Originally Posted by
spelger
i've seen this question come up from time to time and the same two answers generally are given:
- estimated power is not all that bad but...
- estimated power is crap because...
regardless of the answer my question is how do you know? i have my own doubts about their estimated power which, ironically, is mostly due to the reasons that both camps give. the only way i can see to get an honest answer is to upload a ride without power data and compare with the same ride containing power data. has anyone done that? it falls on someone with a power meter to do this. if i had one i'd give it a whirl just to see.
We know because we have actual power meters.
Yes, many times.
Can also get an idea from comparing group rides from similar riders with and without power meters, or even comparing strava segments.
Suffice to say, it isn't an argument. Estimated power is absolutely nothing to pay attention, to. Anyone claiming it's "not that bad" simply doesn't understand what affects power, and why even small deviations can impact training and performance if power is being used for that.