Trainer vs. new wheelset vs. Powetap - What's most benificial to an aspiring racer?
11-10-09, 08:46 AM
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Trainer vs. new wheelset vs. Powetap - What's most benificial to an aspiring racer?
Starting riding in August, and I would like to attempt some racing next year.
I'm riding a 2010 Tarmac with the stock Mavic CX22 wheel set with generic Specialized hubs.
What "upgrade" do you guys think would be the most valuable to improving my riding? IIRC, my wheel set and tires weigh in around 2000g as they sit. The wheels I'm considering building would come in around 1400g.
The Powertap, although I'm totally unfamiliar with, sounds to be the best training tool for improvement.
Trainer would allow me to include more riding, and more importantly, interval training, more conveniently.
I'll betaking some time off ( whole 'nother thread
), and then plan on instituting a training schedule the first week of January. As of now, I've been riding about 120 miles a week, 3 days a week.
Well, what do you guys think?
I'm riding a 2010 Tarmac with the stock Mavic CX22 wheel set with generic Specialized hubs.
What "upgrade" do you guys think would be the most valuable to improving my riding? IIRC, my wheel set and tires weigh in around 2000g as they sit. The wheels I'm considering building would come in around 1400g.
The Powertap, although I'm totally unfamiliar with, sounds to be the best training tool for improvement.
Trainer would allow me to include more riding, and more importantly, interval training, more conveniently.
I'll betaking some time off ( whole 'nother thread
), and then plan on instituting a training schedule the first week of January. As of now, I've been riding about 120 miles a week, 3 days a week.Well, what do you guys think?
11-10-09, 08:54 AM
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I don't like riding on a trainer myself, but based on your description the trainer will allow you to ride more. This is probably your best option, with the Powertap being second. The new wheels might motivate you to ride more and provide a small performance increase, but the other two options will continue to provide performance increases as long as you use them.
11-10-09, 08:57 AM
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Upgrade your riding partners. The best way to improve is to ride with people who are better and faster riders than you are. Usually it's free!
11-10-09, 09:00 AM
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11-10-09, 09:11 AM
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Trainer. PT or wheels will not help if your not riding.
11-10-09, 09:30 AM
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Save enough on the powertap to afford both it and a trainer.
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11-10-09, 11:02 AM
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11-10-09, 11:19 AM
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+1 on PT and of course the head unit and software. I use the 705 (ebay) and SportTracks (free). Then get a decent trainer if getting outside will be an issue. I'd also recommend a core training program. I spent almost as much on the gym in my garage as I did on the PT and it was money well spent. GL
11-10-09, 12:46 PM
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+1 on PT and of course the head unit and software. I use the 705 (ebay) and SportTracks (free). Then get a decent trainer if getting outside will be an issue. I'd also recommend a core training program. I spent almost as much on the gym in my garage as I did on the PT and it was money well spent. GL
Yeah, I have a home gym as well. I do think I need to get a few pieces - namely a squat rack as well as the leg attachment (for doing leg curls and ham extensions ) for my bench.
11-10-09, 01:57 PM
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Get a copy of "The Cyclist's Training Bible". by Joe Friel (if you haven't already). Spend a week or two reading the book and coming up with a purposeful plan for next season.
11-10-09, 02:22 PM
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When in doubt the answer to any question is always "-3".
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11-10-09, 02:25 PM
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Well in that case, and I'm not being facetious, you should ask them. I mean that sincerely. There would be no one better to give you advice than the very experienced people you already ride with.
11-10-09, 04:04 PM
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Nice. I wish I had room for one but the bikes on the wall take up that space. For now I do the squat presses with the PowerBlocks. Some day...
11-10-09, 04:33 PM
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11-10-09, 05:08 PM
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Well you live in Colorado, your winters will probably keep you indoors. I would try to get a trainer and a PT.
11-10-09, 05:17 PM
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Buy my MTB and train outdoors throughout the winter.
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11-10-09, 06:56 PM
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11-10-09, 07:16 PM
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11-11-09, 08:53 PM
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Welcome to the club, I'm in the market for a powertap as well. I got rollers instead because I figured it would teach me better handling. The worst part is I am starting college and have a job with little hours so my spending is very limited. I think I will be selling every other thing I own to buy the PT. Have you considered getting a PT built into a wheelset? Pricewise it is more but they seem to have great deals.