Powertap or no Powertap?
10-05-09, 12:31 PM
#26
Senior Member
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I had to sacrifice on using nice wheels and light carbon bike in lieu of a bike that I use more, my ti bike which I use for commuting, rain, so that i could maximize "training" whenever possible. Heeding on Water Rockets example I used my short commute of 7-8 miles to use for interval training. This works for me rather than a dedicated training day, any ride could be a training ride. My SRAM Red Zipp 404 tubular weight weenie carbon bike is hardly getting any use but I may succomb to a :gasp" iBike so I can always be riding the weekend rides and training with power as well.
Of course, now there's the new Speedplay pedal power device due out first quarter of 2010...decisions, decisions.
10-05-09, 12:55 PM
#27
Dirt-riding heretic
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I am thinking about the iBike as well. Reviews I have read seem to indicate the newest version has dealt with problems of earlier versions, and comparison graphs I have seen show it tracks well against the PT and SRM, except for some occasional anomalies (e.g,. the iBike reads lower on maximum effort, short stuff like sprints) that won't matter much to be. I couldn't care less whether I actually hit 875.33 watts on my last sprint, but whether the device is consistent enough to let me gauge improvement over time.
Of course, now there's the new Speedplay pedal power device due out first quarter of 2010...decisions, decisions.
Of course, now there's the new Speedplay pedal power device due out first quarter of 2010...decisions, decisions.
__________________
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
10-05-09, 01:07 PM
#29
Ho-Jahm
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Every time I look at mine it says "nope, still slow". It's nice to know the information when you're seeing improvements, have the motivation for intervals and for long term planning, but after a downturn in your fitness it can be depressing.
Also it helps to be really fascinated with numbers.
Also it helps to be really fascinated with numbers.
10-05-09, 02:22 PM
#30
Headset-press carrier
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Corrales New Mexico
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I am thinking about the iBike as well. Reviews I have read seem to indicate the newest version has dealt with problems of earlier versions, and comparison graphs I have seen show it tracks well against the PT and SRM, except for some occasional anomalies (e.g,. the iBike reads lower on maximum effort, short stuff like sprints) that won't matter much to be. I couldn't care less whether I actually hit 875.33 watts on my last sprint, but whether the device is consistent enough to let me gauge improvement over time.
Of course, now there's the new Speedplay pedal power device due out first quarter of 2010...decisions, decisions.
Of course, now there's the new Speedplay pedal power device due out first quarter of 2010...decisions, decisions.
For me it makes $ sense because I already have a PT in the bike that I ride everyday. I am a not crit racer where 15 second wattage matters. I am also very interested in grade readings and to shell for a 705 plus a PT or Quarq is not in my budget.
Anyway I really do not have business with the PT in the first place, sort of just fell into it and has changed the way I cycle and has improved me since July quite remarkably. I just needed a wheel and for the price of an Open pro plus a decent cyclocomputer, it was no brainer for me to get it. The problem is I can't go back to not having it
10-06-09, 12:15 AM
#31
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this is a good point. I don't have experience with the powertap itself, but a similar thing (for rowing - its called a speed coach - it tells you speed and stroke rate). I find it's only really useful when rowing alone, when there aren't other people around for instantaneous comparison or to push you to go faster.
10-06-09, 04:09 AM
#32
Peloton Shelter Dog
The iBike is an utter and complete waste of time and money. I know, I had one.
Powertap, you can buy them used for cheap.
Powertap, you can buy them used for cheap.
