My question is about coasting. Naturally coasting downhill makes the most sense, but in the end putting more power into the course, pedaling all the time should yield a better time trial result. So what is the most efficient thing to do? Keep pedaling all the time, practice and train this too. Or coast as much as possible in an aero position and apply those saved KiloJoules on the uphill's, naturally you need to practice and train this also.

What do the pros do?

Cheers Ryan
Colorado

Ryan,

There is a fine balance to the ultimate pacing strategy. We have generally found that over about 60 to 70 kph, coasting and recovering is better than trying to maintain a constant power output. A small increase in power over the climbs when speed is slow makes up relatively more time than that same increase on a flat section or descent. Likewise, a small to large drop in power when speeds are really high does not cause speed to drop significantly. The best thing to do is to find a rolling course and practice different strategies. Try to feel speed and see what happens.

Allen

Hi Allen

I read the announcement on the CycleOps website regarding the compatibility between wireless PowerTaps and the Garmin 705 Edge. I noticed that David Millar had a yellow PowerTap cpu on his bike during the Stage 4 TT. I didn’t notice what the other guys were using. Now that Garmin is the lead sponsor don’t they insist on having their products seen on the bikes, especially during the TDF? Or is there some advantage to using a PowerTap cpu over the Garmin Edge? I would have thought that the Garmin would give you all the data that the PowerTap cpu does, plus more. What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks.
Mark
Colorado

Mark,

It was Christian who was using the PowerTap computer in the time trial. Yes, we are obliged to use the Garmin 705 Edge on the bicycles. No, there is not a difference. The reason Christian used the PowerTap CPU was due to the custom aero bars on his time trial bicycle. The Garmin does not fit, but the PowerTap does, so we were allowed a small exception.

Allen

Allen,

What books would you recommend for training and racing with a power meter? I just ordered a copy of Training and Racing with a Power Meter by Hunter Allen and I'm wondering if you consider this a good book. Are there are others that you would recommend?

Also, what are the best things to read on the Saris Cycling Group CycleOps Power (sarissource@saris.com ) web site?

Thanks for your advice,
Carl

Carl,

As far as I know the book you ordered is the only one out. So I would start there. As for the site, it all depends on your interests. I think it’s all great.

Allen

Hi Allen,

(1) Would you and David consider posting the TT PowerTap file in .csv format?

(2) Re: your comment in the Versus coverage about David having the capacity to hold 430W for 90-minutes, how does that jive with his reported power of ~400W for 36-min in the TT? Surely he wasn't holding anything back!!

Did, perhaps, you mean that is his capacity in a climbing position vs. the reduced power, yet optimal W/CdA, position on the TT bike. Or was it a "heat of the moment" comment?

Inquiring minds would like to know

Thanks,
Rick Murphy

Rick,

1. Sure.

2. It was lower for the TT because of the undulating terrain. He would go harder on the climbs and at points coast or float it on the descents. In training we found that these surges caused a faster speed but lower average power output. In the end, it’s speed not high power we want in a tt. The reference for 430 is for a climb or perfectly flat road. Descents and even a few seconds of floating in corners change a lot.

Allen