PowerTap question
12-05-06, 03:10 PM
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PowerTap question
Pardon my ignorance on this one...a while ago I was in a training program where they had an indoor trainer (CycleOps) that measured power and also gave an analysis/breakdown of my pedal stroke, wherein I could get instantaneous feedback on whether I was exerting more on the left leg versus the right, and when I was laying off of the upstroke. I found this helpful because I could modify my pedaling and immediately see the results. It was good for the indoor training sessions but apparently that muscle memory did not translate into my outdoor riding.
So...does the PowerTap have any facility for this kind of on-the-fly pedal stroke analysis? Does any system (SRM, Ergomo, whatever)? I apparently have some muscular imbalance issues that are causing me knee pain so this kind of analysis I think would be helpful. And since I was thinking about getting a power meter anyway...
(and no, I'm not going to get a fixie).
So...does the PowerTap have any facility for this kind of on-the-fly pedal stroke analysis? Does any system (SRM, Ergomo, whatever)? I apparently have some muscular imbalance issues that are causing me knee pain so this kind of analysis I think would be helpful. And since I was thinking about getting a power meter anyway...
(and no, I'm not going to get a fixie).
12-05-06, 04:49 PM
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The powertap doesnt. I dont think there is a way to get instantaneous feedback directly to a computer. You have to download the data to the computer and analyze it then.
12-05-06, 05:06 PM
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semifreddo amartuerer
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Yeah, that is kind of what I figured. And I should note that the trainer I used was actually a Computrainer, not CycleOps. And poking around a bit, it seems like that's the only trainer that does this graphical pedal stroke thing...??!?
12-05-06, 06:36 PM
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Bleh. Even if it does, given the reviews of the Polar for power measurement, I'm not sure it's even a candidate.
I want to keep it around $1000. The current list of stuff I'm considering is:
- possibly used PowerTap + basic trainer
- new Tacx Flow/iMagic trainer
- used and (heavily discounted
) Computrainer (probably not realistic, but would be nice!)
- new TravelTrac RealAxiom trainer
Of those, as far as I know, the Computrainer is the only one with the pedal stroke thing. I'm not sure it's really useful; it *seems* like it would be, especially for leg strength imbalances...but I don't know what the gurus say on that.
The PowerTap seems like the most versatile choice, because it can be used indoors or out, and I do (well, used to do...) most of my training outdoors. But I like the fact that the Tacx, Computrainer, and RealAxiom can do "programmed" rides, change the resistance in a semi-realistic way, have virtual races, stuff like that.
I want to keep it around $1000. The current list of stuff I'm considering is:
- possibly used PowerTap + basic trainer
- new Tacx Flow/iMagic trainer
- used and (heavily discounted
) Computrainer (probably not realistic, but would be nice!)- new TravelTrac RealAxiom trainer
Of those, as far as I know, the Computrainer is the only one with the pedal stroke thing. I'm not sure it's really useful; it *seems* like it would be, especially for leg strength imbalances...but I don't know what the gurus say on that.
The PowerTap seems like the most versatile choice, because it can be used indoors or out, and I do (well, used to do...) most of my training outdoors. But I like the fact that the Tacx, Computrainer, and RealAxiom can do "programmed" rides, change the resistance in a semi-realistic way, have virtual races, stuff like that.
12-05-06, 10:30 PM
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I've got a Powertap and a Tacx Fortius, yes I know it's overkill but I'm a technology geek. The Powertap is probably the best value especially for you living in California. You get good weather all the time I live in Minnesota and have a heck of a time riding inside no matter if it's doing spinervals or *fill in the blank*
Then I bought a Fortius in November. Holy crap, it's amazing. Yes there are some minor issues being that it was designed in Europe and the conversion between the two power system has some minor negative effects in the US. For example, currently if you go over around 28 MPH it's a complete and utter struggle. You almost feel as you a pedaling squares because of the motobrake can't keep up. They suggest that working on a higher cadence and this does work. If you get over the fact that you may only be going 25 MPH on a -5% grade it really isn't a big deal. Another complaint is that if you try to do critical power testing I've had a heck of a time using the Fortius to get a good power reading if trying to get times under about 30 seconds. 1 minute and longer is pretty accurate vs my powertap. If you get by these small things, the fact you can pop in a Real Life Video of all kinds of places in Europe and ride with the resistance changing based on terrain or use a VR world rider with the same things and then go back and ride against yourself basically its amazing. I've done already 3 2hr 45min rides in November this year. My previous max for indoors was about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you live in a place where you have to ride inside and get bored, I've pony up the money for the Fortius.
I live in Minnesota and have a heck of a time riding inside no matter if it's doing spinervals or *fill in the blank* Then I bought a Fortius in November. Holy crap, it's amazing. Yes there are some minor issues being that it was designed in Europe and the conversion between the two power system has some minor negative effects in the US. For example, currently if you go over around 28 MPH it's a complete and utter struggle. You almost feel as you a pedaling squares because of the motobrake can't keep up. They suggest that working on a higher cadence and this does work. If you get over the fact that you may only be going 25 MPH on a -5% grade it really isn't a big deal. Another complaint is that if you try to do critical power testing I've had a heck of a time using the Fortius to get a good power reading if trying to get times under about 30 seconds. 1 minute and longer is pretty accurate vs my powertap. If you get by these small things, the fact you can pop in a Real Life Video of all kinds of places in Europe and ride with the resistance changing based on terrain or use a VR world rider with the same things and then go back and ride against yourself basically its amazing. I've done already 3 2hr 45min rides in November this year. My previous max for indoors was about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you live in a place where you have to ride inside and get bored, I've pony up the money for the Fortius.
