Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 12:06:03 GMT
So, I've finally decided to go for it and buy a power meter. It looks like the Β£599 is the price and I accept that. However, I want a Garmin 800 or 1000 to go with it and I know there are savings to be made there. Maps are key.
Can anyone offer any help finding a cheaper 800 or 1000. Also, some tips on if the 1000 is worth it.
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by Radchenister on Jul 23, 2014 12:42:59 GMT
Lovely kit but if I recall, you're on a T5a; so are you sure about using a power metre on what is essentially a work horse of a bike? You could buy a new Alur for not a lot more money and then some really light carbon wheels for a bit more - if this doesn't appeal, I'm left pondering why a power metre does? Wouldn't an n+1 summer bike to supplement a winter bike option be more practical than a power metre for long term training gains? IMHO, in the first few years of development, time in the saddle is the key factor; the power will increase accordingly. Once you're clocking figures at the top of the Strava tables, over all terrain, then a power metre might assist in stepping it up further to the higher levels. Although interesting info' to ponder over, I can't see the point of using a power metre unless you're near racer performance. The Garmin as data and navigation tools are perhaps a slightly different issue to the above IMHO. Not necessarily knocking it as an idea, it's all nice kit - just wondering where the philosophy is at; squeezing out the last few watts of power from yourself, when on a bike that could be 2 or 3 kg lighter, stiffer, racier set up, etc doesn't add up to me? How will it make you improve compared to just getting out there?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 13:03:13 GMT
I think he has been watching Durianrider on Youtube.
Would rather have a nicer bike than spend money on power meters personally.
Just keep cadence and gear choice right for highest speed at any given time?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 13:19:56 GMT
I think he has been watching Durianrider on Youtube. Would rather have a nicer bike than spend money on power meters personally. Just keep cadence and gear choice right for highest speed at any given time? Yes "he" has been watching Durianrider. I've also been cycling with him in Thailand. I hear what you are saying but it's not like I can't put the power meter on a new bike later.
|
|
|
Post by Radchenister on Jul 23, 2014 13:23:39 GMT
...yes for sure, but in the meantime, what are you expecting it to tell you to do to improve?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 13:31:57 GMT
Lovely kit but if I recall, you're on a T5a; so are you sure about using a power metre on what is essentially a work horse of a bike? You could buy a new Alur for not a lot more money and then some really light carbon wheels for a bit more - if this doesn't appeal, I'm left pondering why a power metre does? Wouldn't an n+1 summer bike to supplement a winter bike option be more practical than a power metre for long term training gains? IMHO, in the first few years of development, time in the saddle is the key factor; the power will increase accordingly. Once you're clocking figures at the top of the Strava tables, over all terrain, then a power metre might assist in stepping it up further to the higher levels. Although interesting info' to ponder over, I can't see the point of using a power metre unless you're near racer performance. The Garmin as data and navigation tools are perhaps a slightly different issue to the above IMHO. Not necessarily knocking it as an idea, it's all nice kit - just wondering where the philosophy is at; squeezing out the last few watts of power from yourself, when on a bike that could be 2 or 3 kg lighter, stiffer, racier set up, etc doesn't add up to me? How will it make you improve compared to just getting out there? I agree, the getting out there is key but knowing what I'm doing each day will help me towards my goals. There will always be people that disagree with the importance on a Power Meter for non-serious cyclists. However, I believe it will be a solid long term investment. Any thoughts on the Garmin 800/1000?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 13:35:19 GMT
...yes for sure, but in the meantime, what are you expecting it to tell you to do to improve? I'm planning to cycle by numbers, Monitor my performance over time to know how far I can push myself instead of just guessing day by day. So I'm guessing I shouldn't have mentioned that I'm getting a power meter! This reminds me of when I told family and friends I was Vegan!
|
|
|
Post by ianmoss on Jul 23, 2014 13:35:51 GMT
I was just about to say, you've been riding with Durianrider!!! - now want's a power meter.
I think I would go for the stages if I had the money sat around doing nothing, then my bike would be worth double!
|
|
|
Post by ianmoss on Jul 23, 2014 13:36:26 GMT
PS - did you have a good time?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 13:39:21 GMT
PS - did you have a good time? Yeah, Stages is the one I'm looking at. I had a great time thanks. I rode up Doi Suthep 10 times and descended like a rocket.
|
|
|
Post by bobcollege on Jul 23, 2014 13:44:48 GMT
Seems a bit overkill unless your competing at any level.
|
|
|
Post by acd1055 on Jul 23, 2014 13:51:14 GMT
Fair play if you have got the cash and feel it will be a benefit to you. I'd get the 1000 if I was you. for no reason other than if you have the cash to splash get the best you can.
|
|
|
Post by Radchenister on Jul 23, 2014 13:54:45 GMT
...yes for sure, but in the meantime, what are you expecting it to tell you to do to improve? I'm planning to cycle by numbers, Monitor my performance over time to know how far I can push myself instead of just guessing day by day. So I'm guessing I shouldn't have mentioned that I'm getting a power meter! This reminds me of when I told family and friends I was Vegan! Hang on there, I've not poo poo'd it, I'm asking questions to understand what you think it will achieve. When you say 'just guessing', do you not look at Strava average speeds and segment speeds, have you set a few Segments as your test ground to see how you improve over time? This will tell you a lot, beyond that, HRM and cadence are next on the hierarchy, weight loss and pushing speed and distances will reap rewards without too much data necessary, all that will work wonders for improvements, before the need to ride with a power meter. Plus of course ... the better bike ... but that's probably only justified after the weight, fitness and engine improvements, I'm just wondering why you'd go ahead with putting a certain tool as a priority that I believe is mainly for eking out the top end tweaking for advanced riders. If we're name dropping , the ex pros and GB tri-athletes / current racers I've met and ridden with so far, generally didn't / don't use a power meter at present and would probably buy carbon wheels or a better groupo as a priority - you do see them at the local TT's, where the best kitted fast guys are being clinical at chasing a time but for leisure riding, I struggle to see the point - getting a training partner who pushes you on would probably be the best thing you could aim for. I find chasing someone faster has been the most difficult riding for me to date but it does reap the most advancements and teach you what's possible - if you can use a power meter to do this then great but I find pushing it alone is hard work. I'm sure I'd love the kit and data if I had one but wonder if I'd actually benefit from it? Pushing a 1 hr climb up the Alps, whilst watching my meter, is a long way off for me yet (if ever).
|
|
|
Post by goffski on Jul 23, 2014 13:55:03 GMT
If i had that cash lying around then the first thing i would do is buy a new bike, i'd then wait until i had the same amount of cash lying around and buy a power meter.
I would be tempted for a Garmin 810 / 1000, not too sure which as i'm not too sure on all the new features of the 1000 etc.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 14:11:12 GMT
If it increases your enjoyment go for it. I'd take Rads route and get a summer bike or some fancy deep section carbon rims, that (for me) would boost my speeds and therefore enjoyment. Can't you monitor performance using average speed and heart rate?
Having used a turbo trainer over the past few months with power output I can see the advantage in using power as a data set to measure performance against. But, I am sat in my garage on a calibrated machine with very few variables, i.e. controlled conditions. Under these controlled conditions I know I can pump out X watts for Y time. I can also focus 100% on the figures on the readout and know if I am slacking or over-performing.
I've no clue how my controlled conditions power output would equate on the road, with lots of variables like bike + rider weight, elevation, road resistance, wind resistance etc. I'd (personally) be concerned about focusing too much on power output and not enough on enjoying the ride.
I've a friend that competed in this year Duathlon World Championships. He trained and raced with a powertap rear hub. He knew what was the optimum power output over the bike leg to ensure he left enough in the tank for the final run leg. I can totally see the point in power meters in those race type situations.
|
|