be incorrect.Performing a torque zeroAlong with calibration, this is a really fundamental function required to ensure you get the highest quality of data your power meter is capable of. It needs to be done before every ride, and occasionally during a ride and the processes to do it varies by power meter and the cycle-computer it is paired with, with options ranging from a manual process by the user through to automated zeroing by the meter. If this process is difficult to do or a PITA to perform, well I'll bet you'll tend to not do it. Likewise, dont assume an automatic zeroing feature is better, as some meter's auto-zero functions operate better than others (indeed in some cases I suggest disabling the auto-zero feature). the above was taken off: http://alex-cycle.blogspot.fr/2013/08/which-power-meter.html i see there was reference to the Joe Freil Training and Racing with a PM book, i would highly recommend this, or just by a PowerTap and i will give you the book for FREE the key to power training is knowledge, one can very easily be "self coached" IF reading up on the concept, power allows you to track how your body is reacting to programs and intervals then adjust training as needed. pretty easy. or you can get a coach to do it all for you. the question you should really be asking is what if your budget and is it for road or MTB this will then allow you to choose a PM brand,no point in having a pedal based system on a MTB etc. support and maintenance is an important part of PM's especially when buying secondhand. PowerTap remains the ONLY PM with local backup/repair on new & secondhand systems and the only PM with a constant upgrade path. finally have a look at the new systems coming from PowerTap: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/148782-powertap-announces-new-p1-pedal-and-c1-chainring-power-meters/page-3?hl=%2Bpowertap&do=findComment&comment=2581906
Barker Posted March 22, 2015 Author Posted March 22, 2015 Lots to consider. Thanks for the info. I will say that for me repeatable consistancy is more important than accuracy.
GoLefty!! Posted March 22, 2015 Posted March 22, 2015 And with a powertap you will need that backup often ime.
Spinnekop Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 What is the lifetime of a power meter?Lifetime? I have a buddy that has 10 year old SRMsMy Stages is a year old now
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