"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - You guys like those Powertap SL's or what?

Pcad is coming around to the need for a powermeter that is less Mickey Mouse than the iBike. I will wait to see what that fancy new futuristic looking power meter is like - that won't be out until December from all accounts. And of course, we need to see how stupidly overpriced THAT piece of bike weenie crap is.

I am also starting to realize that my cycling experience will be more fun if I ride less, rest more, train more intelligently in order to drope larger hamers. I took a rest day last Tuesday. I was flying this weekend (it's all relative, not to get carried away). But I did hang with the Cat 2/3 studs on Nyack on Sunday, the previous week I was shelled on the Scratchup climb (this is the course KP views through his genetically warped Cat-2-of-the-future eyes as 'pancake flat'). God that's fun.

That makes Pcad feel like a bike racer, even though we all realize he is a Pretender. Aren't we all? On the other hand, I am getting into this TT thing, and who knows? My Nyack sessions may get me itching for a little USCF mass-start madness.

Or maybe not. But I digress. How are those Powertaps? I hear complaints about just about everything in cycling. I am leaning towards a set of Zipp 404 clinchers with an SL rear hub. Never let it be said that Pcad didn't Spring for the Major Bike Schwag.

Let the Pcad Power Meter hand-wringing begin.

You Shill...Buy the SRM and stop the hand wringing. You can afford it and will never regret the purchase. Even Mrs Pcad, (with eyes rolling), will approve.

You get this power instrument and the right coach and the NYAC posers will tremble next spring. If I had not spent most of the season off my bike and in medical centers I would be tearing up the roads.

Just do it Pcad...Life is too Friggin short!

You Shill...Buy the SRM and stop the hand wringing. You can afford it and will never regret the purchase. Even Mrs Pcad, (with eyes rolling), will approve.

You get this power instrument and the right coach and the NYAC posers will tremble next spring. If I had not spent most of the season off my bike and in medical centers I would be tearing up the roads.

Just do it Pcad...Life is too Friggin short!

</thread>

Pcad is coming around to the need for a powermeter that is less Mickey Mouse than the iBike. I will wait to see what that fancy new futuristic looking power meter is like - that won't be out until December from all accounts. And of course, we need to see how stupidly overpriced THAT piece of bike weenie crap is.

I am also starting to realize that my cycling experience will be more fun if I ride less, rest more, train more intelligently in order to drope larger hamers. I took a rest day last Tuesday. I was flying this weekend (it's all relative, not to get carried away). But I did hang with the Cat 2/3 studs on Nyack on Sunday, the previous week I was shelled on the Scratchup climb (this is the course KP views through his genetically warped Cat-2-of-the-future eyes as 'pancake flat'). God that's fun.

That makes Pcad feel like a bike racer, even though we all realize he is a Pretender. Aren't we all? On the other hand, I am getting into this TT thing, and who knows? My Nyack sessions may get me itching for a little USCF mass-start madness.

Or maybe not. But I digress. How are those Powertaps? I hear complaints about just about everything in cycling. I am leaning towards a set of Zipp 404 clinchers with an SL rear hub. Never let it be said that Pcad didn't Spring for the Major Bike Schwag.

Let the Pcad Power Meter hand-wringing begin anew.

Fixed that for you.

I will never, repeat NEVER, buy an SRM. Not a friggin chance. I'll estimate my power with a Ouija board first. The reasons are too numerous to list here, but the main reason is that while I enjoy pricey bike schwag as much as the next weenie, there is something incredibly ******** about paying $3K + for a strain guage that only works on one bicycle that I can't support. F that action.

And spare me 'but that's what the pros use' crap. Floyd had a Powertap in the Tour de France. Pros also have a luxury team bus, a mechanic, a private masseuse, a cook, and Johann with a wheel change 100 meters behind them at all times. Pcad has a C02 cartridge and tire levers in his back pocket.

Dude...

I will never, repeat NEVER, buy an SRM. Not a friggin chance. I'll estimate my power with a Ouija board first. The reasons are too numerous to list here.

Incorrect.

Get the SRM. I like my PT and all, but the difference in weight between my old wheelset and this one is noticeable when I pick my bike up. However, I haven't slowed down at all, so I guess it's all relative. It's just nice to pick up a lighter bike :D.

Being a noob with a powermeter, I'm still just riding around and getting used to it....but I am starting to see at what wattages I feel comfortable in certain situations, and I've found it to be MUCH easier to pace myself now when shooting for a particular goal. I did get "the book", and will get around to reading it soon, and will then test myself to find out my actual zones and go from there.

All in all, I'm glad I got one, and can't wait to be able to fully utilize it. If I had the cashola to swing for an SRM, I would've definitely gone that route.

Never.

Never.

Reasons. Now.

I'll estimate my power with a Ouija board first.

Oh, you can do that? Damn, wasted all that money on a PT. Maybe I should get myself some ZIPPs next.

Never.

Famous BF last words (or word).

Sell the ST1300. Plenty of money left over for the SRM. Throttles are for wussy anyway.

Perhaps I'm remembering the stats incorrectly, but isn't the PowerTap line more accurate than SRMs?

http://quarq.us/

This will be the next hot ticket powermeter. Well... we'll see. I'll be going to Interbike and I can report back on it later (if I am allowed).

You could send me a blank check and I could order one at the show for you.

Never.
PCad simply hasn't been convinced that it's a value proposition.

He'll come around!

[and explain himself very well in the process]

:D

-bullseye

I felt "never" about an SRM too. A local coach recently offered to hook me up with one at a deep discount though -- I'll go above PT money for one... Christmas is going to be fun, even if I go with the PT :)

http://quarq.us/

This will be the next hot ticket powermeter. Well... we'll see. I'll be going to Interbike and I can report back on it later (if I am allowed).

You could send me a blank check and I could order one at the show for you.

I do have my eye on this company. I will veto them faster than W rejecting national health insurance if their price is north of $1700 or so - I'd also need a new crankset.

These power meter companies are clearly engaged in the Stupid Bike Weenie Exploding Pockets Test. I can tell, I used to conduct this research with retail car buyers when I sold Mercedes and Jaguars back in the late 1980's. Yes, it's true. Pcad was at one time....

a car salesman.


http://futility.typepad.com/futility/images/0disappointed_1.jpg

But a car salesman with a RHR of <35 can't be all bad.

You Shill...Buy the SRM and stop the hand wringing. You can afford it and will never regret the purchase. Even Mrs Pcad, (with eyes rolling), will approve.

You get this power instrument and the right coach and the NYAC posers will tremble next spring. If I had not spent most of the season off my bike and in medical centers I would be tearing up the roads.

Just do it Pcad...Life is too Friggin short!

What am I shilling for? You guys sound like SRM shills.

So nobody likes their PowerTap? Really?

What am I shilling for? You guys sound like SRM shills.

So nobody likes their PowerTap? Really?

You can race an SRM. Unless you plan to install a Power Tap hub in your Zipps (not recommended) you aren't going to race it...so you'll have to have a separate computer deal just for the Power Tap.

BTW...whenever I go watch amateur races I do get a kick out of everyone staring at whatever stuff they have reading numbers on their bars...and watching them ride into the rider in front or beside them.

As Eddy might say..."Rijden veel."

OK, no real racer actually pays MSRP for their SRM. I got mine through my coach at a fairly decent discount. Second, Quargs have been reported (on Weight Weenies) to be in the range of an SRM Dura Ace. Third, if you stare at your Power Meter during a race (other than maybe a TT...I wouldn't even stare there, though), you're not very smart :(.

I am leaning towards a set of Zipp 404 clinchers with an SL rear hub. Never let it be said that Pcad didn't Spring for the Major Bike Schwag.




Check all3sports.com. I wasn't able to find a cheaper price for a powertap on a Zipp.

Anyway, I have 2 Powertap SL's, one on the road bike (American Classic wheel) and one on the TT bike (808 wheel). I've never used another power meter so I have no basis for comparison and my opinion is somewhat null and void. But that won't stop me from giving an opinion. I like the Powertap but hated the software for the 2 days I used it so I switched to Cycling Peaks.

OK, no real racer actually pays MSRP for their SRM. I got mine through my coach at a fairly decent discount. Second, Quargs have been reported (on Weight Weenies) to be in the range of an SRM Dura Ace. Third, if you stare at your Power Meter during a race (other than maybe a TT...I wouldn't even stare there, though), you're not very smart :(.

A) I am not a real racer anymore, unless you count those hugfest TT's as races, I don't. I have no idea where to get a decent discount on an SRM, and I don't want to join a race team. Pcad is a Lone Wolf. Well, actually, the team I'd like to join won't have me, but that's besides the point. On the other hand I judge a team by how cool the jersey looks so there's another reason why I will never be a 'real racer'. In classic OCP tradition, fashion comes before substance for Pcad.

B) I'm not very smart, we have established that already.

I got a used PT on ebay on a swiss rim. I like it, for what that's worth.

I figured Zipp 404 clinchers with a PT would let me switch between bikes so I can train and TT on them, which is perfect. The extra 200 grams (or whatever it is) doesn't seem too daunting to me. Don't you need a rather pricey second BB strain guage to accomplish that with an SRM? This way my $2500 gets me a wheelset and a PM that can be used on any bicycle (you only need a $60 head unit mounting kit).

Zipp 404's are great wheels, love my 404 tubies, the clinchers look very nice too.

i hated my powertap, i found it to be a piece of crap. i did get good support from them, they send me a new harness free of charge. I get the same good service with my SRM.

I first had the standard PT, then upgraded to an SL. the thing was always going crazy on me. constantly had to be reset losing all the data half way through a ride.

Since i have upgraded to an SRM pro, it is by far a better built and designed power meter than the PT.

I kinda used the same logic PCad.

I purchased my Zipp 404 clincher with a Powertap SL almost a month ago. Granted its a very short period of time and only a little more than 1,000 miles, but I haven't had any problems with it. I also have the 404 tubies.

If you go the retail route, All3sports.com may give you a discount if you call them - ask for Patrick - he had given me the best discount on Zipps when I was pricing them earlier this summer.

If the new quarq is really better after it comes out, just unload the 404 clincher on ebay. :D

I was being way too lazy/unfocused with just HR training and putting in junk miles. The Powertap has helped me gain more focus.

You know you want one :p Just imagine all the posts you can make after you get one and d/l cyclingpeaks. :D

A) I am not a real racer anymore, unless you count those hugfest TT's as races, I don't. I have no idea where to get a decent discount on an SRM, and I don't want to join a race team. Pcad is a Lone Wolf. Well, actually, the team I'd like to join won't have me, but that's besides the point. On the other hand I judge a team by how cool the jersey looks so there's another reason why I will never be a 'real racer'. In classic OCP tradition, fashion comes before substance for Pcad.

B) I'm not very smart, we have established that already.

Sounds like you're an Ergomo man.

OK, no real racer actually pays MSRP for their SRM. I got mine through my coach at a fairly decent discount. Second, Quargs have been reported (on Weight Weenies) to be in the range of an SRM Dura Ace. Third, if you stare at your Power Meter during a race (other than maybe a TT...I wouldn't even stare there, though), you're not very smart :(.

One guy has said that on WW, and a lot of others have speculated that it would be less.

Quarq themselves said their prototype was $2500 total to build. Production units should be WAY less, but then you've got to put some profit and distribution back in to the retail cost.

I doubt it'll be less than a PT, but will end up less than an SRM.

Maybe Apple can come out with a Power Meter, sell the first one to me, and call it iSuck.

What do you think?

Maybe Apple can come out with a Power Meter, sell the first one to me, and call it iSuck.

What do you think?

I thought that's what you and I call our iBikes?

<3 Apple. I'd buy an iFast anyday!

Here's my take on power meters:

(A)you need an undergrad degree from MIT to use the friggin thing properly (please note how many of their major proponents here are doctors or grad students).

(B) The further issue with the iBike is that you need an MIT doctorate to set the stupid thing up and then keep it calibrated properly.

I might be able to muster the patience to deal with (A) but (A) + (B) puts Pcad in the Tech Weenie Overload Zone. Bear in mind that I have strong nostalgia for my running days when the highest tech gizmos I had to master were shoelaces and stopwatches. I find the need to top off my tire air pressure every day or two annoying.

(B) The further issue with the iBike is that you need an MIT doctorate to set the stupid thing up and then keep it calibrated properly.

... I find the need to top off my tire air pressure every day or two annoying.

I sure hope the PowerTap doesn't require keeping my tire pressure within a five pound range, zeroing "ghost winds", mounting a special 100 gram mount for "clean air", recalibrating wind and rolling resistance every time I make changes to my seating position and adjusting my tilt gage daily.

If anyone should be the prima donna here it should be me, the riding wussy, not my electronic gizmo.

PCad, once you get over your fear of the Power meter, let me know, and I will sign you up for our colors right away. It's the only thing you are missing right now!

PCad, once you get over your fear of the Power meter, let me know, and I will sign you up for our colors right away. It's the only thing you are missing right now!

Such presumptuousness! Are you sure your kits are the right color for him, Doc?! :D

PCad, once you get over your fear of the Power meter, let me know, and I will sign you up for our colors right away. It's the only thing you are missing right now!

I was smoking bongs with M. Albert (Dr. W.'s team's sponsor) when Dr. W. was throwing spitballs in high school. I have eschewed Westwood team based on the sheer ugliness of their team kit. I have a bunch of peloton pals on their squad. And now virtual pals thanks to BF.

No team necessary. God forbid. I'm an honorary member of Team Ryanf. And I won't wear those fugly clothes either.

I find it curious that the SRM fans are posting all up and down this thread, but the Powertap supporters are surreptiously sending me private messages. What's UP with that?

Maybe the Powertap dudes are embarrassed they didn't spring for the SRM. Which strikes me as odd, since few bike schwag components scream 'yes I AM that stupid' as loudly as a Dura Ace SRM. Well, maybe Zipp 404's, but I already have those.

Okay, not enough Powertap supporters. I've got a PT SL laced intoa HED Jet 50. I ride it everyday and race it as well. Cheaper than the ZIP 404, but very similar. It does have problems with the HR drop out, but I have the old version. With the new coded HR version, this seems to rarely happen with my teammates. But then again, training with power you don't watch HR much. I really have seen my cycling ability jump this year with proper training and using the PT. Especially made a huge difference to my offseason training on the trainer. My only complaint about the PT is that they still don't have one for a disc wheel. That would be the only reason I would want a SRM. Oh, make sure to get the 'shark fin' receiver as well. I had drop outs with my original receiver. All those went away with the shark fin.

I find it curious that the SRM fans are posting all up and down this thread, but the Powertap supporters are surreptiously sending me private messages. What's UP with that?

Maybe the Powertap dudes are embarrassed they didn't spring for the SRM. Which strikes me as odd, since few bike schwag components scream 'yes I AM that stupid' as loudly as a Dura Ace SRM. Well, maybe Zipp 404's, but I already have those.

Late to the conversation only, not embarrassed by owning a PT. I have a wireless PT laced to American Classic 420's and love it. I've had a great season so far and would have to admit that training with power kept me motivated on days when I might have wussed out. I've done countless hill repeats, intervals, LT rides, tempo rides, etc. and still love to play with the thing. I constantly want to improve my numbers and have seen how beneficial the training has been to me in races. I can only say you will not regret the purchase. That is all.

I find it curious that the SRM fans are posting all up and down this thread, but the Powertap supporters are surreptiously sending me private messages. What's UP with that?

Maybe the Powertap dudes are embarrassed they didn't spring for the SRM. Which strikes me as odd, since few bike schwag components scream 'yes I AM that stupid' as loudly as a Dura Ace SRM. Well, maybe Zipp 404's, but I already have those.

Nothing says "sh*t for brains" more than an Ergomo.

I figured Zipp 404 clinchers with a PT would let me switch between bikes so I can train and TT on them, which is perfect. The extra 200 grams (or whatever it is) doesn't seem too daunting to me. Don't you need a rather pricey second BB strain guage to accomplish that with an SRM? This way my $2500 gets me a wheelset and a PM that can be used on any bicycle (you only need a $60 head unit mounting kit).

Zipp 404's are great wheels, love my 404 tubies, the clinchers look very nice too.

I have PT built on 404 Tubular. I had 404 clinchers before and must say the tubies feel much better. to me..

I have a PT SL on two wheelsets: Mike Garcia Niobium 30s and Zipp 404 Clinchers. The MG wheelset is on my road bike; the 404s are on my TT bike.

--Steve

I have a PT on a CXP33, and I aspire to a 404/SL combo.

I find it curious that the SRM fans are posting all up and down this thread, but the Powertap supporters are surreptiously sending me private messages. What's UP with that?

Maybe the Powertap dudes are embarrassed they didn't spring for the SRM. Which strikes me as odd, since few bike schwag components scream 'yes I AM that stupid' as loudly as a Dura Ace SRM. Well, maybe Zipp 404's, but I already have those.

incorrect.

Traditional SRM cranks are prone to breaking, the DA SRM cranks less so.

I would advise to wait a bit and see how things shake out with Quarq. Apparently, the new wireless SRM and the Quarq (as well as the Garmin 705) are going to be designed to the ANT+Sport wireless standard. So, if you get one of them, you can mix and match sensors and head units. At this point, Powertap seems to be sticking with a proprietary standard.

I would advise to wait a bit and see how things shake out with Quarq. Apparently, the new wireless SRM and the Quarq (as well as the Garmin 705) are going to be designed to the ANT+Sport wireless standard. So, if you get one of them, you can mix and match sensors and head units. At this point, Powertap seems to be sticking with a proprietary standard.

When is Quarq's go-to-market date? I'm pulling the trigger on something for Christmas :D

I find it curious that the SRM fans are posting all up and down this thread, but the Powertap supporters are surreptiously sending me private messages. What's UP with that?

Maybe the Powertap dudes are embarrassed they didn't spring for the SRM. Which strikes me as odd, since few bike schwag components scream 'yes I AM that stupid' as loudly as a Dura Ace SRM. Well, maybe Zipp 404's, but I already have those.

Simply put, if I had the money for an SRM, I'd have an SRM.

When is Quarq's go-to-market date? I'm pulling the trigger on something for Christmas :D

from the web site:


Price:
To be announced at Interbike 2007.

Release Date:
Target December 2007, pending completion of final testing and quality control activities.

Here's an interesting press release from Quarq:

http://quarq.us/images/press_release/Quarq_Press_Release_29-Aug-07.pdf

At the end, it says:

ANT+Sport is a product of ANT™ - a division of Dynastream Innovations Inc., Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. Dynastream is a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin International. (www.thisisant.com) (www.dynastream.com) (www.garmin.com)

Yep, I was just now reading through all that Quarq stuff.

One disadvantage: I'd need to buy new cranks, which will bring the price up a $300-$400.