power decrease road to tri?

climbhard00

So I just got my first Tri bike and jumped on the trainer via Trainer Road for Tuesday's workout. My FTP goal is 200 and has been getting easier to maintain on my road bike. When I did the workout on the tri bike however, it was much harder to maintain 200watts! I was consistently 10watts lower. I have a good fit on the bike and I have no doubt down in aero less watts will still = the same or more speed, but is this normal or should I tweak something here?!?

 

THANKS ALL!

Joe Matchette

Jonathon -- It could very well be "normal". The geometry of the two bikes is different, so it is reasonable to expect some changes.

There have been a number of threads recently about the changes between bikes, as well as indoors vs outdoors, so it might be worthwhile to just peruse a few of those.

Are you in the Outseason, or are you training for the Half already? IF in the OS, then I would just pick whichever bike you want and stick with it. When it comes time to start doing 'race-specific' training, then we can start talking about which bike to use, what is the most economical way to train w/ power outside, what to do if that is *not* an option (as it is definitely not required in order to have a great race), etc.

Hope this helps.

climbhard00

Definitely helps. Great advice. Thanks Joe!

In the OS. The first 'big race' (70.3) isn't until Mid May. The urge to ride was purely out of giddiness and excitement of the new ride!

So you'd recommend sticking to just the road for the OS? (90% of my workouts are inside for this OS, even though I'm in Nor Cal. I like using trainer road and am only using Virtual power for now).

Joe Matchette

(PERSONAL OPINION) I do the OS exclusively on my Tri Bike. That's just me....and a few others...but definitely no 'consensus' in Da Haus. For me, I want to work to generate the most power I can **on that bike, in the aero position**. I do almost 100% of the intervals 'locked in the aero bars' just like you will do on your upcoming ABP rides once you start the HIM training.

But, there is no wrong answer. Getting the work done is the PRIMARY consideration. IF that means on your roadbike for now, cool beans. (i.e. less mental cost, more desire to get on the bike and do the workout, easier to swap for the occasional outdoor ride, etc....go with it and don't overthink it).

jaleslie

Jonathan...very common question.  See this thread, where I posted a similar (but not identical....the point/lesson is the same though):

http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/13966/Default.aspx

As you'll see from the responses of WSM Al and others with much more experience than me, I think the summary answer to your question is:  not surprising, not unusual, adapt, adjust and overcome!  

I'm still trying to figure out what my numbers REALLY do moving from TT bike to road bike, outside vs. on trainer.  I never ride the road bike on the trainer though (one less factor to have to deal with!).  As Al pointed out, some of us have to have 3 or 4 FTPs depending on the bike and environment.  Nevermind the potential for drastic elevation changes!  

Hope this helps.  I think there are some other similar threads floating around (check the power forum) with similar questions/dilemmas. 

And finally, I still hate the trainer.   

Gaudir8

I have them same drop off from my road bike to tri bike but when you are outside you will see you still are likely FASTER pushing less watts.

GMAN 19030

100% of my trainer riding is done on my road bike. Pretty much 100% of my outdoor riding is done on my tri bike. I can generate maybe 5% more power sitting up compared to aero. I can swap between the two pretty easily as I have my seat angle adjusted similarly. The only body adaptation I need is getting the neck used to the aero position but that only takes a few rides.

climbhard00

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Very helpful for this noob!

Coach Rich

As others have said, very common and will be a common topic when people start coming outside in ~April and riding their tri bikes. Then you've got the indoor vs outdoor watts, road bike vs tri bike watts conversations :-)

cgres123

Adding one more thing IMO I find that 10 watts is about the difference between the two bikes without a test this is a good BALLpark number to keep in mind if you don't have time to test.