For me, it's a no contest.
Smart trainer >>>> powertap or power pedals any day.
I use the smart trainer 3-5x/wk, sometimes more.
I ride outdoors like 1x/wk, 2x max.
I've also found power on race day to not be as helpful as I thought. Lots of unexpected things pop up that you have to factor in for, like heat/cold, unexpected swim fatigue, etc. - my worst race rides have been when I tried to peg a particular %FTP power I had decided for beforehand, and not allowed as much race-day compensation.
I actually trust my HR more than my PM on race day. Plus, my PM didn't catch on to my Garmin on 3 different races, so I was racing by feel and HR, and it went really well - better than my PM races (although granted, it's helpful to have the retrospective PM data.)
You could take my powertap and I'm not sure I'd even replace it. You take my Kickr away, and I'm getting a new one next week.
I've also done the dumb trainer + powertap thing - it's not bad, but I much, much prefer the Kickr. Especially if I'll be on it 3-5 hrs/wk.
Smart trainer >>>> powertap or power pedals any day.
I use the smart trainer 3-5x/wk, sometimes more.
I ride outdoors like 1x/wk, 2x max.
I've also found power on race day to not be as helpful as I thought. Lots of unexpected things pop up that you have to factor in for, like heat/cold, unexpected swim fatigue, etc. - my worst race rides have been when I tried to peg a particular %FTP power I had decided for beforehand, and not allowed as much race-day compensation.
I actually trust my HR more than my PM on race day. Plus, my PM didn't catch on to my Garmin on 3 different races, so I was racing by feel and HR, and it went really well - better than my PM races (although granted, it's helpful to have the retrospective PM data.)
You could take my powertap and I'm not sure I'd even replace it. You take my Kickr away, and I'm getting a new one next week.
I've also done the dumb trainer + powertap thing - it's not bad, but I much, much prefer the Kickr. Especially if I'll be on it 3-5 hrs/wk.