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watts on a compact are the same watts on a standard, right

morpheusmorpheus
in General Training Discussions

 Let's say my FTP is 240 right now.

Goal race is IMFL.

Been using a Quarq PM on a SRAM compact for the last year.  I live, train, and usually race with hills, 12-27 on the back.

Since FL is so flat, should I consider putting my TT rings on again (at least for the race day) and borrowing someone's powertap for the back wheel 

would it help my speed covering the distance at the same output

or would it sabotage my run

(sorry, one day I'll get this keyboard fixed and get the 'question mark' key back)

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    The borrowed PT will have diff numbers than your Quarq/joule combo, so you'd have to test/workout with it ahead of time to know what the differences are. I'd stick with the compact quarq and get an 11-21 or 11-23 cassette for your rear wheel.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    What Scott said. Watts are watts, yes, but small differences in calibration between a quarq and a PT could mean that the same leg output could read 5 - 10 watts different. Not worth the variability. Besides, a 50/11 is a bigger gear than a 53/12. Just roll an 11-21.
  • morpheusmorpheus
    got it, I was definitely going to swap cassettes. I'll opt to keep the compact, no need in making the 'things to do' list any longer.

    thanks
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    Yup. Plus a cassette is cheap and nice to have around.
  • kjanracingkjanracing
    A PT will account for the losses between the crank and rear wheel, so you may see a lower power number from the PT. Probably not enough to affect your "numbers" if the drivetrain is well maintained.
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