Pioneer is solid. If you are data driven this winds hands down.

My only knock is you need their computer to take full advantage of the data. Otherwise, the difference between the two gets much closer.

If you're talking about a long term investment in performance, I think the 7-10 days is a very worthwhile payoff. The Pioneer is in a class of its' own, considering that you're basically buying the data feedback from a Computrainer (but better) and you can take it on the road.

If you can't spring for the head unit, I would still go for the Pioneer and save up to buy the head unit at a later date. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

If there's any chance you're in San Diego, I could probably loan you one of my cranks for that 7-10 day turn around period.

-Eric

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Eric Lagerstrom
Professional Triathlete
https://www.youtube.com/c/ericlagerstrom
http://www.ericlagerstrom.com
https://www.instagram.com/eric_lagerstrom/

Thanks, guys. Like the feedback. I have a Garmin 510 so wouldn't fully utilize the Pioneer individual leg stuff.

Not sure if I really buy into the improving pedaling efficiency thing anyway. As a cat 1 who's been riding for a while, I fear I pretty much pedal the way I pedal at this point.

Not in San Diego, but appreciate the offer!

I'm right there with you on the pedaling efficiency improvement. I was a bit skeptical of whether that could or should be improved when I first started using the Pioneer system. My coach (Paulo Sousa) utilized it in the early season when we did high power-low RPM work and he actually told me to focus on higher peak forces on the downstroke. Over the course of 6 weeks, my efficiency numbers jumped by 4% and my power by about 20 watts. The nice thing about having that data is that you can use it how you please and fit it into your philosophy.

The other time I've been super happy to have it was before and after having patella tendinitis in my left knee. I was able to see the change in my pedal stroke when I got back on the bike and slowly work to correct it, monitoring the progress all along. I had to make a cleat adjustment as part of the recovery process, and that also showed in my pedal stroke.

Just some food for thought!
-Eric

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Eric Lagerstrom
Professional Triathlete
https://www.youtube.com/c/ericlagerstrom
http://www.ericlagerstrom.com
https://www.instagram.com/eric_lagerstrom/

Eric,

When you say "efficiency numbers" what are you referring to? Measurements taken with a metabolic cart? Something else?
I do agree that pushing harder is the ticket to improved power.

Thanks,

Hugh

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

I rarely post on this side but feel obligated to. I use both Pioneer and SRM and the Pioneer has quickly become my favorite. The left/right measurements are fantastic and have helped analyze a few shortcomings. As a sprinter every watt counts. Where i benefited was seeing that my power was not 50/50 but at one point was 44/56 (glute issue). It has also allowed me to dial in fit to be more effective in a sprint. Really enjoying the touchscreen and WiFi capabilities as well.

The efficiency numbers are essentially a ratii of total power to tangential power. So the amount of force being applied in the direction the crank needs to go. (Straight down when the crank is at 3 o'clock versus straight down when it's at 6 o'clock)

Here's a quote I got straight from the engineers:
"We measure and transmit positive and negative tangential and
non-productive radial forces 12 times or every 30 degree of rotation per
leg. The mechanical formula for efficiency is all forces divided by the
tangent forces. We use a 100% scale only achievable by a machine. Our
system provides a clear picture in real time or ride averaging of how much
and where in your pedal stroke you are producing all forces good and bad
allowing you to understand your pedaling technique and efficiency at all
ranges of power by leg."

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Eric Lagerstrom
Professional Triathlete
https://www.youtube.com/c/ericlagerstrom
http://www.ericlagerstrom.com
https://www.instagram.com/eric_lagerstrom/

Thanks Eric,

Didn't realize the Pioneer had that level of capability.

Hgh

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.