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Power up, MPH down???

Jonas McCluskeyJonas McCluskey
in General Training Discussions

Hello Folks,

Man I'm baffled.  Worked my tail off this winter in my pain cave on the bike, have seen very nice gains of power from last fall that have translated to around 15 watts or an 8% (hitting 200 watts, vs 185 watts) increase in power on a 56.1 mile ride.  Plus improving my 13.1 run time after biking these increased watts.  However, while my watts have gone up, my MPH for the (3) 56.1 mile rides I've done this spring/early summer have all been 1 mph less compare to my average speed last year (from 21.5 to 20.5)? 

1. Maybe I'm screwing something up, but I know I'm more cognoscente of, and more aero than ever.

2. My brakes are not dragging image.

3. My weight is the exact same as last year.

Could there be another problem w/ my bike?  I'm using the same wheelbuilder.com aero jacket on my rear wheel as I was last year.  Front wheel is the same as well (rim that came w/ my Cannondale Slice).  Is it possible to increase power, and lose mph???

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Jonas McCluskey

 

 

 

Comments

  • RumpoleRumpole
    So hard to say--what is your VI for these rides? same as last year? is the power AP or NP? new helmet? change in position? wind on a given day?
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    We need to sort out the admin stuff first:

    • Are you comparing indoors to indoors, outdoors to outdoors watts?
    • Different or the same PM systems?
    • Are the wheels/GPS/speed and distance measuring systems the same? If yes, do you have the wheelsize entered correctly?
    • Same/similar wind conditions.

    IOW, confirm that you've got all of ^these^ variables accounted for. 

  • Bob IrwinBob Irwin
    Are you using the same tires and tubes? Are they inflated the same? Change your position, or anything hanging off your bike?
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    Position matters a lot. Any chance you've made a subtle change in position that might be helping you put out a few more watts but has a negative aerodynamic impact? If your position was already pretty good, it's a little hard to predict the effect of other changes.
  • Jonas McCluskeyJonas McCluskey

    Hi Chris,

    Answers to your questions / thoughts below.

    VI in 2013 = 1.02

    VI in 2014 = 1.013

    Power is norm power.

    I do have a new helmet, last year I had a Lazer Tardiz, had a crash in Sep. so had to replace, purchased a Louis Garneau Vorticce.  Man, I hope that is not the problem, love that helmet.

    Seat height adjustment ½ cm up, made like back in Feb. 

    I must admit, it seems like the wind has not been kind to me this year, but don’t we all feel like that every ride J.

    Thanks for your questions and thoughts!

    Jonas

  • Jonas McCluskeyJonas McCluskey

    Hey Rich,

    These are all outdoor mph & power readings.

    Everything the same as far as the power meter goes, hub & Garmin same as last year.

    Outside of setting up the Garmin when I first received I’ve never checked the wheel size again, I’ll do that as soon as I can tonight.  Maybe something blipped?

    On average I’d have to say my (3) 56 mile rides this year have been a little windier than normal.

    Thank you,

    Jonas

  • cgres123cgres123
    I suggest if your FTP is up you are stronger. You tested under the same circumstances same bike same weight and made a nice jump in FTP, good for you.

    The ride was one with wind that is a HUGE difference. If you spent a few more minutes in the drops, kept your body leaning forward or stood up to power on or rest your butt these things will have an effect on you too.

    I would not be concerned about it as the variables ^^^^^ will drive you crazy. To be sure you have increased your FTP with the training plan as expected don't get hung up on speed cuz you will not be racing looking at MPH, you will be looking at % of watts.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Like David say, power is power, you are stronger, I think you're just trying to compare windy vs non-windy days. The only thing I track, from ride to ride, are power numbers...unless it has a lot of climbing = wind is less of an issue on final speed, in which case I'll check out Strava to see how I'm doing relative to other rides of the same segment.
  • Jonas McCluskeyJonas McCluskey

    Gotcha guys.  Power, Power, Power image.  Thanks for putting my mind at ease.  Now back to making more power.

     Jonas

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Posted By Jonas McCluskey on 14 Jun 2014 04:16 AM

    Gotcha guys.  Power, Power, Power .  Thanks for putting my mind at ease.  Now back to making more power.

     Jonas

    Or...just go for a ride with locals who knew Pre-EN Jonas. See what they have to say about how slow you are 

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