As a college student, January and February are always good because that means it’s tax return time. So with some extra cash I was wondering what the best upgrade/ investment would be best. I have a Trek Speed Concept and am trying to decide between getting carbon wheels, Garmin vector pedals, or Recovery Boots. I have a Garmin 910XT watch as well so the pedals should sync with it. I do most of my bike training indoors. Any thoughts? Price is a factor also. Wheels would cost around 1800, the pedals are 1600 I believe, and recovery boots are over 1000. Thanks
Depends on if you will use the power meter correctly. Just having it doesn’t make you better, you need to be able to track the data and know what it is telling you. If you can’t do that, I would pass on them. But, that being said, adding power changed the game for me in terms of bike fitness. It is concrete and doesn’t fluctuate based on my fatigue or other factors. 200 watts is 200 watts. There is no way to fake the work and it will help you improve. Also, vector’s can be had for less if you shop around. Wheels are nice though but won’t help you get any fitter, and they can always be rented for really important races. All in all, here is how I would rank your potential purchases:
- Garmin vetor/another pm (if you are going to use it right)
- Wheels
- Invest in a girlfriend to rub your legs after hard workouts
3)Rrecovery boots
No question at all:
-
Power meter (Garmin, whatever you fancy, I personally love my Vectors) - Consistent bench marking for training and racing, and if you’re doing HIM or longer races, the advantages to pacing your bike leg is staggering.
-
Wheels, these are a ‘buy if you have a power meter already’ type purchase I feel. Yes, you’ll get some speed out of them, but using the PM to train and pace will probably buy you more time on race day due to proper pacing.
3.) Almost anything else.
4.) After #3, Recovery Boots.
Thanks guys. I am training for an Ironman and my bike is by far my weakest discipline so I’m leaning towards the power meter. Are the Garmin Vector pedals the way to go? Also, any tips for recovery? Many times I get off the bike and my legs are sore for a day or two which affects my running routine. My swim is the only consistent sport right now.
- used wired SRM $400
- 6 months of coaching $1200
or
- used Zipps w/ power tap $1500
recovery boots are worthless, especially for someone as young as you
I’m jealous of your swim consistency, you have no idea.
Regarding the bike. In terms of recovery, it sounds like you’re absolutely hammering yourself on your sessions and training too hard for your current fitness. This is ok in a bike focus block, but if its compromising run / swim, then you want to back off a bit on either the duration or the intensity, particularly as you build toward an ironman. Also, how are your legs sore? Is it spot cramping in an area like the calves (which could indicate improper fitting / mechanics) or just general soreness and DOMS?
For a power meter, the Vectors are a pretty no-nonsense, though very pricey way to go. As long as you follow install instructions (and make sure you don’t twist the pod into the crank arm and break it off with the torque wrench) and make SURE it’s tightened to 25nlbs, you’ll have little issue with them (Particularly with a 510 / 810 / 910 as a head unit). If you don’t mind being locked into a particular crank, the Power2max meter is another great option for the price. I don’t have personal experience with Stages or Quark, so I can’t comment on either of these directly, but both seem to be viewed favorably. I think if I was on a fixed budget, and didn’t need to move the power meter between bikes frequently (and wasn’t happy changing my own crank) I’d likely look at Power2max for crank based metering, and spend the remaining 800.00 or so dollars on a pair of used carbon wheels, or new Flos (I love my Flos, so I’m biased here).
In terms of single season bang for buck on a tax return this is your ideal route I’d feel. Which IM are you training for?
Yeah my swim is very consistent. Thank goodness. Right now I’ve have 4, 3800m swims with a PR just under 55minutes. And I get some soreness in my calfs (not terrible). And DOMS in my quads sometimes. I am currently training for IM Louisville either this is summer or next depending on where I am with my training. I work at a swim ship so I can get a really nice discount on wetsuits which I have yet to buy.
You may be underselling option 3.
Reduces blood pressure. Improves diet.
We all know specificity is king so working the T3 bricks are key to success long term.
The only real drawback is the maintenance costs.
Powertap rear wheel; about $850 on line
Disc cover; about 49
used front wheel of your choice: $400 to 600 (used front wheels usually don’t have any problems)
and you’ll have it all except for the boots that you don’t need.
I would consider a power2max or powertap if you got a power meter.
Or save it
Definitely NOT recovery boots. There isn’t any clear scientific evidence that they will make you a better athlete.
Don’t buy upgrades. Ride up grades.
- used wired SRM $400
- 6 months of coaching $1200
Wow, a wired SRM only goes for $400 these days. That’s a steal!