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Computer in Bike Race?

kimmydctkimmydct
in General Training Discussions
I have my first real bike road race on sat and I'm thinking about not using (or looking at) my bike computer. Since I'm just going to go as hard as I can (20miles) and stay with any other racer, does power matter? I'm thinking it might hold me back cuz if I see high watts, I might think "whoa!! I can't do that!" Or is the power data useful? Thoughts?

Comments

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    I would use it. It's just not fun to ride without power of power is an option.

    Consider this, while you are hanging with the other riders, you look down and see you are 10 watts below your threshold. Now you have the confidence to make your move!

    Even if cover the screen (coward), you will want the data after the race, right?
  • novaavantnovaavant
    It's great to have the data afterwards but while racing I've never found much use for it. You can either cover the breaks or not and looking at your gadget is not going to solve that problem for you on the road. You know your body well enough to know if you are at your absolute limit and the gadget is just validating that fact. Unlike a TT whether it's a road race, crit or cross race there is stuff happening all the time that your have to pay attention to with your eyes and ears. Breaks happen quick and if you're not watching and listening to the gear changes and body movements because you are busy looking at the electronics you will miss out on the race. Just enjoy the experience and review the data later.



    Plus I always found that it held me back when I had the data because I would see the number and automatically pull back. When I didn't have it I would surprise myself after the race and reviewed the data to see I went well past what I thought was my blow up point. Back in my criterium racing days I would put a piece of electrical tape over the screen so I wouldn't have the temptation/distraction to look down and take myself and others out going around a turn.



    You will have a blast and be sure to let us know how you did.
  • ezellrhezellrh
    X2 on what the others said. Even if you don't want the data during the race (which you probably don't), it is priceless for review afterwards. Definitely track that ride.
  • kimmydctkimmydct
    Sorry, I meant ride w/o looking at it. I'd never ride w/o data, that's just plain nuts! Lol

    Thanks guys!
  • Steve WestSteve West
    X3 to have CPU but not looking. Just go crush yourself! Be fun to review your awesomeness after the fact.
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