I’m finally getting a powertap. I’ve had a streak of luck at the blackjack table this past week and I’m getting out while I’m ahead which will allow me to buy a powertap! Woot!
For the $ which is the best of the new models? I already have a nice Polar HRM, but then again don’t really want to look at 2 displays (powertap and watch). Basically I’m trying to decide if the addt’l $200 for the Pro+ is “worth it” over the Elite+. What is the onboard analysis feature? I see the elite doesn’t have it, so if its useful I might have to spend a few more bucks.
What have you used/opinions about them? Anything would help! Thanks!!!
My personal opinion is that I can’t invision using the added features during a ride. If I’m doing intervals I simply mark them and review them during the recovery period. I don’t see the advantage of being able to look at those values on the fly or for a relatively unstructured ride. There are certain things I would love to be able to look at on a ride (normalized power, TSS) but those are proprietary.
Save the $200 and pay for a consult with a coach. You’re going to have a lot of questions about using your powermeter. Or (and!) buy WKO+. You really need that program (or perhaps RaceDay if you’re a multisport athlete) to get the most out of your purchase.
I got a Pro+, as it seemed like the drop in weight was significant from the Elite+ but not so great to the SL+. I got it for $850 new in box from an ebay retailer, let me know if you want to know the dude.
I have a couple of the 2.4 wireless. I love them. The wireless costs a few bucks more but I think it’s worth it. Swapping it to another bike is so simple. The only issue I have had with it was the same as my Polar HR. When near High Power lines the HR reading can go wacky. Other than that, mount the wheel and ride.
If you’re looking at the 2009 models, I think the upgrade to the Pro+ is totally worth it. While the Elite+ is wireless, the cpu that it comes with doesn’t display/record your Peak Power data or time in training zones. If you’re used to using Protrainer with your Polar, you’ll know how useful having time in zones is over just having average, max, and min HR or power is. It is possible to upgrade the cpu headunit on the Elite+ at a later date, but the price doesn’t make any sense (at least in Canada).
I just picked up a 2008 2.4 wireless PT, and like you have been using a Polar HR monitor for years. It does suck that the HR straps aren’t compatible. I like using my Polar for long rides, then match up the data with the PT wattage, while for FTP tests I’ll wear the powertap HR strap.
Time in zone WRT wattage is rather hard to define. HR is inherently smoothed data, so it makes some sense to have a time in zone function. However, suppose I do 15secs max wattage, 15 recovery for a period of 10 mins. What zone was I in? What about Tabata intervals? (20 on, 10 off, I think?)
The point is the cut off for what number goes in what zone becomes a lot harder with watts than with HR. That is why I don’t see the value in it for a Powertap head (or for a wattage file, for that matter)
Time in zone WRT wattage is rather hard to define. HR is inherently smoothed data, so it makes some sense to have a time in zone function. However, suppose I do 15secs max wattage, 15 recovery for a period of 10 mins. What zone was I in? What about Tabata intervals? (20 on, 10 off, I think?)
The point is the cut off for what number goes in what zone becomes a lot harder with watts than with HR. That is why I don’t see the value in it for a Powertap head (or for a wattage file, for that matter)
Yeah, power distribution charts/data can be misleading if not applied with care/thought.