Do I really need power stats on a turbo trainer ?

amaferanga

Its pretty easy to get TSS/Bikescore estimates for rides ridden without a power meter when you have almost 2 years worth of similar rides ridden with a power meter.

bahzob

Back to the original question. As said I am a long term user of power meters. However for training, especially on a turbo, I find training with power zones mind numbingly boring. I cannot get motivated by seeing a power number and trying to keep it in a certain range,

I much prefer going for a target distance in a target time, which is why the KK is a good turbo as its resistance increases nicely proportional to speed rather than having a separately variable resistance. So ride faster and you are generating more power, nice and simple.

I used to train very heavily, but took a break. Now I'm back but only want to spend limited time training on a turbo, with the goal of just improving general fitness rather then targeting a special event. I have 4 basic routines which I mix up depending on mood, all take an hour or less:
A 1 hour steady state
B 2x20 mins threshold 5min rbi
C 3x9 mins under/overs (2min threshold/1min over x3) 5min rbi
D 2x(4x2mins max sustainable 2 min power) 2min rbi 8 min rbs

Progression is simple, I have a target distance for each interval and each time I finish a session and hit the target I increase the distance for next time. I find this little series of "PBs" very motivating. Both in terms of the training session (aiming to cross the line ahead of previous best) is a real incentive, much more so for me than trying to keep over, say 280W for 20 mins) and watching the overall progress of my PBs as I get fitter.

I have dispensed with WKO but do note power, mainly to compare with how I was at peak fitness (which given how little I train compared to then I've found surprisingly close, especially as I am still ramping up.)

To OP I'd say follow the above or similar plan and it's pretty much guaranteed you will get measurably fitter without needing to invest in a power meter.

Edit:
> I also use cadence to add variety and help develop, so say break a 20 min interval into sub intervals alternating 80-85rpm with 95-100rpm
> There is an exception to using power for training but doesn't apply in UK. For massive climbs I do find aiming for a target power motivating, because its easy to keep focus on that when so many other things (incline etc) are varying and making speed not very relevant and a little depressing at times also.
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Bronzie

bahzob wrote:

for training, especially on a turbo, I find training with power zones mind numbingly boring. I cannot get motivated by seeing a power number and trying to keep it in a certain range.

I've found that having an old (yet still surprisingly accurate) second-hand Powertap permanently set up on my turbo has been invaluable.

Previously I used to just use rear wheel speed, but found it very hard to account for varying ambient temperature (I keep it in my garage)........my old magnetic Tacx unit suffers from very variable resistance as room temperature fluctuates. No doubt more modern turbo units are more stable in this respect.

Equally I find it very motivating to be able to chart progress as the power numbers increase week on week. Unless of course they start going backwards. :x