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Spiking watts

zildgenzildgen
in General Training Discussions

In my crucible review Coach P mentioned me spiking watts during my race. Reviewing that race I noted all spikes occur after slowing for turns ect. Since that race I've moved my Garmin to the front of my aerobars so I can watch it more closely than where it was on the stem and I continue to notice big spikes (100-200 W above FTP) after slowing down for turns, lights, cross ways ect... Is this a problem with my gearing or shifting? I will usually down shift 2-3 gears but even still I can not seem to hold watts even when trying not to spike. Currently riding a 52-39 crank with 165 mm arms and 12-25 cassette. Is this a big issue or should I stop worrying and just ride? Thanks for any and all help.

Comments

  • jhbinscjhbinsc

    This is common and used to happen to me until I started looking at my PM when getting back on the gas and making myself EASE back on rather than stomp the pedals. Focus on easing back onto the power on outdoor rides.

    Is it a big issue? Depends. What is your VI and can you improve it? If you are 200 W above FTP, yes, I think it can be improved and will help you race.

  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    @ Dewey points to you for trying to improve; @Jeff, thanks for adding some context. If your overall VI is appropriate for your course (1.02-03 for a flat one, 1.04-5 for a hilly one) then it's more an issue of finesse. If your overall VI is high, then these spikes can hurt. IT's more a concern given your need to run well off the bike...every ounce of energy helps!!!
  • zildgenzildgen
    @ JB and P thanks for responses. So I basically need to not mash coming out of the turn and focus on a smooth return to watts. This should help me on the run and keep my VI low. Overall will help my run.
  • tuckermtuckerm
    Dewey, are you changing gears approaching these stops, turns etc? I started doing that last year and noticed I didn't have to spike power to get moving again. Just a thought.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Quick question: What is "VI"? Thanks....
  • Doug JohnsonDoug Johnson
    Hey Dino,

    There's a list of acronyms at the following link: http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/108/Default.aspx?topic=ENAIA++Endurance+Nation+Acronyms,+Initialisms+and

    VI = Variability Index

    I'm not a WSM so maybe someone else can describe it better, but basically it's how "steady" you keep your power as you ride. The closer your VI is to 1 the less variability you have in your power over the course of the ride or interval. Typically on a flat ride it's easier to have a VI of 1 than on a hilly ride.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Acronyms are so funny in this community. I had to scratch my head for a moment when you said "WSM". Now I get "wicked smart member"....

    Thanks for the link!
  • zildgenzildgen
    Tucker sorry to take so long to get back but took weekend off from the tri world. Trying to earn some SAU's and yesterday was slammed at work. Anywho I do down shift 1-2 gears most of the time. Maybe need to go a few more?
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