got my garmin edge 500, how to measure power?

ianbar
ianbar Posts: 1,354
edited September 2011 in Road beginners
Hello, I now have my gamin with heart rate monitor and cadence. I was wondering how to go about measuring my power output?[/list]
enigma esprit
cannondale caad8 tiagra 2012

Comments

  • Wheelspinner
    Wheelspinner Posts: 6,694
    I may be wrong, but AFAIK the Edge 500 doesn't directly measure power - it will record power outputs sent from a compatible ANT+ device which sends the data, such as a Powertap wheel hub.

    If you don't have such a device, you're outta luck.
    Open One+ BMC TE29 Seven 622SL On One Scandal Cervelo RS
  • DavidJB
    DavidJB Posts: 2,019
    Correct you need a power tap...unless you've got a grand handy you're out of luck.
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    You'll need a PowerTap, SRM, Quarq or Power2max power meter. Cheapest (new) is the PowerTap starting at about £600 for the hub only.
    More problems but still living....
  • Legshaver
    Legshaver Posts: 75
    Garmin are producing their own power transmitter soon - Vector. It has the transmitters built into the pedals, and should be quite good, IF they do it right. However, as a Garmin 800 owner I'm slightly underwhelmed at their ability to develop a product properly before releasing it.

    I hope that Vector will be priced significantly lower than present power transmitters, but don't bet on it.

    I just don't understand what is so difficult in producing a strain gauge and attaching it to the pedal/crank area.
  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    Garmin Vector is circa £1200
  • bobones
    bobones Posts: 1,215
    If you upload your rides to Strava.com they will provide you with an estimate of your power output based on variious parameters like your weight and speed, distance and altidude data from your Garmin. It obviously doesn't account for factors it such as wind speed and direction but the figure calculated is supposed to by in the ball park.
  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    bobones wrote:
    It obviously doesn't account for factors it such as wind speed and direction but the figure calculated is supposed to by in the ball park.

    Considering drag is one of the biggest factors in determining power, I'd call bollocks on any power figures that don't take it into account.
  • snowley
    snowley Posts: 149
    What is mentioned above. You use a ridiculous amount of power just to push yourself through the wind, so without knowing that it is impossible to 'predict' a power output.

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