Endurance

Getting a PowerTap, easier said than done

Power training is touted by all the experts as the best thing since the heart rate monitor.  Now that powermeters are widely available, athletes can now monitor the true output of performance, which is watts.  The greater the watts, the more power you are generating.  It is true in all conditions, rain, wind, etc.  Everyone I know that uses a powermeter swears it is their most important tool.

Ok, I was sold and decided this was the year I was going to introduce power into my training.  So, after research I concluded the Saris PowerTap was the powermeter for me.  If you think you could just go buy one and get it installed, think twice.  PowerTaps only work with certain wheel sets.  Certain wheels have different number of spokes and not every bicycle shop installs them.  Plus there are many different models to choose from.  So, I got lucky in that my 24 spoke American Classic 420s were compatable with the Powertap.  Here is what I suggest you do if you decide to try and retrofit your old wheel with a PowerTap (the easiest is to just buy a new wheel, if it is time, with one already installed).

1.  Figure out if your wheel is compatable.  Call your wheel provider to make sure.
2.  Count the number of rear spokes you have so you know what PowerTap to buy.   I think 24 is a common number
3.  Figure out what kind you want.  If you have multiple bikes, wireless is a must.  The Elite model does not have heart rate monitoring, the Pro+ does.  The SL has fancier featurs like a 14mm hub which is stronger and SL+ has ceramic bearings.  I went with the Pro.  Also important to know is that the 2009 models are ANT compatible.  ANT is an emerging communication standard.  This is important because if you decide you want an ANT compatible device in the future, like a Garmin 705m your hub will work.
4.  Search the web for a deal.  MSRP is the same everywhere, but many shops offer dicsounts.  I believe buying one on eBay nullifys the warrenty, but double check.
5.  Check with your local store to see if they will match the price.  If they won't, see if they do installations.  Some won't touch them.

Like True Posers

By Benoit Collard

A first hand account of our ride this morning.  This is the actual email sent out to our triathlon group called the CU-Posers.

Only Dave, Rob and I were at the bank today (5:30 am).
 
Too bad, you guys missed a true poser ride.
As we were on the way back from the Saudorus loop, there was some flooding on the middle of the road.
Then Dave warned us: Be careful guys, slow down it is muddy and slippery…
 
What the heck… We are posers and we can go fast on the flooded roads
 
Rob felt on the side resulting in bad road rash, some bruises, and a need for new gloves, leggings, and new tape on his handle bars.

And of course I was following Rob (way to close by the way…) and I found myself having 2 choices:
1) Bike over Rob and his Bike (bad solution)
2) Try to Brake rapidly on the slippery road (bad solution as well, but better than option 1)

So by breaking that fast; my front brakes won vs. my back brakes and I was on my way for a 360 degrees attempt with my bike. But was successful for a 180 degrees only, ending up on the road, face and shoulder first…

I would say that my face will be all bruised by tomorrow (It started already). I will end up with few scars, but as good as an IM tattoo. I have some neck and collar bone pain as well but manageable…
Oh forgot to tell you: my (expensive) poser bike is OK. That was the most important :)

And of course I will be ready to bike this week end again.
 
Thanks Rob and Dave. Glad we are all OK. Bruised but OK It was a great ride with good friends.
 
Picture courtesy of Dave McGuire:

Changing a Flat