Using powermeter on indoor gym bikes

[lennyk]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen using the indoor bikes in the gym which have a power/watts display as well as hr, cadence etc

My previous "hard' training was a few repeats on a hill which would take me about 13mins to do and I found tended to be more anaerobic before I started to do some proper reading of the Coggan/Allen book.

I don't race or plan to but do want to raise my FTP and also improve my sprint for the little dragout we have on our weekend long ride.

I wonder if it would really be worthwhile for me to invest in a powermeter for my road bike, since I've been seeing some gains with my indoor training plus the road terrain I live in doesn't really provide for a good stretch or road to do 2x20's.
In fact I spend less time training as I can be in and out of the gym in less than 80mins in the morning for a set of 2x20's.

Anybody ?

[twizzle]

Get a Kurt Kinetic.

[sogood]

It certainly will work, although the calibration may be off and not available for analysis. One key aspect is that it will be able to delivery iso-power for the duration of intervals. One other limitation is that most stationary gym bikes have a rather low upper wattage limit and you want to find one that delivers at least 300W to be useful for most mid-lower club riders. So find that unit and stay with it so that it's consistent over time.

[Alex Simmons/RST]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen using the indoor bikes in the gym which have a power/watts display as well as hr, cadence etc

My previous "hard' training was a few repeats on a hill which would take me about 13mins to do and I found tended to be more anaerobic before I started to do some proper reading of the Coggan/Allen book.

I don't race or plan to but do want to raise my FTP and also improve my sprint for the little dragout we have on our weekend long ride.

I wonder if it would really be worthwhile for me to invest in a powermeter for my road bike, since I've been seeing some gains with my indoor training plus the road terrain I live in doesn't really provide for a good stretch or road to do 2x20's.
In fact I spend less time training as I can be in and out of the gym in less than 80mins in the morning for a set of 2x20's.

Anybody ?

People who do like to track and monitor their performance, usually will enjoy a power meter on their bike. Gym bikes tend not to be all that accurate and calibration between units inconsistent.

Indoor training is very time efficient if done well. That's why I jointly run an indoor training centre for cyclists and triathletes.

I also hire Power meters so people can at least try before they buy.

[gclark8]

I have seen Power Meters on the Evolution 'air' bikes at the local Uni.

I am currently re-building a Repco double BB to run 6 gears with interchangeable wheels, 6/3 blade.

[lennyk]

The bikes in the gym do vary a lot in their calibration from bike to bike, I always try to use the same one.

anyway, I have ordered a powertap pro equipped wheelset for my bday this month.

[sogood]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen...

85% of what?

[gclark8]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen...

85% of what?

85% of 100%

[sogood]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen...

85% of what?

85% of 100%

That 100% being?

[gclark8]

That 100% being?

Max Heart Rate.

[sogood]

That 100% being?

Max Heart Rate.

If that's the case, then what's that got to do with a powermeter? The OP should have been using a HRM instead.

Hence the need to get this 85% issue clarified.

[lennyk]

85% of 20min ftp test done with the powermeter on the gym bike,
which is a paltry 200w or so.
Mind you the gym bikes could be under rating the displayed power.
the gym bikes are cybex

[lennyk]

Ok, I got my Powertap last week and did a little 20min circuit.
My FTP is about 210 which is close to what I estimated on the electronic Cybex gym bikes.
Might even be a little higher if I ride the route better as it has some up/downs.

Alex, How do you guys get images of the graphs from your software ?

thanks,

L

[Alex Simmons/RST]

I use a screen capture tool, then save the image to an online image library, which I link to when posting images.

[lennyk]

thanks, you can also do a screen capture by just pressing CTRL-Shift and then PrintScreen keys together
and then opening the Paint program and choosing Edit/Paste.

Lennard

[jacks1071]

I recently started a powerbased 2x20(85%) regimen using the indoor bikes in the gym which have a power/watts display as well as hr, cadence etc

My previous "hard' training was a few repeats on a hill which would take me about 13mins to do and I found tended to be more anaerobic before I started to do some proper reading of the Coggan/Allen book.

I don't race or plan to but do want to raise my FTP and also improve my sprint for the little dragout we have on our weekend long ride.

I wonder if it would really be worthwhile for me to invest in a powermeter for my road bike, since I've been seeing some gains with my indoor training plus the road terrain I live in doesn't really provide for a good stretch or road to do 2x20's.
In fact I spend less time training as I can be in and out of the gym in less than 80mins in the morning for a set of 2x20's.

Anybody ?

I've gotta say that using a power metre on a trainer makes the experience a lot more bareable as the power metre keeps you focused so the time seems to pass quicker and it does seem like a much better use of your time than doing it without power...

[lennyk]

helps if the bikes are behind the treadmills with nice chicks running