Originally Posted by
bonsai171
Has anybody compared Strava's average power numbers to an actual power meter? I dont really expect Strava's numbers to be accurate, but am curious if they are high or low compared to a power meter.
Dave
Totally useless.
Consider this: Strava has no idea if you're riding with a 10 mph headwind or a 10 mph tailwind. Strava doesn't know if you're riding 28cm gatorskins with butyl, or 25mm corsa speed tubeless. Strava doesn't know if you're solo or in a 100 person peloton. Doesn't know if the road is horrific chip and seal or new pristine asphalt. Doesn't know if you're sitting bolt upright riding with no hands or are in the supertuck position, if you're wearing a puffy jacket or a skinsuit.
All of those things matter
significantly in power output needed for a given speed.
To show an extreme example: I've done the same power going 20 miles in an hour as I have going 31.5 miles in an hour. Strava's estimate differs by about 200 watts...