General Discussion Triathlon Talk » need recommendation power meter or disc wheel Rss Feed  
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2010-04-13 4:29 PM

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
currently i have a p2c.  i train on shimano r500 and race on flashpoint 80's.  with the tax return comming i am thinking of a little present.  not sure what would be a better choice.  say i have $1k to spend.....power meter vs disc wheel.  i am sure racing with a disc would be quite fun.  and it would add some speed not sure how much from an 80mm rear. 

although i have improved i thought my bike improvements would be much better after having spent winter on a trainer......training with HR but was little disappointed with 2 races this year ave in the 21-22 mph range.  power meter would certainly help with proper training.

any recommendations?  i do have 310xt and that would be my device, is it even possible to setup wireless powermeter for $1k?


2010-04-13 4:36 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
Best of both worlds buy a power meter with training wheel and then buy a aero disc cover for $100 with shipping to put on it to race. I just spoke to Rich at Wheelbuilder today and they did 4 hour of wind tunnel testing and compared that set up to Zipp Discs and the were the same but with higher yaw angle the aero disc cover did better.

Training with power if understood how to do it well makes racing long course races easier if you learn to follow your power plan.
2010-04-13 4:43 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
I am actually hoping that power meter will improve my shorter race speed tremendously, IE 40km olympic races, sprints. 

and that is a good idea.  i am not sure i could use the r500 wheel for the power meter, i have a cover on my flashpoints already, FYI.  didn't know they did that well though.

Edited by trix 2010-04-13 4:44 PM
2010-04-13 4:47 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Master
2301
2000100100100
Rogersville, Alabama
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
By doing a quick search on ebay, the price point for an used Powertap w/ ANT+  in a training wheel is 1000 to 1100 USD.

I'm not sure what a wheel cover cost maybe 70 dollars???
2010-04-13 4:49 PM
in reply to: #2789357

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Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
The powermeter with a disc cover is a great option however you can't get a powermeter laced into the FP's (unless they were first built that way as I understand it) and the cover doesn't work with R500's (again, as I understand it).

I would consider one of the following options:

a)  Mavic Open Pro laced to a Powertap and cover
b)  Crank based powermeter (this would allow you to run your current wheels)

ETA - and if you already have a cover, there is no reason to purchase a "real" disc.

Shane

Edited by gsmacleod 2010-04-13 4:52 PM
2010-04-13 4:50 PM
in reply to: #2789368

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
a power meter will give you far better results most likely. 

The race wheel gives you a couple seconds on race day.  The power meter, combined with proper use and guidline for training, will improve the engine, which is a FAR superior way to get faster.


2010-04-13 4:55 PM
in reply to: #2789375

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
Kido - 2010-04-13 4:50 PM a power meter will give you far better results most likely. 

The race wheel gives you a couple seconds on race day.  The power meter, combined with proper use and guidline for training, will improve the engine, which is a FAR superior way to get faster.


i guess that would be the ideal thing. 

I did see Mavic laced wireless powertap for $1k. 
2010-04-13 5:37 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Extreme Veteran
669
5001002525
Olathe, Kansas
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
trix - 2010-04-13 4:29 PM currently i have a p2c.  i train on shimano r500 and race on flashpoint 80's.  with the tax return comming i am thinking of a little present.  not sure what would be a better choice.  say i have $1k to spend.....power meter vs disc wheel.  i am sure racing with a disc would be quite fun.  and it would add some speed not sure how much from an 80mm rear. 

although i have improved i thought my bike improvements would be much better after having spent winter on a trainer......training with HR but was little disappointed with 2 races this year ave in the 21-22 mph range.  power meter would certainly help with proper training.

any recommendations?  i do have 310xt and that would be my device, is it even possible to setup wireless powermeter for $1k?


Without a hesitation, power meter all the way. If you are willing to take time to read, learn and implement appropriate power based training on the bike, do the actual work, take time to analyze files, it is the single greatest addition to your bike fitness.
I am in the 3rd season of triathlon cycling, did 2 years of very good racing based on HR, this Feb. I got power meter. Quality of my work went up exponentially. Revelations are occurring weekly and improvement is huge. With a power meter you will be enjoying years of improvement.
My 2 cents. 
2010-04-13 5:46 PM
in reply to: #2789447

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
atasic - 2010-04-13 5:37 PM
trix - 2010-04-13 4:29 PM currently i have a p2c.  i train on shimano r500 and race on flashpoint 80's.  with the tax return comming i am thinking of a little present.  not sure what would be a better choice.  say i have $1k to spend.....power meter vs disc wheel.  i am sure racing with a disc would be quite fun.  and it would add some speed not sure how much from an 80mm rear. 

although i have improved i thought my bike improvements would be much better after having spent winter on a trainer......training with HR but was little disappointed with 2 races this year ave in the 21-22 mph range.  power meter would certainly help with proper training.

any recommendations?  i do have 310xt and that would be my device, is it even possible to setup wireless powermeter for $1k?


Without a hesitation, power meter all the way. If you are willing to take time to read, learn and implement appropriate power based training on the bike, do the actual work, take time to analyze files, it is the single greatest addition to your bike fitness.
I am in the 3rd season of triathlon cycling, did 2 years of very good racing based on HR, this Feb. I got power meter. Quality of my work went up exponentially. Revelations are occurring weekly and improvement is huge. With a power meter you will be enjoying years of improvement.
My 2 cents. 


thanks.

i was actually on wheelbuilders website looking at pricing, its about $1100 for DT wheel + powertap wireless.  i wonder if they can use my 80 mm flashpoint, i will ask. 

personally i think i rather just get a new wheel as I don't like to ride race wheels on regular rides.... 
2010-04-13 6:06 PM
in reply to: #2789465

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Expert
1394
1000100100100252525
Wilmington, NC
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
Powermeter hands down.

Sell the Rear Flashpoint 80 and then get a Velocity or OPen pro laced to the powertap with a wheelcover. The guys at Wheelbuilder.com will give you advice and what wheel will be best for you based on weight etc.
2010-04-13 6:30 PM
in reply to: #2789465

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Champion
7233
5000200010010025
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
get hte power meter, it will keep making you faster if you use it smartly for a LONG time, and make your races faster jsut from racing smarter


2010-04-14 9:56 AM
in reply to: #2789322

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel

so couple more questions:

1)  is there a good book on the subject how to train with power meter?  i found 1 in barnes and noble not sure if its any good.
2)  is power tap the cheapest?  SRM, Quarq will be out of the $1k price range correct?

also saw a new meter to be comming out soon:

http://www.metrigear.com/products/

would it be worth it?  supposedly this is going to be cheaper then the others.  integraded into pedals.



Edited by trix 2010-04-14 10:01 AM
2010-04-14 10:08 AM
in reply to: #2789322

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Expert
1027
100025
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
Wheelbuilder will hook you up.  They can take your FP 80 lace it with a wireless unit (Elite+ may be enough since you have the 310 already) You will probably have to get a new cover cut for it, but I would guess the PT, re-lacing, and cover should run right about 1000 bucks.  Best of all worlds!
2010-04-14 10:10 AM
in reply to: #2790910

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Champion
5874
50005001001001002525
Milton, GA
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel

trix - 2010-04-14 10:56 AM

so couple more questions:

1)  is there a good book on the subject how to train with power meter?  i found 1 in barnes and noble not sure if its any good.

Start with Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Allen and Coggan.  There is a new edition that just came out April 1.  It will get you started and through the testing as well as how to start training with one. 

2010-04-14 10:12 AM
in reply to: #2789322

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Champion
7136
5000200010025
Knoxville area
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
Trix,

If it's in the cards, I would suggest a Quarq or SRM... it will make life much easier in the long run (IMO) I really wish I had bought an SRM instead of a PT laced wheel. Then you don't have to think about what wheel you are running in the back.

If not, PT wheel/Cover is all gravy.

The pedal system, when and if it comes out, is going to have first year bugs at the least... I'd go with something more reliable.

(edit) oh and join the google WATTS group... good info on there.

Edited by Leegoocrap 2010-04-14 10:13 AM
2010-04-14 10:13 AM
in reply to: #2790910

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Expert
1027
100025
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
trix - 2010-04-14 9:56 AM

so couple more questions:

1)  is there a good book on the subject how to train with power meter?  i found 1 in barnes and noble not sure if its any good.
2)  is power tap the cheapest?  SRM, Quarq will be out of the $1k price range correct?

also saw a new meter to be comming out soon:

http://www.metrigear.com/products/

would it be worth it?  supposedly this is going to be cheaper then the others.  integraded into pedals.



Thoughts regarding this:
SRM and Quarq are out of that range even used, You may find a used for around 1k, but minimal chances of that.

Book: Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan - pretty much the bible of power. 

Metrigear is progressing, but still no dates released, it has been pushed back once if not more and could continue to get pushed so they make a good product.  You are also then bound to Speedplay pedals.  I used to use speedplays and then went a different route after having troubles getting clipped in quickly enough.  I have seen some pretty solid gains using power and understanding what it means, there is a lot to apply, but it beats HR hands down.


2010-04-14 10:16 AM
in reply to: #2790910

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Expert
1007
1000
NW NJ
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
trix - 2010-04-14 10:56 AM

also saw a new meter to be comming out soon:

http://www.metrigear.com/products/

would it be worth it?  supposedly this is going to be cheaper then the others.  integraded into pedals.



I am going to be keeping a close eye on this!
2010-04-14 10:49 AM
in reply to: #2789322

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
wow and thanks...

so the 310xt is sufficient, i don't need any other tool to actually show me the wattage?

Edited by trix 2010-04-14 10:50 AM
2010-04-14 11:03 AM
in reply to: #2790910

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Champion
9407
500020002000100100100100
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
trix - 2010-04-14 11:56 AM

1)  is there a good book on the subject how to train with power meter?  i found 1 in barnes and noble not sure if its any good.



If you are planning to use the powermeter to train for triathlon then I would suggest Triathlete's Guide to Training with Power before Training and Racing with a Powermeter.  It is available (along with Scientific Training for Triathletes) at www.physfarm.com

Also, ensure that you consider what software you are going to use/purchase to analyze your data.

Shane

2010-04-14 1:04 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Elite
3315
20001000100100100
Miami
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
so is the 310xt sufficient for training with the data....i noticed in other threads that it is on a 1 sec interval time so therefore the data will show big spikes and this part is not customizable...
2010-04-14 7:12 PM
in reply to: #2789322

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Expert
1706
1000500100100
NoVA
Subject: RE: need recommendation power meter or disc wheel
OK so I'm a little late to the post BUT I'll add to the votes for a "training" wheel laced to a PT with a cover for racing---look used---plenty out there (I got mine from a guy on ST last fall for $750 shipped with everything). 

The 310 will be fine if that's what you want to use---I use the PT head that comes with it (the yellow computer) and it's set to 1sec and yes you see spikes but it's totally fine.  I like the full "results" right in front of me but if you want smoothing then you can use the PT head instead of the 310.

I got my PT last Sept and used it during the winter on the trainer (thanks Jorge for the plan here!!!) and WOW!!!  Now I'm out on the road again and I really do understand what all the talk about power is about!!  Much better money spent then "just" a disc!!


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » need recommendation power meter or disc wheel Rss Feed