What is One Watt worth to you?

Joe Matchette · November 11, 2012 10:38AM

Saw this link from DCRainmaker's blog --

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/friction-facts-measuring-drivetrain-efficiency-35694/

I don't think one watt is worth $90 for his proprietary chain, but 4 or 5 ..... maybe.

morpheus · November 11, 2012 10:50AM

But if I can figure out a way to use 25 of them at the same time.....

[Deleted User] · November 11, 2012 1:33PM

So basically the method is to get the chain really well cleaned and lubricated? Seems to me that you'll lose all of that after one or two rides outdoors once you get it all dusty and grimy again.

Not a bad business opportunity though!

Carl · November 11, 2012 1:55PM

Great read. So clean your gear properly!!

Gordon Cherwoniak · November 11, 2012 5:04PM

Well for most probably not but if you can get the cumulative advantage from the article:

3 watt for a chain, 1.5 from a pulley and 1 for pedals = 5.5 watts. Now the cost of that could be more than race tires and latex tubes but when you are at the point end of the stick all this stuff matters.

How much harder would we have to work in the OS to get 5.5 watts for me I just need to save some money and eat less.

Gordon

Dino Sarti · November 11, 2012 6:54PM

Thanks for posting!

I think it's gonna take this guy awhile to get his $55k....

cgres123 · November 11, 2012 7:12PM

@ Gordon yep eat less is = no fun.

I'm holding about 185-190 my last IM I was 175 , my wife said I looked like a little boy. I didn't notice any Watt increase... but then again I'm far from the " pointy end of the stick "

Al Truscott · November 11, 2012 7:41PM

@ David ... Losing weight won't get you free watts, but it will increase your w/kg which is just as good on a hillier course. And lighter, you'll also run faster. In your case, if your FTP is 200?, going from 190 to 175 will gain you 8+% in your w/kg; buying 5 watts gives you only 2.5%.

cgres123 · November 12, 2012 5:27AM

@ Al, Thx, yep was at 200 I have not been on the bike since Aug. The concentration is on the legs for this marathon. After Thanksgiving I will start training on the bike some looking forward to the Jan. OS.