The results from Wednesday night, tests 1, 3 and 5 were all repeats of the same set-ups. Test 2 was wider aero-bar extensions. Test 3 was with the bottle and cage removed. The real take home message concerns the spread of the results within each set of laps. I think that most of the variation is occurring during my U-turns due to the lane being so narrow. Next time I'm going to take a sweeping brush to ensure that there are no lumps of mud and stones to roll over. Otherwise I'm getting pretty good at tight turning circles in the aero position at only 1-2mph!
All that will have to wait though as I'm going to have a couple of weeks completely away from my road bike and anything to do with a power meter. I'm intending to enjoy a few days riding on my mountain bike, going off road and generally enjoying a different sort of cycling. I've maintained CTL at 90 tss/day up until now and am going to trade it for having a bit of fun until November the 1st. I will however be giving some thought to the constitution of my base training through to March, followed by a time trial flavoured 2010 season.
9 comments:
I've really been enjoying this series of posts, Colin. Great work!
Enjoy your time "away".
If I read the graph correctly - removing the bottle cage and bidon has no impact on CdA?
Mark:
Thank you, I'm really enjoying having the opportunity to do something new.
Secret Trainer:
Yes, that's right. Whilst the first test passed the significance test, I will still repeat it. I'm no expert at this game, but I think that the graph also shows that my test techniques are still not good enough to draw any firm conclusions based on just one set of tests. I'd be happier about making decisions if I could see "clear water" between the results. I've got some ideas to try out that may improve matters in that regard. Today was a minor triumph as I managed to produce a whisker chart in Excel!
Mark:
Thank you, I'm really enjoying having the opportunity to do something new. I know that you did some regression testing last year and you got me thinking about it too: this last season's road racing got in the way though. There's so much that I want to test and it adds another welcome dimension to cycling as a hobby. Please don't hesitate to offer me your experience as I'm a real beginner and am trying to learn on the hoof!
Secret Trainer:
Yes, that's right. Whilst the first test passed the significance test, I will still repeat it. I'm no expert at this game, but I think that the graph also shows that my test techniques are still not good enough to draw any firm conclusions based on just one set of tests. I'd be happier about making decisions if I could see "clear water" between the results. I've got some ideas to try out that may improve matters in that regard. Today was a minor triumph as I managed to produce a whisker chart in Excel!
Interesting, still want a power meter.....so I read about yours and I get my hits!.....
Colin,
I read a lot of this type of stuff, and try to write a little of it, too. Your 'series' on Chung testing has been fun to read and very informative - nice job. I did a little chung analysis a few years ago using crit data on my road bike - did it mainly to see if I could get the spreadsheet to work. It worked and was very interesting. I now have a power meter for my TT bike and you've inspired me to break out Chung test methodology this winter and try to pick up a little speed. I'll let you know if I learn anything.
Robert
Colin,
I really enjoyed reading your Chung series - well done. I dabbled with that method a couple of years ago using some crit data for practice. I now have a power meter for the TT bike, and you've inspired me to do some aero testing this winter.
Robert
no update for a while Colin, hope this is just due to the fatigue of a series of mammoth training sessions that you are about to reveal in graphic detail!
hope all is well,
cheers
Buttsy:
You know that you are just working up to the purchase. Glad to be of service though!
Robert:
Thanks for your comment. We should share notes as it's a good way to learn.
Satanswheels:
All will be revealed in good time. However you may be upset to know that I've only cycled a total of approximately 50 miles during the last couple of weeks. They were a good off road 50 miles though and were more than made up for by adrenalin rushes caused by finding myself on some rather exposed and vertiginous situations amongst the Scottish mountains. Next week's training will be a breeze in comparison!
Post a Comment