Power meter what smoothing?

[novetan]

When using power meter, normally what smoothing do you guys set. My Garmin 800 has 3s,10s and 30s. Couldn’t find none, whereas Trainer Road has none. What’s the advantage when set to the min? The figures becomes so spiky. My friend told me the more pro you are, the setting shld geared towards none or min smoothing so you will have immediate feedback to adjust your pedaling to optimize your power. Frankly, I find the min. setting is one of disruption that make one so engross in monitoring the figures than focusing on the actual ride.

What about setting it to read average?

For a serious but not competitive riding, what’s the best setting?

 

[Rob3rt]

Buy THE book and read it.

 

[Smurfy]

When Froome was wearing yellow, someone posted a comment on CycleChat to the effect that he resembled a nodding dog (as seen in the back window of cars), such was the frequency with which he was checking his computer.

I don't use cycle computers myself, not even the most basic and cheap speed and distance type. I stopped using them when I bought a fixed wheel bike because I wanted to just enjoy the ride. What I do have is a phone with GPS logging. I switch on the logging, then it stays in my pocket until I get home. The only reason I'd take it out mid-ride would be to pause the logging while I have a bite to eat, or while I sit on a bench to enjoy the sunshine for half an hour.

If you're finding it disruptive, maybe cover it up or put it in your pocket for some or all of the ride, and look at the data when you get home.

 

[dan_bo]

The answer is always Savitsky-Golay.

 

[amaferanga]

Ride with power, not by power. Don't constantly adjust what you're doing based on the number you're seeing on your Garmin.

 

[novetan]

Like to hear further comments. Anymore your thoughts?

 

[VamP]

What more do you want to hear? Read the book and don't ride by power. Elementary.

But in order not to appear completely unhelpful, set your display to 3s average and 30s average. Between them these two read-outs will give you a decent understanding of what you are producing power wise. It still won't help you very much unless you heed the two bits of advice you have already been given.

 

[Rob3rt]

I have a thought... but it is not really related to your question and some will perceive it is a bit unkind, but, I have to say it, I am rather baffled at the idea of people being happy/willing to piss money on a specialist and niche product at a premium price without actually knowing what it is or how to use it.

 

[VamP]

It's not too unkind, I am baffled also.

There is more value in learning how to use a power meter and then not using (buying it) than there is in having one with no idea how to use it.

 

[amaferanga]

To be fair, at least the guy has bought something that (with a bit of reading and learning) can make him a better cyclist instead of just spending £5k on a Venge or Pinarello and all the Sky kit (the norm for fat, rich people).

 

[Dan B]

When Froome was wearing yellow, someone posted a comment on CycleChat to the effect that he resembled a nodding dog (as seen in the back window of cars), such was the frequency with which he was checking his computer.

http://chrisfroomelookingatstems.tumblr.com/

 

[Smurfy]

http://chrisfroomelookingatstems.tumblr.com/

Think he might have been ogling someone elses kit in one of those pics.