|
|
Post by steve1835 on Aug 26, 2009 12:21:09 GMT -5
followed the computrainer thread with much interest, thanks angie for starting that one to all those who replied. I have been debating a CT also, but my unpredictable travel schedule works against such a purchase.........so would a power tap hub provide similar benefits particularly for use on a trainer? or would saris' power beam pro trainer with the power meter be better?
seems to me ( joe walsh said it first ) that the trainer would offer measurable resistance similar to that discussed in the CT thread but the PT hub would offer feedback on my effort?
any thoughts and feedback?
SP
|
|
|
|
Post by trikpark on Aug 26, 2009 12:42:07 GMT -5
Indoors, a PowerTap will not offer anything that a Computrainer can't. In fact, indoors, it's my opinion that a Computrainer is a better tool as you get program in wattage levels for intervals, and you simply cannot cheat the Computrainer. If you set the interval for 300W, then the load will be adjusted, almost regardless of cadence, to 300W. With a PowerTap, you must focus on maintaining 300W effort. If you slack off, the effort is no longer 300W, so you're cheating yourself. Add in the variety factor of being able to ride courses from around the world, as well as any ride you record on a Garmin Edge, and the Computrainer is by far a superior indoor tool. That said, you can't use a Computrainer outside on the road. So I suppose if I had the cash to only buy one, a PowerTap is the more universal solution. I've been a Computrainer user for 11 years, and use mine year around. This is the first year I've also added a PowerTap to my bike. It's nice having both.
Not sure what you mean by "but the PT hub would offer feedback on my effort", but the CT registers: Heart rate, cadence, wattage, elevation and total ascent, time, mileage, etc. It operates in different modes. In the Ergo mode, you can program in the wattage levels. In the standard mode, you ride a course and the wattage is simply feedback from your effort, as though you're outdoors using a PowerTap on a group ride.
|
|
|
|
Post by steve1835 on Aug 26, 2009 16:16:24 GMT -5
thanx for the feedback. I would prefer a CT but because I would need to live somewhere else for work purposes at often last minute notice, I have been taking my bike and fluid trainer. So the big issue is would the saris power pro trainer be a better investment than a power tap hub?
I cannot see lugging a round a CT unit and the computor stuff from place to place when I need to go, the power pro would be an easier move.
SP
|
|
