"Watts" up wid that?

Joseph Lombardi

Ok question - I have my bike set up inside the paincave -( Blackburn Fluid Trainer) - I am an HR athlete so far and am considering buying into the "TrainerRoad" program noted on other thread which has a "virtualpower" tool which translates your trainer workout into a power reading without having a powermeter...In the meantime I supplement my rides with at least one Spin class ride and another on a stationary bike at my gym which provides a "Watts" reading....I do this for variation (both Mental and Muscular variation...and  I do all the workouts according to specified times/HR Zones...) but have started to pay attention to the "Watts" on the stationary bike....I know it is not the same or probably not as accurate as having a power meter on my bike but I think if I am using the same stationary bike everytime the relative "Watts" results will be meaningfull....What does the group think of this approach?

 

GMAN 19030

I agree that it would be relative. Same piece of machinery so it should be consistent. Not sure how well the gym bike is calibrated or zeroed but you should be okay.

You already alluded to this but don't expect the stationary bike at the gym to accurately tell the power story like a Quarq, SRM or PowerTap would -- unless, of course, the gym bike is a Cycleops Indoor Cycle w/PowerTap.

Dave Campbell

I agree with your and Bob's thoughts. It might be meaningful as a gauge for progress made over a training block. Other than that, I don't know how you would use the number. One reason to use a power meter is to do just this, but to me the biggest benefit is to apply the numbers you have trainer to in a race situation to know how to pace the bike. In this regard, I don't think you will get anything from the indoor bike watt number. I understand budget issues also. But, I would not spend money or time with a power device that I cant take on the road with me on race day. Between the great prices on new Powertaps and ebay, I'd recommend getting into a PT as soon as you can. Just my thoughts.

Joseph Lombardi

Thanks...and agree....an excellent point about being able to use the information for race execution...I have used HR successfully for racing...but believe I am missing something...i think the virtual power will be a good step because it will be from effort on my bike/trainer....perhaps a power meter is in my future.

tuckerm

I'd go with the trainerroad. It gives you something that will hopefully be measurable across the OS. I wouldn't trust anything at the gym. And as for spin workouts, I have done them for fun, but they are nowhere close to our OS workouts. The weighted flywheel has me spinning much faster than I ever do on my trainer. Just my opinion.

Joseph Lombardi

I have to say though that I am still confused and searching for a really good explanation of the difference between riding @ HR Zone 4 on the road v same Zone 4 on a stationary inside bike v  same Zone 4 on a spin bike (assuming same cadence across the 3)...I intuitively understand there are differences but don't fully understand the differenct training effect....

I would really like to understand so that I can use the variety to achieve my training goals.  Can anyone point me to either a discussion thread, article, website?

Coach Patrick

@JCL, are you saying that you want to ride HR Z4 on different bikes to achieve better fitness? I think the best option is to be on your race bike as much as possible, pushing those numbers up. The hard part with watts on a stationary bike is how targeted that unit is as well as the calibration factor. It's better than nothing for sure, but I'd think trainerroad + your bike is the best combo for your dollar.

Joseph Lombardi

I agree on the Trainer road + my bike...my curiousity around the different bike effects was a.) academic and b.) driven by curiousity before the trainer road option became avaialable....looking forward to working with TR by the weekend! 

tuckerm

Used Trainer Road and Hell Hath No Fury today. Great combination. Still need to learn more about it but was very happy with my first go at it.

cgres123

@ JCL, That damn Power Tap is like a drug that that turns you into a number nerd, in a good way of course, sounds like your on your way come on in the waters fine. I started out with one I bought on Ebay the wired type and ran it into the ground. It couldn't be fixed so I had to get another one. Saris had the deal at the time and I jumped on it. I love it .