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I'm mildly curious about the reports of various cyclists' power output, and how I compare (spoiler - not very well). I'm not curious enough to shell out big bucks for pedal power meters, but I do notice the readings on various pieces of gym equipment I use - elliptical trainers and the like. What I have noticed is that there is a big difference in the Watts displayed on the machine screen depending on what actual type of machine it is (eg arc trainer, simple elliptical trainer or whatever), and that if I judge my effort by how knackered I feel, as well as by watching my heart rate, the numbers seem inconsistent. I can imagine that these machines are not finely calibrated but it surprises me how far different they are. Any insights from people who have a deeper understanding of this subject? And if I did have power meter pedals (not happening, but just for the sake of argument) would they be more accurate, or just different?
My turbo trainer shows me regular hitting 800+ watts during sprints on Zwift
I was on an air bike in the gym on Monday and flicked the display to watts for some sprints I was doing and it didn't register more than 300-ish watts
I suspect the turbo is a lot more accurate than the gym bike
The only time I've ever measured my watts was on a Wattbike in the gym.
Quite a humbling experience so I've had no desire to try again, but maybe I can tell myself it was under-reporting? 😀
I suspect the turbo is a lot more accurate than the gym bike
If I had that experience I'm pretty sure the turbo would be the faulty one 🙂
is a big difference in the Watts displayed on the machine screen depending on what actual type of machine it is (eg arc trainer, simple elliptical trainer or whatever), and that if I judge my effort by how knackered I feel, as well as by watching my heart rate, the numbers seem inconsistent.
I get power figures from cycling (turbo and power meter cranks) that are pretty much identical. I also get power readings while running. I'm in the top 10% for my age when running and the bottom 20% for my age when cycling. It's most likely muscular engagement and adaptation.
Gym bikes at work I’m pretty sure give an estimate based on cadence, as upping the resistance but keeping the cadence the same doesn’t change the watt output reading…
I think different types of equipment will naturally have a different wattage based on how much power a human can put into them. So for example you will probably be able to put more power into a normal bike than a hand cycle.
I don't know how "power" could be measured on a running machine though. Where would it be measured? I'm guessing it is just an arbitrary calculation that someone made up based on speed and maybe runner weight.
If you are being precise, I gather it is normal and expected for a pedal power meter to give a higher reading than a turbo, due to inefficiencies in the drivetrain.
Should add, most "accurate" power numbers from quality machinery will be based on the torque * rpm (the rotational version of force * distance) on a given part of the machine. Typically a flywheel or fan etc.
But some machines will just make up a number based on an arbitrary made up formula.
They neither have a reason to report it accurately or indeed any calibration.
It's always irked me anyway. If I'm generating 300w why don't you use that and make the gym cheaper? Robbing barstewards
The highest number is always the most accurate
The highest number is always the most accurate
The exception to this law is weight, at least it is according to MrsVlad when she steps on the scales on weigh day 😜
