Difference in numbers

mason066

I'm sorry if this is posted somewhere else, did a quick run through and couldn't find it anywhere.

My question is, I just got a Cycleops Joule to go along with my brand new powermeter, and the watts on it are always 60 watts higher than what it says I'm doing in Trainer Road.  I look at them side by side and it's almost 60 watts perfectly for an entire workout.  As a total noob, what am I doing wrong?

Dino Sarti

How do you have Trainer Road set up? Are you using their "virtual power" with your trainer or are you using an ANT+ USB stick thus letting your PC/Trainer Road communicate with your power meter? You will also need to par them just like you did with your power meter and Joule. If you are using an ANT+ USB stick the numbers on Traner Road and your Joule should match very closely as long as you are using either instant power or the same rounding, like 3 second power, on both.



If you are using virtual power, TR is making guesses and will not be nearly as precise as your true power meter reading as shown on your Joule. Virtual power can then even be influenced by things like tire inflation and how tight your wheel is attached to the trainer.



My gut tells me that with a 60 watt variance you are not using ANT+ USB stick or TR is set to "virtual power".... Am I right?

Joseph Lombardi

 Make sure in your trainerroad profile, and in devices it is set to PowerMeter and not Virtual Power...I had this issue and that was the cause.

mason066

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. In looking at my TR account, I have the option of Power/Virtual Power, or Heart Rate. But the power/virtual power is one option. I can't find where I can just select powermeter.

Dino Sarti

Do you you have ANT+ USB stick? Select power and then there is tab along the top to pair the meter...

Joseph Lombardi

 Select Power...that what you want ....that represents Powermeter data... if it was on Virtual Power that is where your discrepency is........

Exactly the issue I had.

mason066

I somehow am not doing something right because the only option I see is Power/Virtual Power as one button. I have my ant+ hooked up and my power meter is registering as well as my speed/cadence sensor. But my numbers are still off. It's not a huge deal, as long as I train consistent with one set of the numbers, I'm still pushing myself pretty hard with those numbers each day so it's not like I'm not getting a good workout.

Rumpole

You want the powertap so your indoor and outdoor numbers match. Over the long term, that data can tell you a lot about your ability. Plus you paid for the shiny widget--might as well use it.

Coach Rich

Don't know nuthin' about TR, but you absolutely want the Powertap to be the device/system that you pay attention. Once you have a powermeter on the bike, any other fancy trainer-type equipment (Computrainer, TR, etc) becomes a venue, not a powermeter device. The on-the-bike system is your go-to primary device.

Joseph Lombardi

First question...are you saying the Watts on TR are Lower by 60?...

Second; Where are you looking on TR and seeing power/virtual power?  Are you looking under Account and Profile?  In there your choice should be Powermeter or a big dropdown list of Trainers....Make sure you have PowerMeter selected....this is on the www.Trainer Road Homepage....not the TrainerRoad that pops up on your desktop to start a workout............

My guess is that you have your Trainer selected in your profile..not powermeter....

mason066

LIGHTBULB!!! Oh my gosh, thank you so much Joseph! I finally figured it out and now it matches perfectly! Oh man I owe you big time!!!

Joseph Lombardi

You are more than welcome Jason!  Rock on!  Good Luck...and enjoy.