Below are the 4 most recent journal entries recorded in powertaps' InsaneJournal:

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
12:12 pm	Training History I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem with their Powertap powermeter. If you are capable of generating many watts at your threshold power, you are likely to be a successful rider. My training principles focus on the high intensity training methods, VO2 max and interval training. I've also tried things like adjusting strap tightness and resetting the monitor to default, to no avail. Coaches often have a preference for one of these intensities, or maybe they use another term for almost similar intensities. Since I've gone to training by power, I almost never monitor heart rate. It might sound controversial, but road cycling is not as scientific as many cycling coaches would like to think. Still, it would be nice to have at times, especially when running tests such as MAP. The weight is reduced by using a carbon hub shell combined with a new lightweight aluminum axle combine for the hub. Have you tried switching straps with someone who has a non coded HRM? Also bring the HRM into the test and see if either works with your strap. What do we actually know about Threshold Power Training? It is well established knowledge that training with high intensity improves your ability to continue exercise without accumulating lactic acid. The on bike computer kind of sucks. Thus, it is not only a question about threshold intervals, because there are many training intensities that will increase your threshold power.2 rim and 32 DT Swiss Competition spokes (pics to follow). I leave watts speed and kJs on the PT, but I'll probably change it around again soon. Most of my cycling training programs are built in a way that increases threshold power using a combination of VO2 max intervals.The Garmin strap with a 705 works extremely well. Most professional athletes have a background of more than 10 years’ serious endurance training. The coded PT straps are an improvement, but from time to time they wouldn't read for me, with no apparent reason. Even though these training intensities are quite different, they all to some degree improve peripheral adaptations like increased capillary density, more myoglobin, more mitochondrias, better use of free fatty acids as fuel, larger glycogen stores etc. However, at present there are no legal steps letting you reach your full potential in record time. On occasion I set them to both show HR, and what I have found is that the HRM continues to pick up the HR while the PowerTap looses the signal." A bit off topic, but are there any non-Polar head units that work with coded Polar straps? I find the Wearlink strap way more comfortable than any plastic straps, but it seems that it only works with Polar stuff. It is possible, though, to use all of my cycling training programs and principles without a power meter or even without a heart rate monitor.I contacted someone at Saris (parent company for CycleOps), and was told that they were working with Garmin on something, but did not have details or a time line. If the concept of power meter training is completely new to you, here is an introduction to power meter training. Also, I'm using a PowerTap Pro CPU. If you prefer to use mainly LSD principles, it is less important to use a power meter. However, I do cheat and have a Garmin 301, so I can see speed also. I bet they are even made by Dynastream in the very same factory.You're out of luck with Polar. Otherwise the features are identical, HR compatible, same display and recording intervals, etc... The only think not included in the box is the chest strap. Which can be found elsewhere. The straps are the same and you just need to learn or rescan to pick it up. (Comment on this)
Friday, February 18th, 2011
5:56 am	Review Powertap Data PowerTap is the name of a bicycle computer series line that is a part of the Saris Cycling groups. I liked training with power and heart rate - it seemed the right way to ride. Thanks to its wireless technology, I can switch it among test bikes at will (the swap requires only two new zip-ties for the head unit, plus changing rear wheels) or easily remove the PowerTap wheel in favor of condition-specific wheels on race day. The basic idea behind the PowerTap hub has not changed much since, but thankfully, a number of other things have changed as the PowerTap idea almost never made it to the next decade due to some chronic reliability issues., roof racks, rooftop carriers), and oversaw the creation of PowerTap products in 2001. A coded digital signal transmits data among the hub, heart-rate strap and computer head, and I never experienced interference at any time, even in areas where wireless devices are ubiquitous. Watts are not effected by wind, tire rolling resistance, slope of the road and rider weight. That's the best customer service I've ever received from any company. I selected the PT after a lot of thinking, a lot of budgeting, and finally a quick swipe of the credit card. The wireless communication is far superior to wired. Otherwise, the hub and computer are showing no signs of extreme wear--and the hub doesn't clatter on smooth pavement. Since the majority of PowerTap power meters became wireless, we have seen the number of service issues that require the units to go back to the factory for service be dramatically reduced and this number has decreased further since the ANT+Sport compatible units started shipping in 2009. Let’s say you have a ride you like to do and one week you average 22 mph. Through the years, Saris has shown that the PowerTap concept is a valid and functional method of accurate power measurements. So far both wheels (Sprint 350, front) have performed amazingly for training and racing, with little maintenance. I haven't taken advantage of it as a tool though.. The first level of PowerTap wireless hub, the Elite+ hub on its own weighs 624 grams while the SLC+ with an aluminum axle is substantially lighter at 466 grams for the hub. Two weeks later you averaged 240 watts and had an average speed of 20.03 lbs), SL (412 grams or 0.0 instead of the Electro). I have used it to gauge how I'm doing in races and during hard efforts. My best 1 minute efforts on the electronic trainer were about 400 watts. If you go with the entry level wired PowerTap Comp be prepared to route wires too, which substantially increases the installation time. he price will increase as you proceed from heavier computer models to lighter computer models. The wired PowerTap Comp is available online for $599.99. The wireless Elite+ is available for $999.99. Speed and cadence data is hard to interpret - there are too many variables to be able to extrapolate data from these numbers.99. You can get black or natural aluminum finish with a carbon shell.. When I did my two 500+ watt one minute efforts, my heart rate never went over 163. I blow at 170-173 or so. (Comment on this)
Monday, February 14th, 2011
12:33 am	Powertap Training One of the first things people encounter when using PowerTap technology is the fact that as they ride the wattage goes up and down. Whoever you are: beginner, recreational, elite or coach; male or female; young or old; indoor cycling instructor or participant; you know training with a PowerTap is a key tool to fitness and performance. Because of the variability I tend to use ave power for long rides and long intervals instead of trying to hold watts constant. The bike is an extension of your body and just like well-tailored clothing, it can be made to just fit you by asking a CycleOps Instructor or your local bike fitting professional. These analyzes can be time consuming, but it is here you really get the value for your money. I assume that a Kingcycle (power measuring indoor trainer) updates power at 2-5sec intervals rather than the 1sec updates I use on my Powertap as it's easier holding a constant power using the Kingcycle. The weight is reduced by using a carbon hub shell combined with a new lightweight aluminum axle combine for the hub. Therefore, it is important to understand those principles of training and the appropriate components of any training program, as shown in the diagram. This means that Power (P) = work/time or P = force x velocity with force being the pressure you put on the pedals and velocity being cadence. Take control of your training and educate yourself!. You are now pedaling more efficiently. The generalized reason for the increase in efficiency is because you are recruiting more muscle fibers in synchrony and ultimately more efficiently physiologically. The Cycling Peaks software can also determine your max power for any duration. A beginner in methodical training system is going to take more advantages of power training than an experienced cyclist. Although Kilojoules (KJ) and Kilocalories (Kcal) are different measures, you are able to estimate how many Kcals you used during a workout by monitoring the KJ accumulated. If you know your actual performance, you know how far you are from your goals and if the goals are realistic.The other option is to use the max power for the duration and start an interval session at a percentage below this. Based on this information, you can then take the KJ of mechanical work and extrapolate a 1-1 measure. To help you learn those limits, start by doing a Threshold Test which can be done by following If you are interested in improving your performance, there isn’t another gadget that will put your money to such good use. This information will allow you to monitor your caloric intake, which can help you manage your body weight..) and then record your results (you can use Power Agent to help with this analysis). Ideally, you should see some of the following: Less variance in wattage output over time. This is based on max mean power one can sustain for 60min. Increase in working wattage. This figure predicted performance in my riders in both 2k Pursuit and road TT better than any other figure. Buggered if I am doing a 60min TT though so will stick with Dmax or pulling info from road races. We all get stronger by working on our weakness. Measuring ave power on a TT course can give you a constant assessment of progress even if weather conditions vary from week to week. (Comment on this)
Saturday, January 15th, 2011
12:34 am	Power Training As you’ve probably realised by now, whether you may be a hardcore competitor, a century rider or maybe you merely want to stay with the neighborhood chain gangs, it’s really important to recognize the method that you are exercising using the cycle. A great amount of cyclists are aware of mileometers, cadence meters and heart rate monitors and whilst these types of are amazing pieces of equipment they aren’t necessarily indicative of everything that that you're undertaking concerning actual workload. Herein we intend to pay attention to utilising areas and specific zones one through to four and attain an understanding of the sweetspot as an introduction to employing power calculating equipment for an aid to bicycle coaching. If you've got a Powertap or you are considering finding one then it's very important to fully understand using it in preference to just putting it on the bicycle and looking into the statistics. The most important element to grasp is the level your ‘Lactate Threshold’ is, or LT for short, which we determine as zone 4. This really is the centre place where one's body is able to endure a certain toil for ten to twenty minutes. It is where you are operating at a high level of functioning and it’s exactly where you begin to disintegrate. It’s such an fundamental coaching rating as soon as you can get your power meter this really is one of the primary tests you need to take by working on a zone 4 test that calls for continually going as fast as you can manage for 20 minutes without conking out to get your power numbers in watts at your personal LT. When you you realize your lactate threshold number the related training zones end up being a good deal more uncomplicated. As an example if you understand your threshold is 400watts and your exercise journal tells you you're due a zone 1 active recovery day you may decide to do a ride at just 55% of your LT that would be 220 watts. A great number of competitors in fact begin a recovery session then use up a ridiculous amount of strength, defeating the concept of the recovery ride and risking lasting weakness so keeping your power level at your recommended wattage is appropriate. Taking a zone two session which will normally be 60-75% of your LT wattage which in the event of your 400 watts LT will be 240 to 300 watts which in theory you really should be in a position to endure forever, energy permitting. This may be a great area to practice in for the vast majority of the time but it entails a lot of time which joined together with modern life-style is unlikely for the majority of riders with work opportunities, family members and so forth .. That’s why it's advised to spend much more time in the level three spot working on rides understood as ‘tempo’ which usually would be 80 - 90 % of your lactate threshold. This is an essential area due to the fact that’s the exertion you will be working with in an endurance race nevertheless , you aren’t deteriorating at lactate threshold therefore it is more supportable. It’s not about to be likable then again it shouldn't be so extremely tough you simply can’t achieve it. Assuming you’re out there on a ride keep an eye on what exactly comes to pass regarding your current power - a considerable amount of people will put in an excess of effort in level 3 and not make the most of what is termed the sweetspot that is a very small but effective opening of 5 to 10 watts just below their LT but which they are able to pretty much keep without their body slowing down. You may incrementally raise your wattage by a small amount of watts until you identify this spot at any given time which wouldn't normally sound like a good deal but through a 50 kilometer race those few watts can offer you a distinct improvement over your competitors. A further convenience of being familiar with this sort of PowerTap training is that it creates a fabulous sign of precisely what your own body is performing so that on your recuperation sessions if you are struggling to access your recommended recovery wattage then you are already aware you need to be regenerating as an alternative to training. (Comment on this)