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Power difference between bikes?

Jeff CornickJeff Cornick
in General Training Discussions
I just recently got a road bike as I've only had a tri bike before.  

Will I see a close correlation on power between the roadie and tri or will they be completely different numbers?  

From what I've seen so far (on my own workouts) they must be pretty close but am curious because it's a different position.  
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Comments

  • Annika GillgrenAnnika Gillgren
    Depends I think - many variables including position and you're handling/comfort on the bike.

    I started on a road bike -then got a TT later.  When I first got the TT my FTP was about 5% lower on it -- but didn't mind as with the aero gains I was slightly faster regardless.  Not sure if there is still a difference now I'm more used to the bike/position as I haven't put the power meter on the roadie for a while.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    @JeffCornick - I only had a tri bike for 15 years or so. When I got my road bike 2.5 yrs ago, I noticed it was a lot "easier" to ride steady @, say, 0.75-0.85 than it was on the TT. I don't know if my FTP was any higher, but I do know the different position allowed me to engage more of my leg and butt muscles than in the aero position. That said, there is no question that, watt for watt, the TT bike will always be faster. The way that plays out for me is I use less power to go the same speed on my TT bike. And my HR is lower.

    Bottom line, I would not use the power numbers I generate and hold on my road bike as a guide to what I will be able to do racing in a triathlon on my TT bike. 
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    There's a difference, at least at first. When I shift from road bike to tri bike full-time, pre-race (at least 6 weeks out), it takes some times for the muscles to adapt to the new position and then I start to push the same wattage on the tri bike as I did on the road bike.

    But, like Al said, the tri bike will be faster...in most situations, IMO.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I find I can generate more watts on my road bike. I just sit up higher and engage my hips/glutes more I think.  You may also find a difference between your power meters event though they are both accurate and calibrated.  Pedal based meters should read higher than hub based meters, for example. 

    As Al noted, you should always be faster on your TT bike.
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