I just finished my first year in tri. I am a strong swimmer and runner. This bike thing is the big challenge.
I have been told to replace my Cycleops Super Magneto trainer with a proper power-oriented system. What is the best way to do this? I do not have a bike computer, power meter, or any of the other key gadgets. If you were starting from scratch, what kind of setup would you design? I am willing to invest some scratch in this endeavor.
I don’t see any reason as to why you should get rid of the SuperMagneto. The power-oriented trainers are fun and cool and all, but on race day, you don’t have that measuring tool with you.
Keep the SuperMagneto and go for a Power2Max, Stages, Quarq, or SRM ANT+ power meter (whatever fits your budget), a Garmin Edge or similar ANT+ bike computer, and TrainerRoad, PerfPRO Studio, PeriPedal, Maximum Trainer or another power-oriented training software system. With a little bit of price shopping, you can get into all that for under $1000, and you’re set for training AND racing with power.
And, as someone else mentioned, there are some good books worth reading on the subject.
Or better yet, get yourself a speed/cadence sensor and some software from Peripedal, TrainerRoad, Perfpro etc and start training with virtual power for awhile until you get the hang of it. If training with power is for you, the next step is a power meter. Oh yeah, keep your current trainer.
Cheap route: get TrainerRoad software (I can give you a code for a free month trial), a speed/cadence sensor and an ANT+ USB and your set. That’s maybe $60. Keep the magneto.
Want more specifics? Get one of the powermeters mentioned previously and TrainerRoad. Keep the magneto.