Page 1 of 1

Why are wattages so different for same ride?

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 9:19 am
by GWPOS
I have been doing some 2x20's on a climb and recently my numbers were 20-30 watts lower than before with about the same speed. If anyone could tell me why I would appreciate it. I have attached the 2 different ride files. And if possible which one is showing the correct numbers. Thanks
iBike_03_18_2011_284W_291W.csv
(1.31 MiB) Downloaded 389 times
iBike_05_03_2011_266W_264W.csv
(1.77 MiB) Downloaded 398 times

Re: Why are wattages so different for same ride?

Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 12:41 pm
by Velocomp
If you look at the ride files carefully you'll notice 2 things:

1) In the first interval you did not start at the same place. Though your speed was essentially the same 10.0 vs 9.9 mph), the average slope for the 5/3 ride was about 0.7% higher than the 3/18 ride, due to the different starting place. Your iBike correctly reports a higher wattage for the steeper section you climbed on 5/3.

2) in the second interval, you rode exactly the same stretch of road (you can tell by the slope profile), but your average speed on the 5/3 ride was 9.2 mph, whereas on the 3/18 ride your average speed was 9.9 mph. Your iBike correctly reports that your wattage was higher on the 3/18 ride.

Note that the hill slope measurement of the iBike makes it possible to identify EXACTLY where you were riding. No other PM can do this... :D

Your iBike is working perfectly and both files are correct.