Joule 2.0 vs Cervo (LYC: Little Yellow Computer)

QuintanaRooster

Leaning towards mating my powertap with one of these.  Have the Garmin Edge 500 presently but I haven't been crazy about it's reliability and the software program is horrible.  Not interested in paying more money for a subscription to Training Peaks and not sure I like the idea of only being able to put WKO on one computer.  I have more than one friend that says the Power Agent software is all that I need.  Anyway, I'd like some opinions on the 2 powertap computers that I have mentioned.  The joule seems like it can give you a ton of information but I wonder how the size of the computer will impact how I have my tri bike set up.    Also, cost is not a factor as I can get a Joule 2.0 for only $50 more than the Cervo. 

Scott Alexander

I thought WKO v3 could be put on multiple computers, if that makes a difference. Someone else with v3 would have to confirm that though, as I haven't upgraded yet.

cwhyte

Depends on your personality and how much data you like to look at during your ride. I finally upgraded to a Joule but it's WAY overkill for me. The YLC is perfectly fine although it currently has an annoying bug (which there is a beta fix for).

Dave Campbell

I upgraded to the Joule and really like it. Before I was always wondering what watts would be 65%, 80%, etc. On the Joule, I don't have to wonder, its staring me right in the face. I'd recommend spending the extra $50.

Tom Glynn

With the latest version of WKO, you can have it installed on two computers. IMHO, the Joule is WAY better than the LYC. It's a little bigger, but should fit on your bars unless you have a really tight fit with other stuff.

Coach Rich

Joule, hands down. I've been riding with real time Pnorm, IF, and TSS for years, first with the Ergomo and now the Joule. It's is extremely valuable information to have and an incredible motivator/whip/ass-kicking to have those numbers in front of you all the time.

Norton

For those of us riding reeeealy long, battery life for the Joule is a concern.

shea211226

What is the battery life concern?  Is there an issue for 4-6 hour rides?  I'm also in the market, and am having touble with the price tag. 

Coach Rich

I did 7hrs+ for Everest Challenge battery life was fine.

Bill, what's the battery life in your experience? Last night I stumbled on a double century in the eastern Sierras outside Bishop, Mammoth, and June Lake in early June, with about 10k of gain. Thinking about doing it, maybe even on the tri bike (ouch)

Norton

Battery life is reportedly good for 20 hours, which is fine for 400k but not-so-hot for 600+k. Wheelbuilder set me up with two extra batteries for 1200k events. We'll see!

Rich, you should be fine (battery life-wise) on a 200 miler, even with that climbing.

Tom Glynn

Bill,

20 hours is three weeks of riding! I think you are one of the few with a battery life problem

John Stark

What Rich said. I love my Joule.

gilliatt

if you had to charge your joule on the go this might work
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/07/going-really-really-really-long-with.html

Nemo Brauch

I recently got a Joule 2.0 and like it quite a bit for trainin rides. Seeing the TSS, IF, and NP "live" has been pretty motivating and valuable. It may be too big for me to fit on my TT bike for race day- but I barely have room for the LYC so I don't think I'm a good benchmark on that issue. But I lived with my LYC for a really long time happy as a clam. So like Chris says- it really depends on what kinda rider you are and if you think you'll want those metrics in your face as you ride.

And yes, WKO 3.0 is now licensed so you can run it on 2 PCs.

Coach Patrick

Joule Joule Joule. As Rich noted, having those real-time numbers really puts your current ride (or race) into complete perspective. It's no competition in my book.

Norton

Posted By Dan Gilliatt on 15 Apr 2011 11:21 AM

if you had to charge your joule on the go this might work

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/07/going-really-really-really-long-with.html

Great link; thanks! I'll follow up and report back for the team's edification.

Bob Irwin

I also have the edge 500, and have been happy with mine. Never had anything else with my PM, so I can't really say how valuable the other metrics are real time. I'm sure they're interesting, but not sure what you'd do with it during a race. Maybe if you're really experienced you could decide to ride above your target watts during a race if your TSS were low. For me, I decided that it was better to stick to target watts - but I'm pretty slow and don't have a lot of room for errors during a race. However, my edge has been very reliable, and I like WKO.