Just ordered--New Powertap SL build

Congrats, and welcome!

EpicriderGMAC said:

And what is the BEST and QUCIKEST way to begin training effectively using power.

IMO, by reading this (if you haven't already): peakscoachinggroup.comPowerTrainingChapter.pdfOpen ↗

Are you getting the Cycling Peaks software as well?

I think when one begins riding with a PM there can be an urge to find out what one's max power is. I recommend that you refrain from doing that for at least the first couple of weeks, to avoid the risk of injury. I think Andy Coggan has recommended on other threads that one should just do one's normal rides and study the workout file afterwards. I concur with that approach. BTW, cool wheel.😎

I definatly plan on buying the Cycling Peaks software ASAP. I think, after trying the demo of that software, that it is the easiest way to approach, analyze, and notice trends in your power meter data.

One question about the software--does it have an option to record rides or workouts in your training journal that you did not use a power meter for? I do quite a few MTB rides and races as well as stuff on the road, and I'm wondering if I can include that data (as far as total training time is concerned) on my training journal in this sofware. Kind of like the Polar software.

As for the wheel--yes, it is going to be quite sweet. I almost pulled the trigger on some Sapim CX-Ray spokes too, but Dave advised against them since they have no advantages over his Wheelsmith build, and they cost a ton more. They certainly are light, but not more than 30g lighter than Dave's build for 28 spokes.

EpicriderGMAC said:

One question about the software--does it have an option to record rides or workouts in your training journal that you did not use a power meter for? I do quite a few MTB rides and races as well as stuff on the road, and I'm wondering if I can include that data (as far as total training time is concerned) on my training journal in this sofware.

Yes, you can make entries in the journal regardless of whether you used the PM on that date. The only "issue" would be that your PM-less rides won't show on the graphs (for example, the automatically generated time & distance graph), but your comments will be available for review.

So you're saying that I can't manually input a average heart rate, time, and distance for an activity that I didn't use the Power Meter for?

I don't like that too much. I'd like all my training info to be in one spot with all the information I need. It would be nice if the software would include the total mileage and training time that you manually inputed for other workouts on differnt bikes. Once again, I'm kind of addicted to the Polar software. I'm sure Cycling Peaks will get my favor once I use it some more.

As for "mechanical" set up, you can do a search of the threads and find lots of stuff. If you happen to have any signal drops, first thing to do (if you're sure the receiver is aligned, etc.) is add a small piece of foam between your seat stay and the receiver. Some folks, including me, had trouble with vibration induced signal drops. They drive you nuts but are easily fixed.

Otherwise, I would spend some time just doing your normal training rides and observing how much power fluctuates and playing with/learning the PT (and Cyclingpeaks) features before you really start in depth tests. I did this and learned a great deal just comparing stuff with training rides/workouts that I have done for years.

I wish this technology was available back when I was a 23 year old Cat 2.

Luckily I'm a 19 year old Cat 3 roadie and Expert/semi-pro mtb'er. Tecnology rules! But my pockets are now empty, which is probably a good thing so that I don't spend too much cash on worthless things I don't really need. So no new light parts, but plenty of good training.🙂

EpicriderGMAC said:

I've been lurking around this board for a while now, wondering when I should take the plunge into power training. Now I've taken the first big leap--I ordered my hub and wheel!

Instead of going with the standard Saris build with 32 spokes laced to an Open Pro rim, I decided to call up Dave Thomas of Speed Dream Wheels. This guy knows his stuff! After talking with Dave about possible build options to make a wheel that is durable, stiff, and lightweight for criterium, road racing, and training, Dave and I decided on this build:

1. Powertap SL hub, 28 hole
   
2. Velocity Aerohead OC rim, 28H, 21mm semi-aero (offset spoke lacing)
   
3. 14 Wheelsmith 15/16.5 gauge spokes non drive side
   
4. 14 Wheelsmith 14/15 gauge spokes drive side
   
5. DT Swiss pro-lock silver alloy nipples
   

I've been on the verge of doing this but have continuously grappled with which wheel to lace this to. My needs sound very similar to yours so will look into this option and your choice of wheelbuilder. Would love to hear how you go with the wheel/PT when you get it.

cheers

[ And what is the BEST and QUCIKEST way to begin training effectively using power. My plan right now is to do a MAP test after a rest week, then have 2 rest days, then do a 40K TT test to estimate my FT. After that, I will begin training in my Base zone using the zones described on the Cycling Peaks website.[/QUOTE]

We do some very economical online training options (because we are based in South Africa) - you can have an 8 weekly updated online personal programme for around $50 / month. We work extensively with Saris and are the agent for all their products. Check out www.bikemax.co.za or PM me if you are interested in more info.

Enjoy that new PT and wheel set up - sounds great. I also use a 28 hole SL in a Reynolds Alta and race on it most of the season.

Peter

EpicriderGMAC said:

What advice do you guys have for setting up the Powertap SL for the first time? And what is the BEST and QUCIKEST way to begin training effectively using power. My plan right now is to do a MAP test after a rest week, then have 2 rest days, then do a 40K TT test to estimate my FT. After that, I will begin training in my Base zone using the zones described on the Cycling Peaks website.

As the forum sponsor, we offer some very inexpensive coaching (called Team Coaching -- although it's for individuals as well), for various types of cycle sport (road racing, MTB XC, TT, criteriums, and sportifs). The price is discounted for each additional rider (when you 5 or more) that joins within a group, dropping down to an equivalent of US$27/mth/rider when 25 riders sign up and pay in advance (or US$30/mth/rider when paid monthly). For 1 to 4 riders the coaching fee is US$50/mth/rider. More details can be viewed here http://cyclecoach.com/pageID-training.htm

Ric

Thanks for all the advice on coaching. I think that I will try to go it alone for the first few months on the Friel plan using my new power information. This plan has worked well for me so far, so I'll give it a go one more year. If I get my Cat 2 upgrade and my semi-pro for the mtb, I'll go ahead and get the coach for next year. But that's a pretty loftly goal, but doable.

I guess I'll see based on the power numbers I'll test this weekend!

I am going to use a Computrainer to do my inital MAP and FT test. Will this accurately enough transfer over to the power that the Powertap registers? Will I have to do seperate tests on the Power Tap when it comes in here in a few weeks from Dave at SpeedDream?

Any more advice on setting up the sensor, sealing the hubs, or adjusting the computer?

It's time to do another trainer ride here, gotta go! I wonder what power I'm putting out on the Cyclops fulid 2 in my enduarnce zone...I'll soon know!