Stationary bikes and watts

Triathlon Forum
1

So here is my question:
How accurate are the stationary bikes that measure watts output compared to all the power meters tools available?

2

So here is my question:
How accurate are the stationary bikes that measure watts output compared to all the power meters tools available?Many are crap, some are OK, a few are very good.

3

Thanks you cleared that up pretty good. We all owe you a great debt of gratitude.

4

Thanks you cleared that up pretty good. We all owe you a great debt of gratitude.

Sounded like an appropriately vague answer to a vague question to me.

Greg

5

If you guys know of the decent or good ones could list them.
I figure would help me n some folks to get our feet wet in the power meter world.
Thanks

6

I would say the one I use is crap. I biked a stationary 40K is just under 51 minutes the other day, and my heart rate was ~150. Either I’m riding the wrong tires, or their math is quirky.

7

Velotron
.

8

Thanks you cleared that up pretty good. We all owe you a great debt of gratitude.
My pleasure.

WRT to accuracy of power readings (but even these need to be validated/calibrated), I would suggest that:

Monark, Velotron, Wattbike, PT300, SRM stationary trainer bikes are examples of good.

Kingcycle is in the ordinary category.

Most are crap.

Mine is good, but that’s because I’ve fitted it with a calibrated SRM power meter.

Others might like to add/amend the list.

9

Also add the Lode models (Excalibur/Sport) to the good list, if calibrated properly of course.

Xav

10

I use the Lifecycles at the gym and they probably vary 10-15% between bikes.

11

If you guys know of the decent or good ones could list them.
I figure would help me n some folks to get our feet wet in the power meter world.
Thanks

I have a Cyclops 300PT and I love it. It is just about infinitely adjustable for different riders with all of the adjustments being easily duplicated as a result of the index marks on each component. I measured out all of the dimensions on my road bike and my tri bike and then set the 300 PT for both and recorded the settings on an index card that stays near the bike. I also picked up a pair of elbow cups I picked up at a swap meet and mounted them to the bars so I can get in the aero position when set up to duplicate my tri bike. I can reconfigure for the road bike or the tri bike in about 30 seconds.

Another benefit of the 300PT is that you can experiment with different positions and adjustments in a highly controlled setting. The control unit records your watts, heart rate, cadence, torque, etc., so you can move the seat up and down and the bars back and forth to see what feels right vs. what really is right by the power output. The only thing it doesn’t tell you is how aero you are.

Also, the 300PT allows your wife to ride when she wants. Last, for convenience, I don’t have to drag the bikes up and down the stairs to the bonus room and remount them on a trainer when I want to workout. I ride year round here in North Carolina and I am glad the bikes stay in the garage ready to ride while my trainer stays in the bonus room next to the treadmill equally ready. I have found I am more willing to work out if I can be on the bike or the trainer in a few minutes vs. lots of prep time.

The 300PT costs about $1,700 or $1,800, but it has been worth it. The software you use to download the data from the control unit is not bad and gives you all of the data you can stand. When I was looking at other options that allowed me to use watts, there wasn’t as much difference in the price as you would expect.

Greg