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Recommended Bike Computer for PT powermeter and then WKO?

wareagledustywareagledusty
in General Training Discussions

Hi all,

Two questions to help me get ready to start training with power this offseason. 

 

  1. Is there a recommened bike computer or head unit I need to effectively use power for my training rides?  I have a Powertap powermeter but it didn't come with a computer.  I do have a Garmin 310XT - Is that sufficient or do I need to add a dedicated bike computer like the Joule or Garmin 500?  One reason I hesitate about the Joule or PowerTap is that they don't seem to work with the Garmin heart rate monitors.  I don't want to have to try and merge all the data if I don't have to.
  2. I don't have a computer that will run the WKO software (I have all Macs at home) I hate to buy the windows software, virus software and then a virtual machine SW package to run on my MacBook.  By the time I do that cost wise I think it might be cheaper to buy a basic windows machine and dedicate it for WKO etc.  Would a basic Netbook suffice for this purpose?

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

dusty

Comments

  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al
    Many use the 310XT and like it very much. I use a Joule and it has some advantages such as real time TSS, IF etc that is not available on a Garmin.

    You may want to ride with the 310XT for a while and see how you like it before spending more money on more stuff.

    P.S. The Garmin heart rate strap works fine with the PowerTap, the little yellow computer that usually comes with the PowerTap and the Joule. I ride with the Joule and run with a Garmin 405 while wearing a Garmin HR strap and never loose a beat.
  • niemsconiemsco
    You could ride with the 310xt, but I suggest you get the quick release strap and mount it on your stem, then easily switch to your wrist on the run.

    I roll with the garmin 500 on the stem and 310xt just stays with me from the swim to the end. I use the 500 on road, mtb, and TT and don't necessarily have my 310xt on me when I train on these. A bit overboard but has been useful for me.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I've got and love the Joule but Al and Scott have good points. As to the computer, have a Mac, but put all my sports stuff on an old PC. So I've got Garmin, WKO and CT software on it. It's just easier.

    There was a recent thread talking about netbooks for WKO. They seem to work really well. I can dig up the link if you want.

    Tom
  • wareagledustywareagledusty

    thanks all!  I'll stick with the 310 for a while and see how it goes. 

    Tom, thanks I'll start searching for the netbook thread.

  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn

     Here is the latest thread endurancenation.us.dnnmax.com/Commu...aspx#46084

     

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