Power measurement

[thysmeades]

Hi Hubbers, I would like so advice on power measurement equipment.

From my limited research, it seems quite expensive but seems to be the way to go to improve performance.

 

What is the best way to go with regards to:

• which product measures power the best / cheapest?
• fit only on the trainer or on the bike as well?
• any cost effective solutions you guys have found which work? (trainer / bike)

thanks and regards

Thys

 

[kevind]

Power Tap is the most cost effective solution check out hunter allens book. Training with power. There was also an article in the Ride mag last year about different power meters.

 

I would buy the wireless hub and wheel then intergrate with a Garmin. The yellow power tap computer is not very good at providing easy on ride info. This will also save you around R3K.

 

Hope this helps

[thysmeades]

much appreciated

anybody have that ride mag edition, I would like to read it.

Thys

 

[bruce]

Powertap is the most cost effective of the solutions available currently, as kevind has said.  Quarq is another option, but not currently available.  Sounds like it will be soon though.

Don't agree that the Garmin integration saves money, because the 705 is a lot more expensive than the powertap cpu.  This is only applicable if you already have a Garmin.

 

There are a lot of issues to consider, but at the end of the day, an on-bike power meter is the best way to go as you can use it indoors and outdoors.

 

There are pro's and con's with every set up.  PM me your details and I'll be happy to talk you through all the issues.

[Minion]

 

Don't agree that the Garmin integration saves money' date=' because the 705 is a lot more expensive than the powertap cpu.  This is only applicable if you already have a Garmin.[/quote']

Although it looks like the Edge 500 will be quite a bit cheaper than the 705. It's already available oversees, so it should arrive here in the near future.

 

[bruce]

Don't agree that the Garmin integration saves money' date=' because the 705 is a lot more expensive than the powertap cpu.  This is only applicable if you already have a Garmin.[/quote']
Although it looks like the Edge 500 will be quite a bit cheaper than the 705. It's already available oversees, so it should arrive here in the near future.

Will be about the same price as the current yellow cpu ~R2000.  But the Joule is about to be released as well so it will be interesting to see what price that comes in at.

[Mackem]

The powertap guys at Eurobike indicated that the Joule was going to retail in the states for $450 - $500 for just for the headunit. It does look great though and it is brilliant that you can see your IF when training!

 

I dont know if I would upgrade though from my Garmin. The Garmin connect website is awesome to use.

[Willehond]

The powertap guys at Eurobike indicated that the Joule was going to retail in the states for $450 - $500 for just for the headunit. It does look great though and it is brilliant that you can see your IF when training!

 

I dont know if I would upgrade though from my Garmin. The Garmin connect website is awesome to use.

I think it also does TSS which makes it impossible to cheat on your training! 

[thysmeades]

What is IF and TSS.

Not familiar with those terms.

 

[Minion]

 

What is IF and TSS.

Not familiar with those terms.

 

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/articles/cycling/normalized-power-intensity-factor-training-stress-score.aspx

 

They're basically a measure of ride intensity and training load.

 

I'd strongly recommend you buy and read this book as a useful power resource:

http://www.kalahari.net/books/Training-and-Racing-with-a-Power-Meter/632/28981356.aspx

Although perhaps hold out for a month or two since they're supposed to be releasing a new, updated, edition quite soon.