Logging cycle computer to use with analysis software?

[twizzle]

I've decided to upgrade... but can't work out what. Suggestions for something bulletproof that works?

Sigma ROX 9.0. Seems Sigma still has dodgy wireless.
Garmin 305. Dodgy wireless senders?
Polar CS600X. Frikken pricey, and only 'splashproof'.
Polar RS800CX. Even more pricey, but lacks temp logging??

Anything else?

[toolonglegs]

Powermeter?
Just that if you are considering a Polar RS800CX at RRP of $800 (?) then you might as well go the whole way!.

[twizzle]

Powermeter?
Just that if you are considering a Polar RS800CX at RRP of $800 (?) then you might as well go the whole way!.

But that doesn't log altitude, HR, speed, cadence...

Speaking of power meters, what have you heard about quarq?

[toolonglegs]

Powermeter?
Just that if you are considering a Polar RS800CX at RRP of $800 (?) then you might as well go the whole way!.

But that doesn't log altitude, HR, speed, cadence...

Speaking of power meters, what have you heard about quarq?

Which doesn't log those things?...my PT logs HR,Speed,Cadence,Torque,Watts ...no temp or Alt (would need to pair it with a Garmin for that).
I have heard of quarq but don't know much about them.

[twizzle]

Which doesn't log those things?...my PT logs HR,Speed,Cadence,Torque,Watts ...no temp or Alt (would need to pair it with a Garmin for that).
I have heard of quarq but don't know much about them.

My bad, I thought it only logged basic stuff (power/speed). In fact, the 'affordable' (Elite) version doesn't log much at all.

(ps: PowerTap + Garmin isn't supposed to be particularly reliable).

The quarq looks like a copy of the SRM, but the basic unit is under $2K.

[toolonglegs]

Elite
Displays and records:
· Power (current, average, max.)
· Cadence (current, average)
· Speed (current, average, max.)
· Energy expenditure (total kjoules)
· Ride distance (miles or km)
· Ride time
· Programmable odometer

SL+
Displays and records:
· Peak Power
· Time in Zones
· Power (current, average, max.)
· Heart rate (current, average)
· Cadence (current, average)
· Speed (current, average, max.)
· Energy expenditure (total kjoules)
· Ride distance (miles or km)
· Ride time
· Programmable odometer

The only difference is you have to buy a seperate HR strap for the Elite.And it doesn't display Peak Power on the Head Unit but Peak power will still be viewable in the software when downloaded.Things like Alt,Temp etc are nice but if your aim is to ride faster they mean nothing.Your training will take on a new level when you start training with a power meter.

Buy one here....RRp to AUs is $1600...but ring them direct and ask Bob for a deal...you will get at least a $100 or more off.I am pretty sure shipping of complete systems is free worldwide.
http://www.cyclepowermeters.com/powerta ... -472-p.asp

[Ant.]

My bad, I thought it only logged basic stuff (power/speed). In fact, the 'affordable' (Elite) version doesn't log much at all.

Incorrect, but even still, once you have watts, you soon realise how useless cadence is. Time in zones is probably the most useless feature on a bike computer.

(ps: PowerTap + Garmin isn't supposed to be particularly reliable).

Is working fine for me, granted plenty others have problems. I don't advise anyone get a garmin to use with their powertap. I like the idea of having interval average power (TT motivator), current power, time and distance all displayed in front of me in one screen on my time trial bike, where I just flick my eyes down to the screen, in between my extensions. I have the powertap head unit mounted under my TT saddle, and use that for all data logging. I don't use the 705 on my road bike (i just press a couple of buttons to see average power at various time points during my intervals).

The quarq looks like a copy of the SRM, but the basic unit is under $2K.

Except it doesn't have the reputation of SRM, and you need to pair it with a 705. Recall what you mentioned about the garmin

[damhooligan]

I own a sigma rox 9.0

Never lost a signal after 5 months and more then 2000km, and stil working perfect.
I am a very happy costumer , and paid less then 450 dollars for it,
absolute value for money.
Bargain. !!!

[twizzle]

Too late! I ordered a Garmin Edge 305 for $475 insured/delivered yesterday afternoon. Now, as long as those GPS satellites stay up...

(Garmin has reportedly redesigned the internal contacts, which were the problem with the edge models causing them to drop in/out of operation).

[Alex Simmons/RST]

My bad, I thought it only logged basic stuff (power/speed).

Even if that's all that was actually logged (they're not), they are the only two things that actually matter anyway. Everything else is of limited/curiosity value.

[toolonglegs]

Well I tried ...me I have hill climb intervals tommorow...how much power I can put out for each of those is more motivating than any other gadget.
But everyone has different priorities .

[Ant.]

Well I tried ...me I have hill climb intervals tommorow...how much power I can put out for each of those is more motivating than any other gadget.
But everyone has different priorities .

Damn right buddy I have four 4min intervals, 4mins rest, tomorrow slotted into a 3hr steady ride. Keeping that power on for every second of every interval keeps me working like a dog!

[twizzle]

My bad, I thought it only logged basic stuff (power/speed).

Even if that's all that was actually logged (they're not), they are the only two things that actually matter anyway. Everything else is of limited/curiosity value.

I've got the Kinetic for that (I hope - how accurate are they really??!?). What I don't have is (after the race) any recollection of where I could have gone harder, how long it takes me to recover from redlining it, and where I'm better off going hard vs. recovering. My biggest weakness (other than knees and a lack of cardio at the moment) is tactics, and if I have SOME idea of what I'm doing in a race, I might be able to improve that. I'm getting very tired of doing really well or blowing it completely by getting dropped.

[toolonglegs]

My bad, I thought it only logged basic stuff (power/speed).

Even if that's all that was actually logged (they're not), they are the only two things that actually matter anyway. Everything else is of limited/curiosity value.

What I don't have is (after the race) any recollection of where I could have gone harder, how long it takes me to recover from redlining it, and where I'm better off going hard vs. recovering. My biggest weakness (other than knees and a lack of cardio at the moment) is tactics, and if I have SOME idea of what I'm doing in a race, I might be able to improve that. I'm getting very tired of doing really well or blowing it completely by getting dropped.

Whoops...that paragraph reads like a perfect reason for buying a power meter!....what you have described there is exactly what a power meter does and what nothing else will do.

[Ant.]

Even if that's all that was actually logged (they're not), they are the only two things that actually matter anyway. Everything else is of limited/curiosity value.

What I don't have is (after the race) any recollection of where I could have gone harder, how long it takes me to recover from redlining it, and where I'm better off going hard vs. recovering. My biggest weakness (other than knees and a lack of cardio at the moment) is tactics, and if I have SOME idea of what I'm doing in a race, I might be able to improve that. I'm getting very tired of doing really well or blowing it completely by getting dropped.

Whoops...that paragraph reads like a perfect reason for buying a power meter!....what you have described there is exactly what a power meter does and what nothing else will do.

+1

[twizzle]

We'll have this discussion again in approx 10kg's.... until which time the minister for finance won't consider the purchase of something which would (a) have to be built into a wheel and (b) needs regular maintenance or (c) in the case of SRM is just bloody expensive!

Besides which, as long as I do a few hours a week on the supposedly perfectly calibrated trainer, where's the cost/benefit heading?

PS - you guys are sounding to start like us old farts at work trying to convince the younger generation that having kids is a good thing. Join us.... join us...

[toolonglegs]

Nah having kids destroys your form!...no time to train .