OK let’s say I’m pootling along on my bike; I know that it’s mechanical power that’s moving me along. I also know that your cycling efficiency and my cycling efficiency are probably quite similar. A bike power meter can mostly work. Power is power…although the metabolic effect might vary alongside fatigue.
With Stryd we are looking at an estimator of power rather than a strain gauge (power meter) ie something that looks at the direction/accelerations of bodily movements, GPS and so on. I don’t see how this kind of estimation will give insight into my actual performance. Although if the estimation is accurate over a range of effort types then maybe it will give me something personal I can use.
Maybe.
But…
Running efficiency between individuals is quite significant.
If I’m training on a track I can’t see Stryd being of any use at all.
However
If I train on a track but have to race 10k up a variable 2% incline then I guess it MIGHT give me something to moderate my effort by. Although after 30 seconds my HR would have caught up with where it should be and I could generally use that or RPE, other things being equal.
I do sort of get it. But I’m not convinced.
So basically, I suppose, I don’t get it. And, more importantly, I haven’t got it (I haven’t got a stryd). Read this article by someone who has got it: Mr James Gil (aka titaniumgeek). Well, he’s got one; and he likes it. If buyers like products they tend to sell at the right price! Economics 101.
Last Updated on 2 June 2022 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Haha, nice post. ??
(To be honest… I don’t get it too, but I’m curious about if/how it works.)
I guess the stryd is similar to this bike “power meter”: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/powerpod/powerpod-power-meter-for-cycling-fitness
hopefully it’s a little more versatile than that one. from memory I think that one uses wind speed amongst other things. not handy on the turbo