Best way to use Power-Tap

morana said:

Hi,
I got a power tap (pro) 2 weeks ago and have just used it commuting to and from work. When I do undertake testing and intervals I was wondering what is the best way to use it. I was wondering if you can use it in interval review mode on average watts. I know you can do it but is the data correct?

Thanks

Here's a good starting point: http://www.midweekclub.ca/articles/index.htm

You have a lot of homework to do.

morana said:

Hi,
I got a power tap (pro) 2 weeks ago and have just used it commuting to and from work. When I do undertake testing and intervals I was wondering what is the best way to use it. I was wondering if you can use it in interval review mode on average watts. I know you can do it but is the data correct?

Thanks

Also, some more info here http://www.cyclingnews.com/fitness/?id=powerstern

Post some more questions and we'll try to help you out or feel free to email me at [email hidden]

ric

I am happy with the methods to employ to get optimal fitness but my point was the mechanical aspect of using the power tap........Most of the test point towards average power....As most of you guys know the power jumps all over the place so I was wondering if you put it in interval mode and then review it in average watts (interval review mode) for example is the the data I see okay?

currently I have it setup to disregard the 0's for average and to give the average every 5's ........thanks again for the links to those resources, great information for the beginner.

Its nice to compare what I have done with HR in the past to power now. I look forward to seeing exactly why some circuits "get yoiu going" etc....its all in the watts i suppose...Thanks again

morana said:

I am happy with the methods to employ to get optimal fitness but my point was the mechanical aspect of using the power tap........Most of the test point towards average power....As most of you guys know the power jumps all over the place so I was wondering if you put it in interval mode and then review it in average watts (interval review mode) for example is the the data I see okay?

i'm not sure how you're prescribing training, however, when i prescribe training a zone is given with a range of powers (e.g., 200 - 225 W). Additionally, as with HR, another range maybe prescribed for when (e.g.) climbing. On top of that you have to realise that power will fluctuate a little and possibly peak higher when you (e.g.) accelerate out of a corner. In other words i prescribe a range for training but odd fluctuations (above or below) are nothing to worry about. I prefer to see the instantaneous feedback afforded by the 'instananeous' mode - as it happens.

Quoted post said:

currently I have it setup to disregard the 0's for average and to give the average every 5's ........thanks again for the links to those resources, great information for the beginner.

personally, i prefer to have the zero's included in my training, because you would have coasted for a reason (e.g., downhill, fatigued, etc). on my PT i record power every 1(.26) secs but have it updated on the handlebar computer every 2 or 3 secs (can't recall at the minute).

Quoted post said:

Its nice to compare what I have done with HR in the past to power now. I look forward to seeing exactly why some circuits "get yoiu going" etc....its all in the watts i suppose...Thanks again

it's very difficult to compare power with HR, as there can be considerable differences due to e.g., fatigue (power can be the same on day to day rides and HR can decrease at the same power due to fatigue).

ric