John F. Wilson

I have not seen any posts about an SRM computer flying off the handlebars :)

John Wilson

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Seth Hosmer
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:42 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] power meters

Both SRM and Power Tap are high quality units - the main complaint I hear
about SRM is the cost, and the main complaint about PT is "I don't want to
race with a heavy wheel". Plus, you don't really want to be racing on a
tire that you train on due to tire wear/damage issues.

If you can swing the SRM, it allows the best wheel choice flexibility and
both the splined BB models and newer two piece designs are relatively easy
to swap between bikes. I regularly rotate an SRM between my road, TT and
winter training bikes and it takes about 5 minutes. Not as easy as a
wheelchange with the PT, but then I am not limited with wheel choice for
racing or training.

The SRM is rock solid in wet weather. I haven't used the newer PT in wet
weather to provide first hand experience, but I hear it performs well. The
older PT models were unsatisfactory in wet weather in my experience.

Wireless models of SRM and PT should increase reliability as the wired
harness can be a source of trouble. Plus, at $60+ per wiring harness, if
you are switching between bikes, you eat some of your savings. Powermeters
are all going wireless anyway, so it is probably good to go that route.

Further, with some of the new wireless models using the ANT+ wireless
protocol, you can use different computers...e.g. use a Garmin 705 with the
SRM.

As far as service goes, both SRM and PT have excellent customer service.
SRM is easier/cheaper to ship than shipping a PT wheel if that is required.

If I had it to do all over again, I would still choose the SRM. Reliability
has been stellar, I can use whatever wheels I want, and switching the cranks
between bikes isn't a big deal. The Quarq power meter looks promising, but
they just started shipping...initial impressions seem to be favorable but
long-term reliability is thus far unknown.

Seth Hosmer, DC, CSCS
Health & Performance Chiropractic
www.HPChiro.com
503.227.2279

_______________________________________________
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gschreckchat@comcast.net

I had a lot of trouble with wired Power Taps, but I have found the wireless version to be fine. I have two and used them all winter, even in the rain and some snow and ice, and they was fine. My wired versions used to fail permanently when the pickup got wet.

As for SRM's, I bought the amateur version and it was not very accurate. If you are going to get one get the professional.

As for a comparison, the SRM allows you to use any wheel which is nice. On the other hand, you can buy more than one PT wheelset for the price of an SRM, like one for racing an one for training. Also, with the SRM, is is hard to switch between bikes if you get the wired version, but there is a new wireless version which should be easy to switch between bikes by moving the cranks, assuming you have the same crank system on your bikes. Still, very expensive.

There is the Ergomo system that is a bottom bracket that measures wattage. It is less expensive than the SRM, but I have not heard good reports about it. I would avoid it.

As for the Qwark, it sounds interesting, but like many new products, I owuld wait until the first iteration is out for a while. New products tend to have their problems. In fact, Qwark itself says pelase be patient as they expect there will be some problems. No point in bieng a test subject if you have to pay for the privilege.

--

George Schreck
gschreckchat@comcast.net
(503) 502-0425

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness"

Melissa -

It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for each person. I've used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years, and they both work well. From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is going to hold up better. Powertaps have gotten a lot better, though. For most people I work with, a Powertap is their choice. Why? $1500 Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach for most. They both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both race and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system was the wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to bike very easily. In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from race bike to rain bike is important. Because power data is good for objective feedback during your training and communicating this with your coach, if you have one. But data from every ride needs to be recorded if you are going to get everything out of it and inc
orpora
te the performance management applications. So, no right answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one of your bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap you can both train and race on, and go with it. That works for most. The Quark seems to be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving that some more time before I make any conclusions. The wattage forum is a great place to get questions answered since every questions. No doubt, if you are looking for clear, objective training data, power is the essential. And if you are communicating your data with someone else, then that's an even great reason to use wattage.

RC

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting
Portland, OR
503-501-8121

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn wrote:

I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list may be asking the
mselves the same questions.

Thanks,
Melissa Sanborn

--------------------------------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting

Seth Hosmer

Both SRM and Power Tap are high quality units - the main complaint I hear about SRM is the cost, and the main complaint about PT is "I don't want to race with a heavy wheel". Plus, you don't really want to be racing on a tire that you train on due to tire wear/damage issues.

If you can swing the SRM, it allows the best wheel choice flexibility and both the splined BB models and newer two piece designs are relatively easy to swap between bikes. I regularly rotate an SRM between my road, TT and winter training bikes and it takes about 5 minutes. Not as easy as a wheelchange with the PT, but then I am not limited with wheel choice for racing or training.

The SRM is rock solid in wet weather. I haven't used the newer PT in wet weather to provide first hand experience, but I hear it performs well. The older PT models were unsatisfactory in wet weather in my experience.

Wireless models of SRM and PT should increase reliability as the wired harness can be a source of trouble. Plus, at $60+ per wiring harness, if you are switching between bikes, you eat some of your savings. Powermeters are all going wireless anyway, so it is probably good to go that route.

Further, with some of the new wireless models using the ANT+ wireless protocol, you can use different computers...e.g. use a Garmin 705 with the SRM.

As far as service goes, both SRM and PT have excellent customer service. SRM is easier/cheaper to ship than shipping a PT wheel if that is required.

If I had it to do all over again, I would still choose the SRM. Reliability has been stellar, I can use whatever wheels I want, and switching the cranks between bikes isn't a big deal. The Quarq power meter looks promising, but they just started shipping...initial impressions seem to be favorable but long-term reliability is thus far unknown.

Seth Hosmer, DC, CSCS
Health & Performance Chiropractic
www.HPChiro.com
503.227.2279

gschreckchat@comcast.net

An alternative is to get a PowerTap on a deep rimmed wheel like a Zipp 404, and them buy a disc cover from Wheelbuilder.com. If you tell them what wheel you own, they will cut the cover to fit the wheel perfectly. On a Zipp 404 it looks a lot like a Zipp Sub 9 disc.

The wheel cover is not UCI legal as it is considered a non-structural fairing, but OBRA does not pay any attention to that. If it did, a large number if people's TT positions would be illegal. Most events below Cat 1/2 in most areas of the country do not tend to pay much attention to the UCI rules, although I have heard that California does and the USA cycling may for some categories at Nationals.

--

George Schreck
gschreckchat@comcast.net
(503) 502-0425

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Leibowitz, Flo"

The only catch I have experienced with the Powertap (which I otherwise love) is that if you are going to both race and train with the Powertap-hubbed wheel, you are likely to have to choose in a time trial between racing with the PT wheel and racing with a disk or a trispoke or the like. In the lower cats, this doesn't have to matter a whole lot but at your level, surely it does.

I suppose a compromise is to build the PT hub onto a deep dish wheel, like Hed Alps or something. However, then you have to use it for training, too. To repair it, if it is hurt in training is expensive, but maybe that is a price a person can pay. At my level of riding, it isn't worth to me. I wonder also whether there are circumstances where you just wouldn't use a deep dish wheel....in which case, you'd have to do without the PT, too, on that occasion.

My PT is built on a very inexpensive wheel. I use it to race with when I want the PT -- which is all the time! At my level of racing, though, it doesn't matter a whole lot to have a fancy wheel...in my view, anyhow. The value of the PT info wins every time.

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness
Sent: Tue 8/19/2008 1:23 PM
To: melissa@melissasanborn.com
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Power Meters

Melissa -

It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for each person. I've used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years, and they both work well. From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is going to hold up better. Powertaps have gotten a lot better, though. For most people I work with, a Powertap is their choice. Why? $1500 Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach for most. They both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both race and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system was the wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to bike very easily. In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from race bike to rain bike is important. Because power data is good for objective feedback during your training and communicating this with your coach, if you have one. But data from every ride needs to be recorded if you are going to get everything out of it and inc
orpora
te the performance management applications. So, no right answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one of your bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap you can both train and race on, and go with it. That works for most. The Quark seems to be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving that some more time before I make any conclusions. The wattage forum is a great place to get questions answered since every questions. No doubt, if you are looking for clear, objective training data, power is the essential. And if you are communicating your data with someone else, then that's an even great reason to use wattage.

RC

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting
Portland, OR
503-501-8121

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn wrote:

I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list may be asking the
mselves the same questions.

Thanks,
Melissa Sanborn

--------------------------------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting

Andrew Willis

You might want to look at Quarq's CinQo -- a power meter thats in the
crank's spider -- a lot cheaper than SRM's.

They're in their first production run right now, but so far the
reviews seem to be very positive.

http://www.quarq.us/Spiders/CinQo.html

~drew

Quoting G Magnus :

>
> There is a cheaper solution to getting wireless since you already
> have a wired 2.4. You can send the entire wheel to Saris and they
> will convert it to the wireless for $500, this includes the wireless
> head unit and chest strap. To compare if you were to just purchase
> a new 2.4 coded wired unit head unit/chest strap it would cost $200.
>
> Gregg
>
>
>
> Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:38:07 -0700From:
> fleibowitz@oregonstate.eduTo: Russell@UpperEchelonFitness.com;
> melissa@melissasanborn.comCC: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA
> Chat] Power Meters
>
>
> The only catch I have experienced with the Powertap (which I
> otherwise love) is that if you are going to both race and train with
> the Powertap-hubbed wheel, you are likely to have to choose in a
> time trial between racing with the PT wheel and racing with a disk
> or a trispoke or the like. In the lower cats, this doesn't have to
> matter a whole lot but at your level, surely it does.
>
> I suppose a compromise is to build the PT hub onto a deep dish
> wheel, like Hed Alps or something. However, then you have to use it
> for training, too. To repair it, if it is hurt in training is
> expensive, but maybe that is a price a person can pay. At my level
> of riding, it isn't worth to me. I wonder also whether there are
> circumstances where you just wouldn't use a deep dish wheel....in
> which case, you'd have to do without the PT, too, on that occasion.
>
> My PT is built on a very inexpensive wheel. I use it to race with
> when I want the PT -- which is all the time! At my level of racing,
> though, it doesn't matter a whole lot to have a fancy wheel...in my
> view, anyhow. The value of the PT info wins every time.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Russell @ Upper
> Echelon FitnessSent: Tue 8/19/2008 1:23 PMTo:
> melissa@melissasanborn.comCc: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA
> Chat] Power Meters
>
> Melissa -It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for
> each person. I've used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years,
> and they both work well. From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is
> going to hold up better. Powertaps have gotten a lot better, though.
> For most people I work with, a Powertap is their choice. Why? $1500
> Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach for most. They
> both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both race
> and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the
> absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system
> was the wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to
> bike very easily. In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from
> race bike to rain bike is important. Because power data is good for
> objective feedback during your training and communicating this with
> your coach, if you have one. But data from every ride needs to be
> recorded if you are going to get everything out of it and
> incorporate the performance management applications. So, no right
> answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one
> of your bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap
> you can both train and race on, and go with it. That works for most.
> The Quark seems to be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving
> that some more time before I make any conclusions. The wattage forum
> is a great place to get questions answered since every questions. No
> doubt, if you are looking for clear, objective training data, power
> is the essential. And if you are communicating your data with
> someone else, then that's an even great reason to use wattage.RC--
> Russell Cree, DPT, CSCSUpper Echelon FitnessCONNECT Bike
> FittingPortland, OR503-501-8121
> On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn
> wrote:
> I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it
> was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon
> SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works!
> Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with
> some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and
> upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little
> hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM
> is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am
> wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is
> for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power
> is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another
> problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to
> install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike
> to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to
> start as well and I think others on this list may be asking the
> mselves the same questions.Thanks,Melissa
> Sanborn--------------------------------------------------Sent from
> my BlackBerry Wireless
> Handheld_______________________________________________OBRA mailing
> listobra@list.obra.orghttp://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obraUnsubscribe:
> obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org-- Russell Cree, DPT, CSCSUpper
> Echelon FitnessCONNECT Bike Fitting
> _________________________________________________________________
> Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be--learn how to burn a DVD
> with Windows®.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588797/direct/01/

G Magnus

There is a cheaper solution to getting wireless since you already have a wired 2.4. You can send the entire wheel to Saris and they will convert it to the wireless for $500, this includes the wireless head unit and chest strap. To compare if you were to just purchase a new 2.4 coded wired unit head unit/chest strap it would cost $200.

Gregg

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:38:07 -0700From: fleibowitz@oregonstate.eduTo: Russell@UpperEchelonFitness.com; melissa@melissasanborn.comCC: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Power Meters

The only catch I have experienced with the Powertap (which I otherwise love) is that if you are going to both race and train with the Powertap-hubbed wheel, you are likely to have to choose in a time trial between racing with the PT wheel and racing with a disk or a trispoke or the like. In the lower cats, this doesn't have to matter a whole lot but at your level, surely it does.

I suppose a compromise is to build the PT hub onto a deep dish wheel, like Hed Alps or something. However, then you have to use it for training, too. To repair it, if it is hurt in training is expensive, but maybe that is a price a person can pay. At my level of riding, it isn't worth to me. I wonder also whether there are circumstances where you just wouldn't use a deep dish wheel....in which case, you'd have to do without the PT, too, on that occasion.

My PT is built on a very inexpensive wheel. I use it to race with when I want the PT -- which is all the time! At my level of racing, though, it doesn't matter a whole lot to have a fancy wheel...in my view, anyhow. The value of the PT info wins every time.

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Russell @ Upper Echelon FitnessSent: Tue 8/19/2008 1:23 PMTo: melissa@melissasanborn.comCc: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Power Meters

Melissa -It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for each person. I've used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years, and they both work well. From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is going to hold up better. Powertaps have gotten a lot better, though. For most people I work with, a Powertap is their choice. Why? $1500 Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach for most. They both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both race and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system was the wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to bike very easily. In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from race bike to rain bike is important. Because power data is good for objective feedback during your training and communicating this with your coach, if you have one. But data from every ride needs to be recorded if you are going to get everything out of it and incorporate the performance management applications. So, no right answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one of your bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap you can both train and race on, and go with it. That works for most. The Quark seems to be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving that some more time before I make any conclusions. The wattage forum is a great place to get questions answered since every questions. No doubt, if you are looking for clear, objective training data, power is the essential. And if you are communicating your data with someone else, then that's an even great reason to use wattage.RC-- Russell Cree, DPT, CSCSUpper Echelon FitnessCONNECT Bike FittingPortland, OR503-501-8121
On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn wrote:
I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list may be asking the mselves the same questions.Thanks,Melissa Sanborn--------------------------------------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld_______________________________________________OBRA mailing listobra@list.obra.orghttp://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obraUnsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org-- Russell Cree, DPT, CSCSUpper Echelon FitnessCONNECT Bike Fitting
_________________________________________________________________
Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with Windows®.
http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588797/direct/01/

Leibowitz, Flo

The only catch I have experienced with the Powertap (which I otherwise love) is that if you are going to both race and train with the Powertap-hubbed wheel, you are likely to have to choose in a time trial between racing with the PT wheel and racing with a disk or a trispoke or the like. In the lower cats, this doesn't have to matter a whole lot but at your level, surely it does.

I suppose a compromise is to build the PT hub onto a deep dish wheel, like Hed Alps or something. However, then you have to use it for training, too. To repair it, if it is hurt in training is expensive, but maybe that is a price a person can pay. At my level of riding, it isn't worth to me. I wonder also whether there are circumstances where you just wouldn't use a deep dish wheel....in which case, you'd have to do without the PT, too, on that occasion.

My PT is built on a very inexpensive wheel. I use it to race with when I want the PT -- which is all the time! At my level of racing, though, it doesn't matter a whole lot to have a fancy wheel...in my view, anyhow. The value of the PT info wins every time.

________________________________

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness
Sent: Tue 8/19/2008 1:23 PM
To: melissa@melissasanborn.com
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Power Meters

Melissa -

It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for each person. I've used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years, and they both work well. From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is going to hold up better. Powertaps have gotten a lot better, though. For most people I work with, a Powertap is their choice. Why? $1500 Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach for most. They both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both race and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system was the wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to bike very easily. In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from race bike to rain bike is important. Because power data is good for objective feedback during your training and communicating this with your coach, if you have one. But data from every ride needs to be recorded if you are going to get everything out of it and incorporate the performance management applications. So, no right answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one of your bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap you can both train and race on, and go with it. That works for most. The Quark seems to be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving that some more time before I make any conclusions. The wattage forum is a great place to get questions answered since every questions. No doubt, if you are looking for clear, objective training data, power is the essential. And if you are communicating your data with someone else, then that's an even great reason to use wattage.

RC

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting
Portland, OR
503-501-8121

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn wrote:

I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list may be asking the
mselves the same questions.

Thanks,
Melissa Sanborn


--------------------------------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting

Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness

Melissa -

It's an endless discussion on which is better, or best for each person. I've
used SRM and Powertap extensively for many years, and they both work well.
From a reliability standpoint, the SRM is going to hold up better. Powertaps
have gotten a lot better, though. For most people I work with, a Powertap is
their choice. Why? $1500 Vs $4,000 is a big difference. SRM is out of reach
for most. They both work fine, though. If you can build a wheel you can both
race and train on, then Powertap is a good choice. The wireless is the
absolute way to go. one of the most common failures in the system was the
wiring harness, and this allows you to swap from bike to bike very easily.
In the NW, being able to switch the wheels from race bike to rain bike is
important. Because power data is good for objective feedback during your
training and communicating this with your coach, if you have one. But data
from every ride needs to be recorded if you are going to get everything out
of it and incorporate the performance management applications. So, no right
answer for everyone. I think it's best to have an SRM on every one of your
bikes.... but that's not going to happen. So get a Powertap you can both
train and race on, and go with it. That works for most. The Quark seems to
be working alright for folks too, but I'm giving that some more time before
I make any conclusions. The wattage forum is a great place to get questions
answered since every questions. No doubt, if you are looking for clear,
objective training data, power is the essential. And if you are
communicating your data with someone else, then that's an even great reason
to use wattage.

RC

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting
Portland, OR
503-501-8121

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM, Melissa Sanborn <
melissa@melissasanborn.com> wrote:

> I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the
> standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power
> is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know
> use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking
> about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless
> model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also
> not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a
> PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is
> for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only
> great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself.
> What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy
> to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum
> might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list
> may be asking the
> mselves the same questions.
>
> Thanks,
> Melissa Sanborn
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
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>

--
Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
Upper Echelon Fitness
CONNECT Bike Fitting

Melissa Sanborn

I've been using a PowerTap on and off for about 6 years. First it was the standard model, then the Pro, and now the 2.4 wired carbon SL model. Power is a GREAT training tool when the tool works! Several riders/clients I know use both the PowerTap and the SRM with some mixed feelings. I'm thinking about the cost of these things and upgrading my wired model to a wireless model. However, I'm a little hesitant due to their reliability but I'm also not convinced an SRM is the answer either and an even greater expense than a PT. I am wondering what others have experienced and what their preference is for training and racing with power. Of course, training with power is only great if you can race with it, too... which is another problem in itself. What wheel to lace the PT to or what bike to install the SRM on? Is it easy to swap an SRM from the winter bike to the race bike? The wattage forum might be a helpful place to start as well and I think others on this list may be asking themselves the same questions.

Thanks,
Melissa Sanborn

--------------------------------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld