I’ve just bought one, (L frame) and will take delivery in about 2 weeks time. I understand it is a heavier carbon bike than you would expect from today’s carbon bike. I currently have been riding the Cervelo P2C for 3yrs and most of my racing is sprint to 70.3. I’ve read Dan’s bike reviews on ST. Have you as a rider of the carbon Power V seen much difference in racing performance between the Power V (PV ) and today’s carbon TT bike (should you own one). Just wanting to hear other owners views having ridden both. I can only take one bike on the plane.
? On Olympic and HIM distance what sort of improve (if any) in your bike splits
? Any improvement in your run split
? Bike fatigue
In regards to frame size; I’m 6-1, with inseam of 33, if you’re similar in size, have you found either frame size L or XL a better fit.
I’ve found running on a TM has helped reduce the shock on my knees and by the sounds of things the beam bike might also contribute to less bike fatigue should I decide to step up from HIM to IM distance training. I hoping to preserve my 48yo bones as best as I can.
I had the first run Zipp 2001 which I loved that utilized the same Allsop beam you will most likely have. It was and is my fav bike ever for long course due to comfort and it’s substantial. However, even the smoothest of circular strokes will introduce some bounce on the beam. If you are a big masher more than a spinner it will be very evident. Not trying to qualify one as better than the other, but it’s something you will deal with.
Not sure I have ever heard a terse word from a Softride owner I’m sure you will love it.
i had a softride for 5 years, with a 56 chainring, i was a masher, no bouncing, i just got a new one, rebuilding it
No kidding? Huh. Was it the older PowerV with the Allsop or the newer stiffer integrated beam made by Softride? Maybe it was just me, but dang I was bouncy on my Zipp/Allsop.
I rode on a Power-V for a few years. Most comfortable bike I ever had. I would build one back up in a heartbeat if I could find one…
I’m 6’3", 170lbs. Rode an XL with the stiffest beam. I also had one of the “tall” seat clamps.
Never had any “bounce” problems, and I tended to be a low cadence/big gear masher back then.
You’ll love it.
Just remember that the beam compresses under load, so setting your seat height/level just right is a bit tricky at first.
Make sure to post pics once you have it ready to roll!
Enjoy,
John
I own 2 power v’s. A 700 c med frame and a 650 small frame. Weighing at 160 I have had no bounce problem on either bike. The 650 has a 56 chain ring on it and thats where I do most of my riding. The bike is great for a flat course even by todays standards. I also own a p3c and a p4 and the power v is just as fast on some courses
Power wing aluminium frame, carbon beam, 200 lb beam
Well go figure, maybe it was just me! Dang I loved that thing so much I started selling stuff left and right the minute I saw Welchie ripping on it…this pushed me over the edge(notice the Headway which is scarily like some of the lids seen last weekend…what’s old is new!:
Thanks rhudson, just what I was hoping to hear. I weigh 184 and 6-1…it would seem I am either large or x-large. The bike is the 1st gen “s” beam.
FWIW how much time gain did you get on a flat course using the PV over the p3c.? 1-2mins…or 3-4 mins all things being equal of course. And any noticeable improvement in your running off the bike using the PV?
Hey TP…I know of a guy who I’ve been talking with over the past several days dicussing frames, he literally has a dozen of Powerwings. Can’t say too much (wink wink nudge nudge say no more), only to say he got a ripper of deal for a bulk purchase. I could choose either large frame or XL. I’m 6-1 @ 184, What do you think XL??
M
…
Power wing aluminium frame, carbon beam, 200 lb beam
Well go figure, maybe it was just me! Dang I loved that thing so much I started selling stuff left and right the minute I saw Welchie ripping on it…this pushed me over the edge(notice the Headway which is scarily like some of the lids seen last weekend…what’s old is new!:
Mike the Softride I had was the aluminum Ironman branded version and I’m almost certain they were sized differently than the PowerWing. My Zipp was a large frame, but if memory serves they only offered a single beam size on that(choice of frame and beam was one size only). I think they sized my aluminum Softride as L. Very hazy on the frame options so hopefully someone will chime in who is still riding one.
I’m one of those guys who likes to stretch out and would always rather be on a slightly larger frame, being scrunched up or having to ride a 130mm stem on a tt bike isn’t my cup of tea.
Power wing aluminium frame, carbon beam, 200 lb beam
Well go figure, maybe it was just me! Dang I loved that thing so much I started selling stuff left and right the minute I saw Welchie ripping on it…this pushed me over the edge(notice the Headway which is scarily like some of the lids seen last weekend…what’s old is new!:
i am the same size has Welchie, i ride a small with a 200 lb beam, the lid was way ahead of it’s time, i wonder if that company is still around
I had the first run Zipp 2001 which I loved that utilized the same Allsop beam you will most likely have. It was and is my fav bike ever for long course due to comfort and it’s substantial.** However, even the smoothest of circular strokes will introduce some bounce on the beam. If you are a big masher more than a spinner it will be very evident.** Not trying to qualify one as better than the other, but it’s something you will deal with.
Not sure I have ever heard a terse word from a Softride owner I’m sure you will love it.
Smoothness on a beam bike isn’t really just about pedaling in circles, but in matching your upstroke and downstroke forces. You can mash if you must, just pull up with the other leg with the right timing and effort to avoid the dreaded seat bounce. I found that I bounced for the first 500 or so beam miles, then it went away. I would guess that a certain product that encourages stronger pedaling on the upstroke would also be useful to reduce beam bounce. YMMV.
Smoothness on a beam bike isn’t really just about pedaling in circles, but in matching your upstroke and downstroke forces. You can mash if you must, just pull up with the other leg with the right timing and effort to avoid the dreaded seat bounce. I found that I bounced for the first 500 or so beam miles, then it went away. I would guess that a certain product that encourages stronger pedaling on the upstroke would also be useful to reduce beam bounce. YMMV.
Smoothness on a beam bike isn’t really just about pedaling in circles, but in matching your upstroke and downstroke forces. You can mash if you must, just pull up with the other leg with the right timing and effort to avoid the dreaded seat bounce. I found that I bounced for the first 500 or so beam miles, then it went away. I would guess that a certain product that encourages stronger pedaling on the upstroke would also be useful to reduce beam bounce. YMMV.
A Dozen Powerwings!? Where these the composite version? Thanks to this thread and past interest in beam bikes, I just picked up a Power-beam. I love the look of that frame. Have taken it out a few times and seems very stiff. Not crazy heavy either. I will post pictures as I work on bike.
Hey TP…I know of a guy who I’ve been talking with over the past several days dicussing frames, he literally has a dozen of Powerwings. Can’t say too much (wink wink nudge nudge say no more), only to say he got a ripper of deal for a bulk purchase. I could choose either large frame or XL. I’m 6-1 @ 184, What do you think XL??
M
…
Power wing aluminium frame, carbon beam, 200 lb beam
Well go figure, maybe it was just me! Dang I loved that thing so much I started selling stuff left and right the minute I saw Welchie ripping on it…this pushed me over the edge(notice the Headway which is scarily like some of the lids seen last weekend…what’s old is new!:
I am a big fan of beam bikes. I am still looking for more Zipp 2001 and 3001, Lotus Sport 110 and Softride Power V and Fastt. I am looking for anything else that catches my eyes especially the 90’s time trial bikes. Please do let me know if anybody has one for sale.
-Max T
You know…as cool as all the bikes are today, I can’t ever love one like I did my first Carbon Fiber bike in 1991. That was the Kestrel 4000. What a beauty…thanks for posting the picture of yours.
`
