Power Meter Accuracy & Precision

Rich Stanbaugh

This article was posted in the WKO forum on FB. I found it really interesting. 
https://roadcyclinguk.com/how-to/fitness-nutrition/power-meter-really-telling-think.html#oTBSEO44rbPM2WV0.97 

There are not enough samples on some of the power meters to draw meaningful conclusions (my opinion). And the author does not credit the underlying research (link below) which I haven't paid the $40 to download and read. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28482367 

Nonetheless - it is pretty interesting and provides some insights into what to expect from some power meters.

Shaughn Simmons

Those articles do a great job of documenting and laying out what we all have seen over the years when comparing different tools across the board.  Thanks for posting.

Bottom line is that the most relevant focus should be on selecting a tool, defining a baseline with that tool and measuring progress against that baseline using the same tool over time.  Very easy to get distracted comparing, for example, P1 PT power output outside to a KiCker indoor trainer power output but not helpful nor relevant to measuring fitness progress.....

SS

Ian Kurth

Direct from the source.  Have at it kids...  

Scott Moir

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but I'll start here.

Just switched from a Quarq power meter to a Pioneer. Not the best timing as I'm 3 weeks out from Chattanooga, but the new bike was delayed. 

My question is.... Shall I assume that the readings I get from the Pioneer will be similar to those I got from my Quarq? Or, is a watt a watt? 

Just trying to figure out if I need to somehow figure out what the same ride on one bike would look like on the new bike with the new meter. 

Hope this question is clear and thanks in advance for input.

Al Truscott

Scott Moir said:

My question is.... Shall I assume that the readings I get from the Pioneer will be similar to those I got from my Quarq? Or, is a watt a watt? 

It would be pure luck if, after changing bikes AND power meters, your FTP with the new set-up is the same as the old. Your *fitness* is still the same, of course, but power meter readings vary from device to device, even if they are the exact same brand and model.

The safest thing to do, IMO, is an FTP test with the new set-up about ten days before your race, i.e., on the Tuesday after your final race rehearsal, in lieu of whatever bike interval workout is scheduled during that taper week.

Scott Moir

Thanks, Al. I thought the same thing, but was hoping it wouldn't come to that! Probably the safest/most accurate way to try to make correlate the devices.