powerhub or computrainer?

slowfoot said:

...would i be better off to buy an indoor meter like computrainer that i can use regardless of the weather?...or should i get a powertap type for my bike when i can get outdoor?...

Dave, what are your cycling goals? Do they include competitive rides, outdoor training when the weather allows and racing? If so the PT hub is a better bet. You'll be able to collect valuable training and racing data as well as having a tool to pace and monitor your indoor workouts.

I use a CT during the winter, and it's a great tool but the real world power data I collect during outdoor training rides and races is far more valuable. If I had to choose between the two it would definitely be a power meter for the bike over a dedicated indoor trainer. Get a PT SL hub laced to a good rim and you can use it for training(indoors or out) as well as racing and collect power data every time you ride.

Good luck,
Dave

am just starting out in my second year of high intensity riding.
last year rode the tail of the pack on the sat morning rides. this year i want to start racing and TT's.
i wasn't sure about using the PT wheel indoor as well as outdoor.

would just as soon have only one unit to work with.

thanks

dave t

slowfoot said:

am just starting out in my second year of high intensity riding.
last year rode the tail of the pack on the sat morning rides. this year i want to start racing and TT's.
i wasn't sure about using the PT wheel indoor as well as outdoor.

would just as soon have only one unit to work with.

thanks

dave t

Yeah, no worries using the PT wheels indoors. I actually ignore my CompuTrainer power readings and just use the erg controller to set levels but I watch and upload my PT power data during and after those workouts.

For TTs in particular a power meter on the bike is really helpful. It can teach you an awful lot about pacing strategies and help you both increase and identify your best sustainable power for various durations. Keeping one eye on the PM during the first five to ten minutes of a TT can really help in terms of limiting the temptation to start too fast. For that reason, consider a decent PT hub(SL or SL2.4) laced to a good rim and get or make a matching wheel cover for TTs. Wheel covers aren't legal in national or international championship events, but are generally allowed in regional and local competitions.

-Dave

thanks
now just gotta find a reasonable one on ebay
any thoughts on wired vs wireless?
kinda wet up here.

dave

slowfoot said:

thanks
now just gotta find a reasonable one on ebay
any thoughts on wired vs wireless?
kinda wet up here.

dave

I have several wired SL units. They've worked fine rain or shine. Wires don't bother me and I've gotten good deals on my wired SL units as folks rushed out to upgrade to the wireless version.