So after a race this past weekend I realized that I suck on the bike more than I thought. Now I know the best way to get better is to put in tons more time and volume (I only have about 600mi total behind me. I just started training at the beginning of the year.)
I have a HIM in November and would obviously like to have a good race. I know that I can improve between now and then, but I am wondering how much of a difference getting a power meter would make to a very inexperienced rider?
I have read a ton of people think it is the best investment they have made and a ton of people just have a very expensive bike computer because of lack of knowledge.
If I am willing to study up on it (I actually just bought the Coggin book today) could I see a bit more improvement in my biking using a power meter compared to not using one? Do you think it is feasible to see decent gains between now and November (I know getting really good takes years of consistent training)?
I realize that there is no magic potion for getting better and that with or without a meter I am going to have to put in the work. I just would like to know if a power meter might be worth the money (I can afford one, but it is not like I just have $1200 spare just because).
If I do end up getting one is there a huge difference between the different powertap models?
I see that the Elite plus does not have heart rate or onboard analysis.
Would the Pro+ be more than enough for me or is that missing a lot of functionality over the Sl+ and the SLC+
Thanks for any advice and apologies if this is the same ol same ol newbie question.
Get one. You want the SL+. Don’t need the SLC. Yes you can improve over the next 8 months and a power meter will help you make the most of your training. The only caveat is you need to understand how to use it and how to determine your FT. The Coggin book will tell you all this. If you really don’t want to invest teh time to understnd how to train wtih watts, it becomes a $1,500 bike computer.
As a 24+ year triathlete and an early adopter of lots of the gizmos over those years…and a 7+ year powermeter user…
I say you should focus on training, learning how to train, learning how to work hard, work easy, work all facets of fitness, work the technical issues like transitions, swimming efficiently, etc.
I don’t believe a powermeter is a good investment for you TODAY. Your learning curve on the simple basics of cycling and training is too steep already. But if (and I STRESS IF!) you are willing to also fork out significant $$$ to pay for personal coaching, it might help the coach work with you, if they are well versed in the use of power metrics in training.
A powermeter is a tool to provide feedback on training efforts, nothing more. The training methods and programs that make use of it were around long before power became a tool for measuring. You need to understand those before you can understand the capabilities and limitations a powermeter gives you for training and racing.
That said, if you do decide to get a PT, as you indicate…the Pro+ model built on a Mavic Open Pro rim is more than sufficient for your purposes. The bells and whistles of the upper models have more to do with chasing diminishing returns of momentary performance than the actual power training provisions (lighter weight, ceramic bearings, etc…the fluff).
The Pro+ would definitely be the way to go in terms of value starting out. In terms of training, something with a little more weight, or not as smooth bearings will not hurt you at all. Like TriBriGuy said, if you are just starting out, your learning curve is going to be very steep, and you will improve no matter what by increasing hours/miles, etc. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to properly train with power, that learning curve will be even steeper and you will know you are at your best come race day, not just better than where you are now. SL+ and SLC+ will only get you lighter weight, and smoother bearings, more important on a race wheel than a training wheel.
If you have a Garmin 705, the Elite+ does exactly the same as the others (confirmed to me by Saris before I invested in this combination), for less money and something like an extra 158grams. Ideal for a durable training wheel - the steel hub will probably last longer than the alloy ones too.
Download the free ebook on training and racing with power. All about how to use it for tri training. AC book is great if you care about the science behind using a PM but will not tell you what to do with it. PM is a great investment if used correctly. You need to be ready to work hard.
Most important question you ask, “If I am willing to study up on it…?” Answer is yes. That’s what makes the difference between an expensive computer and a valuable training tool. If I need a 6 foot piece of wood and I take take my ruler and measure off 8 inches and cut, I just used my tool improperly. Test, set zones, train to them, time and consistency, attend to the details, race fast and smart. You don’t need a decade of training or racing experience to use a powermeter effectively. You decide to use it effectively and you do. There is no secret handshake. In a decades time you wll be glad you did. Probably in the first 3 weeks.