[cleric]

Anyone here use a power meter to see their riding statistics?

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Originally Posted by cleric

Anyone here use a power meter to see their riding statistics?

Yes, I have 5 power meters in use on my bikes: 2 Powertaps and 3 SRMs, and I also coach riders using a wide variety of power meters including Polar, Powertap, SRM, ergomo, and before too long, Quarq.

I make extensive use of the data they provide and use WKO+ software for data analysis.

[tajcrews]

I have used on but not serious enough of a rider to justify buying one or really worrying about it. Great for roadies but waste for MTB'ers.

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Originally Posted by tajcrews

Great for roadies but waste for MTB'ers.

Why a waste?

[tajcrews]

I see you are a cycling coach right? Tell me why you would recommend one for MTB's? I will tell you my opinion but would like to hear yours first if you dont mind.

[kyoseki]

I would love to know what my power output is, but not enough to justify dropping a grand on a wheel with a Power Tap

[jocww]

and they are heavy too well heavier

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Originally Posted by tajcrews

I see you are a cycling coach right? Tell me why you would recommend one for MTB's? I will tell you my opinion but would like to hear yours first if you dont mind.

Thanks for answering a question with a question. That's a pretty poor dodge

I haven't stated an opinion on the matter. I am asking why you have come to the conclusion you have, since you are the one making the statement, not me.

But here are some preliminary thoughts, since you are so keen to know....

MTB is an aerobic endurance sport with some specific demands (downhill racing is different but I'm presuming we are not talking about downhill racing).

Given that good use of a power meter can be tremendously helpful in objectively assessing and tracking the performance of a rider, guiding their training workload and helping to ensure training is sufficiently specific to meet the demands of racing, irrespective of whether that is track, road, time trialling, MTB, ultra endurance etc, then I'm wondering why you've specifically nominated MTB as being a wasted application for a power meter?

Clearly in each cycling discipline there is a different balance between physiological performance ability, skill level, execution of both tactical and strategic plans as well as demand side modification (e.g. better TT aero positioning) but I don't see why this significantly diminishes the value of a power meter in MTB specifically (compared to "roadies"), hence why I am asking.

Presumably in MTB there are specific neuromuscular demands (which e.g. would be very well assessed through tools such as a quadrant analysis of the average effective pedal force and circumferential pedal velocity data from a power meter) which one can address in training to make sure these elements are covered, particularly if one doesn't have regular access to MTB venues, or venues that replicate the target events or their current neuromuscular power abilities could use some work.

There are often pacing and nutritional management strategies to consider, both of which can be very clearly assessed with the aid of a power meter. Fast starts to jockey for position, then pacing well over balance of the course are a couple of examples that come to mind.

This is aside from the typical use, that of regularly assessing fitness and how that relates to the fitness required, performing appropriate training, and of monitoring, managing and prescribing optimal training loads, and nailing your taper.


BTW - yes I am a cycling coach and no I do not sell power meters.

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Originally Posted by jocww

and they are heavy too well heavier

Really? Just how much extra mass do you think they add and how much impact do you think this has?

[tajcrews]

[QUOTE=Alex Simmons/RST;3585]Thanks for answering a question with a question. That's a pretty poor dodge

Well considering i was not trying to dodge the question, i was curious of your "expert" opinion since you have yourself listed as a cycling coach. I worked at a shop for numerous years and i own a sports and fitness retail store now. I know that in all my years, and all the riders i helped, rode with, worked on their bikes, etc that not a single MTB'er would consider nor use such a thing. We did sell to roadies but thats really it. You shouldn't take offense to someone asking a question. Its just a forum so everyone is gonna have an opinion. My number one reason for not likeing them is they are a big waste of money!