substructure

I have a real, long, nasty, hilly race coming up soon. The PT has added significant weight to the bike. Should I switch wheels without the PT just to give me that little extra weight reduction? OR will the PT benefits outweigh the added weight?

ridethecliche

Data> Weight.

ZeCanon

Especially if it's not an A race, use the powertap. The data from races is very useful.

If it's an A race, your only goal is to win. If the powertap won't help you win that specific race, then don't use it.

substructure

That's the thing. I did well last year as a 4. I didn't use the PT. This race could really add some points to my upgrade if I do well - and I think I can.

wfrogge

Its rare that a PT will help you win any race except for a TT.

Flatballer

Oh, ok. That's a lot better.

ZeCanon

Exactly.

If you think you could do really well, go without the powertap. You can always get race data from less important races.

ridethecliche

I still think that it's worth it to use the PT.

How much more weight are we talking?

substructure

Wheels + PT seems to be 3 pounds more or so.

I may be over thinking it. But I haven't done this race as a 3 and I heard it's attack after attack on the massive climb back to the finish line.

ridethecliche

Woah.

3 lbs is pretty significant, I figured it might be a pound at the most.

I'd still like the data aspect of things, but if it is a hilly race then the weight will matter.

asgelle

I just weighed it. Full up wheel taken off bike as ridden (wheel, cassette, tire, tube, skewers). Power Tap Pro (original non-CF model) - 62.2 oz., FSA RD-400 - 53.2 oz.

substructure

Yeah, see I had carbon wheels and the lot. This thing is wired and laced to heavier wheels. It really jumped in weight. I'd like to put the PT on another set of wheels but my wife's job is up in the air and it wouldn't be a wise decision right now.

wfrogge

Power data really matters for training not so much for racing IMHO. I dont see myself using the PT for many races this year (if any). Ill run the PT head in computer mode.

ridethecliche

I think having power data from a race helps look at training. You can go back and reverse analyze what you were doing right/wrong, whether you attacked at the right time, how close you were to your limit, where you pulled when you shouldn't have, etc etc etc.

The biggest plus is that you can train using your power data to work on your weaknesses if there's a particular pattern that emerges from your races. So you can 'race simulate' so you fare better the next time.

I wouldn't even look at the meter during a race, I plan on taping mine up before races or just not looking at all (hard for me).

waterrockets 

Yeah, I've gotten a lot of useful info from race data. Especially since my race strategy involves a 100% maximal effort of 1 minute, I can compare my ability at the end of a race to my ability when fresh and testing.

Apus^2

Stomp tests--is there an optimum gear combination?

waterrockets 

To get more precision in the torque value, I go small ring, big cog. I also slowly roll the bike back and forth so the crankarm passes through being truly level. I average a few max value readings with random wheel rotation spins between them.

umd

what is a typical "good" IF for a 3 hour road race?

substructure

I upload my PT data to TrainingPeaks software. However, it's at work. How can I upload this info onto my home computer this weekend in order to transfer it to my work computer on Monday?

TideCrazy3193

You don't have to. Your PT head will save them as different days and rides. I don't really remember up to how many hours though. It's a fairly good bit though.

substructure

Thanks. I just can't clear anything, huh?

wolfpack 

no, if you clear the PT head, you clear all the ride data. trust me i know - thought i had one saved on the computer, cleared the data and then found out i hadn't saved the file before closing WKO.

substructure

Tanx

Or .... Can one upload into PowerAgent, export as a csv file, then import into WKO+?

I could try that. Just not sure about data integrity.

umd

Yeah, when I borrowed a PT for a week I imported into PowerAgent and then exported to WKO. Although I did do several rides a day and reset in between and had no problems importing it later.

substructure

Maybe if you hold both buttons down for a given time it clears everything. I dunno. Kind of afraid to try it.