I am considering purchasing a set of PowerCranks for use on my road bike which is normally set up on my Computrainer. I use my Computrainer for most of my quality workouts (intervals) as well as on days of bad weather. The road bike is set up to mimic my Triathlon bike (i.e., forward seat post and saddle pushed forward, large drop between the saddle and handle bars, and clip-on aero bars). Computrainer riding makes up about half of my training time during the spring to fall months and all of my winter training. I know that Frank Day recommends that PowerCranks be used exclusively once a commitment is made to their use. While this is a possibility for the winter months, during the rest of the year this is not going to happen. I have also read that it can take a very long time to adjust to using PowerCranks in an aero position and that it is difficult to maintain a high cadence with PowerCranks. With that in mind, I was thinking about working up to about half of my cycling volume with PowerCranks until after race season at which point I can devote a greater proportion of training with the PowerCranks. In any event, my triathlonn bike would use fixed cranks which means that I would always do some training and all racing on fixed cranks. This would allow me to be able to remain comfortable in the aero position while being able to maintain my current race cadence. Does this approach make sense? Should I just wait until race season is over (September) to purchase the PowerCranks at which point I will have about 7-8 months to devote to their use before next years race season? What do those of you with PowerCranks do regarding the proportion of PowerCranks versus fixed cranks training? Do you use PowerCranks for racing?
Bump - as I’m debating the same issue.
I am considering purchasing a set of PowerCranks for use on my road bike which is normally set up on my Computrainer. I use my Computrainer for most of my quality workouts (intervals) as well as on days of bad weather. The road bike is set up to mimic my Triathlon bike (i.e., forward seat post and saddle pushed forward, large drop between the saddle and handle bars, and clip-on aero bars). Computrainer riding makes up about half of my training time during the spring to fall months and all of my winter training. I know that Frank Day recommends that PowerCranks be used exclusively once a commitment is made to their use. While this is a possibility for the winter months, during the rest of the year this is not going to happen. I have also read that it can take a very long time to adjust to using PowerCranks in an aero position and that it is difficult to maintain a high cadence with PowerCranks. With that in mind, I was thinking about working up to about half of my cycling volume with PowerCranks until after race season at which point I can devote a greater proportion of training with the PowerCranks. In any event, my triathlonn bike would use fixed cranks which means that I would always do some training and all racing on fixed cranks. This would allow me to be able to remain comfortable in the aero position while being able to maintain my current race cadence. Does this approach make sense? Should I just wait until race season is over (September) to purchase the PowerCranks at which point I will have about 7-8 months to devote to their use before next years race season? What do those of you with PowerCranks do regarding the proportion of PowerCranks versus fixed cranks training? Do you use PowerCranks for racing?
First thing, everyone adapts differently. While most people have trouble getting aero, not everyone does. While most people struggle getting the mileage up, not everyone does. While most people have trouble getting the cadence up to 90, not everyone does, etc. etc. So, it is not possible to give you advice regarding the best use of the product for you until we know your limitations and goals.
That being said, in general, if you are looking for cycling improvement, I recommend as much time in the saddle with them as possible and, if you are a triathlete or time-trial specialist, as much time as possible in the racing position and at racing cadence. And, if you are going to race on regular cranks, as much time as needed on regular cranks to make sure you race on them the same way to ride PC’s. That may, again, vary from person to person.
Do most people who train with PowerCranks also race with PowerCranks?
Do most people who train with PowerCranks also race with PowerCranks?
No
.
I might add, I recommend that you train on them as if you intended to race on them. If you are race ready on PC’s then it shouldn’t make much difference which cranks are on your bike.
I just ordered a set of PowerCranks with the lock-out feature. I should have them in a week or two (shipping to Canada is a PITA). They are going on my training bike which is pretty much permanantly attached to my CT. I know this goes against Frank’s advice, but I plan on using them primarily with the lock-out mode engaged until race season is over in September. I figure on doing short daily workouts with the lock-out disengaged until September after which I will greatly increase their use. I will accelerate this plan if I find that I am adapting reasonably well and heavier use is not negatively impacting my bike volume. Well I hope to improve my cycling using the PowerCranks, my primary reason for their purchase is to improve my running which is definitely my limiter. I plan on doing all of my outdoor riding on my race bike which has fixed cranks. During the good weather my indoor CT to outdoor mileage is about 50/50. The winter months are all spent training indoors.
My PC’s are lockups also. They have some issues locking up, but part of the issue is I do not use them yet.
I have yet to be able to use the PC’s in Aero mode. Maybe if I used more, but if it is not “fun”, I just am not willing
to deal with pain, and possible injury.
So, I see them as another part. Now, for this off season, if the weather gets back to normal, with some rain,
I can see even more time on the trainer using the PC’s.
Dave
How often are you using the PCs, and for what duration? Do you feel that your running has improved as a result of their use?
The fact that racing is done in the aero position using standard cranks (at least for me) is the main reason why I do not plan on using only the PCs. I want to be able to maintain my comfort level and power in the aero position. Although this will probably extend the time it takes to adapt to the PCs. During the winter months, I am planning on doing all my rides using the PCs, but the long rides will be done on the race bike in the aero position.
I have used PC’s on and off for a few years. (long story but I do not like to spend money)
I posted after I had used them the first time a few years ago I saw improved running times.
No way to PROVE it.
I have been using my PC’s now during the last 6 weeks 2 to 3 days a week for 40 minutes.
I use them on my CT as fixed wattage. The effort I put into these is much harder than my
outside hill rides. I have not been able to run in training because of my injury, but have
been putting down great run times in races. Is it all the PC’s. Nope. (I feel swimming has
been the key to my overall race improvements). But, I just look at it this way.
People say you should do one legged drills. With the PC’s, I do these with both legs at once
all the time. Also, when you start on PC’s, it kicks your butt!!! Meaning, I lasted only a minute.
So clearly, they train some muscles that none of my other training touched.
So, part of training for me is keeping the variety up. Otherwise it gets too boring.
I would never consider using PC’s in races. Too heavy. Too risky for me on hills.
And, when folks like Dev and Chad went from 100% PC use to like 50/50, that is what I seem to enjoy.
Dave
“long story but I do not like to spend money”
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
car/boat, zedtechs, custom yaqui, PC, 200mm race cranks, Zipp tires, MASSIVE trampolines, ski boat, model trains…the list goes on and on!
ST post of the year from h2ofun!! 
I like to tape one to each calf when I swim. It helps me really concentrate on floating my hips. Plus the modified swim motion is nearly identical to running with perfect form, so I no longer have to do any run training.
Very nice, I needed that. Best since responds posts to “help my girlfriend improve her descend”.
I like to tape one to each calf when I swim. It helps me really concentrate on floating my hips. Plus the modified swim motion is nearly identical to running with perfect form, so I no longer have to do any run training.
Although I appreciate your attempt at humor, I am much more interested in getting the opinions/training advice from those who actually use PCs.
Although I appreciate your attempt at humor, I am much more interested in getting the opinions/training advice from those who actually use PCs.
Sorry Scott!
Must be the taper…
(Apologies to Frank, too.)
Hey, no problem.