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No, we also have a file that certainly shows evidence of manipulation, given that ONLY the specific interval in question shows signs of irregularity. If the rest of the data was equally bad, that would indicate a faulty device. But the data only becomes "odd" once the climb starts. Hmmmmm...
Come on, Frank explained that earlier with a completely plausible explanation right here: "
While repeating data could be from a cut and paste manipulation of a data file. It could also be from an electrical interference pattern from some repeating outside source when the data was collected."
I think I saw this on the X-Files.....
So, is this not a good time to ask you about your own experience with PC's......
My coach and several other sensible people talked me out of trying them. One of the most notable items was the following observation, "everyone I know who uses them seems to get injured at some point." I also spent a lot of time reading Dr. Coggan's and other's opinions on the matter (in threads like this one) and decided I was, like many people, looking for a "shortcut" or "edge" which didn't really exist. I knew a few guys who used to use them - all guys I respect. NONE of them use them anymore, which to me speaks volumes. Basically, when it came down to it, I had lots of people I trust telling me "no," and no one saying "yes."
Last time I was at a Team Timex training camp (2006) and I asked the athletes how many had or were training on PowerCranks about half the room raised their hand. Do you mean to say that all of those people gave up on them? That is not the feedback I have had. But, you know, they are probably just playing along with me to keep the "sponsor" happy.
I am especially intrigued by this observation you made: "One of the most notable items was the following observation, "everyone I know who uses them seems to get injured at some point." "
Wow, that is so foreign to the reports I get from users. Perhaps you could PM me some names and how the PC's contributed to their injuries so I could look into it more. I mean elite athletes get injured all the time. One of the selling points we emphasize is they help reduce risk of injury, and help the injured rehab. I would really love to get some data from you that suggests this is not true. Of course, it would be good if it were good data an not just a lot of anecdotes. I mean, we sold a PowerCranks exercise bike to a Div I gymnastics coach to use in keeping his girls healthy. He got them because the track team and trainers at the same school was using PC's to keep the track team healthy. It is why Coach Joe vigil got PC's for Team Running - USA (California) which only has such members as Meb Keflezigh, Deena Kastor, Ryan Hall, the late Ryan Shay (maybe we can blame his last "injury" on the PC's) and others. Where did these folks go wrong in their understanding of the product that your coach clearly understands from his vast experience with them?
Anyhow, I am sorry you didn't have the cajones to try them yourself (they are still on the shelf since you wanted a special size) and see what you thought from your own experience and how they fit your specific need rather than taking the opinions of others.
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I think one of the key factors is that people train and they use powercranks, and they get faster. And then they mistakenly assume that they got faster because they trained used powercranks, rather than just because they were training hard. Coggan posted something along these lines in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek post about how to raise VO2max some % in some period of time. Basically, the crux was just do smart, hard workouts.
Not one the former powercranks users I know misses them. Not one of them has gotten slower.
Well, I suspect that not one of those users used them exclusively such that they never really got through the transition. It is one of the reasons we don't give these things away to pros anymore. If they are simply trying them because it is more "free swag" they are not motivated to use them properly and they give up on them. New pros who get on them now do so because they want to be on them. Anyhow, to each his own.
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My own fleeting interest also had nothing to do with cycling. It had to do with running. I've also shifted my training program towards a lower volume of higher quality cycling, and more running, so the idea of using my cycling to improve my running is even less applicable than it was in the past when I was riding more.
Basically, I did research and used some critical thinking and asked my coach to do the same. In the end, our decision was that powercranks were not worthwhile. We both focused on training where is lots of good evidence (and easily producible power files to support said evidence) of what actually works.
EDIT: Quick add - it was over this most recent winter, when I had planned to use them, that all the guys I know who had used them decided they just weren't worth it. So all those guys I talked about in the thread you mentioned who had not previously had anything bad to say, changed their mind. People can do that, contrary to what *certain* people on this forum might be people. It is okay to admit you were wrong. Or to change your mind. Or to come to a new understanding in light of research, input from knowledgeable folks, etc. ;)
Are you saying nobody on the Timex team or any pro you know who did use them still uses them? Wow!!! That is pretty amazing. I may have to fact check that. If I can find one who is still using them that you know does that mean you are manipulating the data for some nefarious purpose. :-) That wasn't what I heard from Victor or Andily or Louis or any of many others last time I saw them. And, I wonder why we still get request from Timex pros to get on them. They mustn't know anyone you know.
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Frank,
An original Ironman and the Inventor of PowerCranks