A little while back I did a write up on the CycleOps Powertap SL+ for mountain bikes. At the time I raved about how well it worked and how useful the data was when downloaded to the PC. At the time someone mentioned that the Cervo display unit wasn’t the greatest, especially given the cost of the system and honestly I had to agree. Well guess what? The good folks at CycleOps must have been listening because they gone and improved it. Yup, the Powertap SL+ now comes standard with the Joule 2.0 display head unit. For those who already have a Powertap you can also purchase the Joule 2.0 to work with your existing system.

The Joule 2.0 represents a quantum leap in both performance and user interface improvement. The old two-button Cervo was a bit of a pain to set up. You needed to remember the right sequence of  buttons to press and how many times to press them to access specific data and functions. The new Joule, on the other hand, almost doesn’t need instructions – by playing around with the menu I was able to find almost everything I needed. The Joule 2.0 is also ANT+ compatible meaning you can use it with many heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, power meters, and speedometers from other manufacturers.

The main screen displays six different metrics in real time along with two additional data fields, all of which are user-configurable. Two buttons and a joystick control allow you to get to everything quickly and the intuitive menu is easy to follow and understand. Compared to the Cervo, you also get two new inputs that previously were not included: altitude and temperature. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Obviously the amount of climbing during a training ride is important to know but temperature also has an impact on performance and gives a more complete picture of individual workouts.

The Joule 2.0 isn’t just a fancy display upgrade; the included PowerAgent software takes your training to another level.  Believe it or not, saving and analyzing training data is often the difference between first and the first loser in many races. The more detail you’re able to track and respond to, the more quickly you will improve.

The PowerAgent summary report contains basic info about each ride and is good for a quick comparisons between previous rides. The power detail report looks at your ride intensity, including normalized power, watts per kilogram of body weight (perfect for comparing yourself to other riders), and time spent at zero watts. The work report quantifies work completed, including training peaks and calculates a training stress score (TSS) and intensity factor (IF) for each workout.

PowerAgent also produces a peak power report showing a spectrum of peak power data indicating ride intensity at key physiological markers of current fitness compared to previous performances. In other words, you can track how well your heart, lungs, and legs are working from day to day. Power and heart rate data is slotted into zones and plotted against time to show the type of workout you’re getting each time. Finally, PowerAgent includes a surge and climbing report covering all the altitude gained along with a calculation of vertical ascent and grade. Pretty cool stuff for those who want to know exactly what they are doing and how well they are doing it. There are even extra features within the software that allow you to share your info with trainers and others on Twitter, 2Peak.com, and other training websites.

Using the Joule on both my trail bike and my training bike (essentially my XC bike mounted up on my CycleOps Super Magneto Pro) has been a piece of cake. The mount supplied with the Joule is far more rugged than previous models (I always worried it might break, though it never did) and mounts easy enough to most round-ish stems. Some of the shorter machined stems that are not round may have a small issue and need an adapter to allow better placement for the two tie wraps. I also used a little double sided tape to secure my mount in addition to the tie wraps.

On the trails the screen is easy to read and easy to use even with gloved fingers and the real time metrics seem to update very quickly. The only thing that had me slightly concerned was the mini-USB connector on the back of the Joule head unit. The port isn’t covered which means water could potentially penetrate the unit, though I didn’t have any problems in my tests. If you’re really worried, a small piece of tape just might do the trick on rides with deep stream crossings or in rainy conditions. And remember to look up at the trail from time to time instead of staring at the Joule the whole way – I nearly smacked a tree during one ride! The included heart monitor works well without a lot of fiddling to get the transmission synced up.

So, what do I think of the Joule? Well, if you’re on the fence about purchasing a Powertap, this update to the Powertap SL+ ($1,699 MSRP for the complete MTB power system) should make the decision much easier. Even if you have an existing Powertap SL+, I think the new Joule 2.0 ($449 MSRP) is a valuable for upgrade over the older Cervo head unit. Mountain bike training alone isn’t enough if you aren’t tracking your complete progress; fortunately the Joule 2.0 is just the tool to help you reach your competitive goals for the new year.

I would like to thank the folks at CycleOps for sending down the Joule for a review.

Swinging by Saris and Cycle-Ops at Interbike I got to take a peek at some new additions to the line-up that will enhance the functionality of the Powertap. First, starting soon the Powertap SL+ and Powertap Pro will ship with the Joule 2 head unit, a significant upgrade for sure. The photo above shows the Joule 3 head unit for those who intend to do a lot of training indoors. Depending on which trainer you use, the Joule 3 will even allow you to control the trainer resistance settings.

On the bike rack side of things I noticed a really cool, user-friendly rack that is fully assembled and ready to rock. The new Saris Bike Porter Hitch 2 (BPH2 for short) should be shipping around January and will fit both 1 1/4″ and 2″ hitches. Flipping the rack up to hold bikes is as easy as lifting up the locking control and lowering the carrier arms. The other great feature that will allow for more compatibility for bike fit is the adjustable rubber fittings that swivel to provide a better top tube fit. Of course that means this rack needs a bike with a top tube, otherwise you’re going to need to pick up a bike beam (sold separately).

Take a peek at the Saris and CycleOps websites for more details plus fit guides for your vehicle.

Now this is probably the ultimate in bike computer electronics: The PowerTap SL+. I really love this thing and I’m going to have a great time introducing this to everyone. Now to get the bad part out of the way: the MSRP on the PowerTap SL+ for MTB is $1699. Yes. that’s a steep price and costs more than many bikes out there but if you’re a serious racer or someone who truly wants cutting edge technology, then this is it – look no further!

The screen shot above shows the details tab from the included Power Agent software, the other half of this dynamic training duo. This graph shows a lap I rode at a local riding spot and covers 5 parameters: power output, speed, cadence, heart rate and torque. Cool? Yes. But there is so much more to the PowerTap SL+ that will make you a better, smarter rider. A super cool feature for those who have an ANT+ enabled device like the Garmin Edge 705 is that you can use that head unit in conjunction with the PowerTap SL+, allowing you to add elevation and temperature to your data collection. Double super cool!

Hardware

Before we get too far into the software, let’s go over the hardware and what you get in the box. Of course there’s the PowerTap hub, brake disk, and hardware for mounting the disk including shims and T25 bolts. There is also the wireless head unit, bracket, tire straps, and the coded heart rate monitor strap. On the desktop side there’s the Power Agent software, PC USB cable with base, product CDs and a neat “Training with PowerTap” guide by Allen Lim Ph.D. Essentially you get everything you need minus spokes, rim and QR. Just make sure to follow the building guide and have these wheels laced up in a 3X pattern for proper operation.

Assembling the PowerTap and wheel should be left up to a professional wheel builder. Based on the cost of the PowerTap SL+, the last thing you want to do is damage the hub. I ended up lacing my SL+ hub up to a Sunringle SR25 32-hole rim and double butted DT competition spokes with alloy nipples. With my truing stand, a little time, and a beer or two, I finally got the wheel tensioned correctly and was off. Out of the gate I wanted to make sure that this unit was reading correctly because I ultimately want to know how much power I am actually putting on the ground.

In my opinion, the best accessory is the one that you don’t know is there and that’s exactly how the PowerTap SL+ feels. With zero wires and a very small head unit that connects using just two tie straps and double-sided tape, this thing is pretty simple and low maintenance. Strap on the heart rate monitor, turn on the unit, and it’s recording.

Software

The screen shot about shows the summary screen in the Power Agent software (depending on when your hub was packaged it may include the 7.0 version). The Saris website is not only very informative but also very user-friendly so it’s a breeze to update the software no matter what version ships with your unit.

If you look at the data for a moment, it states that this particular segment was four minutes long. During that time you can see my heart rate range heart and power distribution. The software allows you to custom tune the actual parameters but as a novice user the initial settings work just fine. From past experience I know my heart rate always runs on the faster side of things and I can tune the data to better reflect that (consult a doctor first). You also have the ability to add notes for that day – type of weather, how you were feeling, where you were riding etc.

During training rides the PowerTap breaks the data into segments and saves it automatically. Segment breaks occur whenever you stop the bike for a few seconds and you can also tap both buttons simultaneously for two seconds to manually create a new segment (lap, marker, interval, etc.). The PowerTap has enough internal memory to save weeks worth of riding data without having to download and clear the memory. I usually couldn’t wait to check my data after each ride so I dumped the memory often after downloading the data to my PC.

The information contained within the included CDs features an electronic set-up guide that is very extensive and should be looked over before you go and start riding. The guide illustrates how to use the vast menu selection on the PowerTap plus it shows you how to set proper wheel size and other parameters.

On the trail

After using the PowerTap I can honestly say it has changed the way I ride and has made me a smarter rider. By paying close attention to how many watts are being used you start to think about how the terrain impacts energy usage. For example: riding at 12 mph on pavement (level ground) takes about 200 watts. On hardpack it’s 260 watts at the same speed and if you’re lazy and roll on to the grass at the side of that hardpack trail it jumps up to about 320 watts. This alone makes you rethink your line choices when riding. It also makes you think about how much energy are you expending on fumbled switchbacks and leg burning ascents. Sometimes spending a bit more energy coming into that turn (slightly faster) reduces peak output through the turn (in some cases I had to produce a good 900 watts to make a turn).

I used the PowerTap on both my XC (4″ bike) and my Trail /AM bikes (5-6″ depending on what suspension I was rocking at the time) and have had no problems with a bearing going bad or failure due to vibration. For my upcoming 24 hour race you can rest assured this unit will be there as a training aid and as a real-time measurement tool to help me improve my laps and conserve energy.

Now it’s not my place or intention to use this review as a know-all-guide to the PowerTap SL+. I’d love to go into more detail but it  would take several pages and I’m still not an expert by any means.  For further information, check out the Saris website.

I would like to thank the folks at Saris for sending over the PowerTap SL+ for review.

If anyone has any questions let me know – I would be happy to talk about the SL+ further.

Technical Specifications from Saris

• Wireless 2.4 GHz transmission featuring ANT+Sport
• Available in SL 2.4+ model
• USB Download.
• Coded heart rate.
• Proprietary 160mm heat treated rotor and carrier design. Fits most major disc manufacturers.
• Displays and records:
  • Power (current, average and max)
  • Heart Rate (current and average)
  • Cadence (current and average)
  • Speed (current, average, and max)
  • Energy Expenditure (total kjoules)
  • Ride Distance (miles or km)
  • Ride Time
  • Programmable Odometer
• Customizable display lets you show power, heart rate and cadence simultaneously.
• Download up to 15 hours of recording at 1-second recording rates.
• Records unlimited intervals.
• Functions as a downloadable heart rate monitor for multisport.
• Displays and records Power, Cadence and Speed with or without zeros, and Time of Day.
• Training with Power DVD included.
• CycleOps PowerAgent software included.
• Durable steel axle, alloy free hub body and sealed cartridge bearings.
• Carbon Fiber Power Windows
• Data is sent straight from the hub to the computer, no strings attached.
• 680g complete (incl. Rotors)
• Hole Counts: 32

Living in the Great White North I get very cold weather and snow during the winter months so staying motivated and in shape for mountain biking can be a challenge. When the weather is too bad to ride I often get bored and look for other things to do. I figure I could drink or just play MTB video games but that’s counter-productive and catches up to me when the trails finally do thaw out. Lifting weights is a good idea but it doesn’t give me the cardio I’m looking for so I had to come up with a better solution. Fortunately I found the CycleOps Super Magneto Pro from Saris. From full-on pro-level indoor exer-cycles that would fit in at any serious gym all the way down to rear-wheel trainers like the Super Magneto Pro, Saris has your indoor bike training needs covered.

The CycleOps Super Magneto Pro ($399 MSRP) is second from the top level Saris rear-wheel trainer and it converts your mountain or road bike into a stationary exer-cycle. Just in case you’re wondering, the top performer Power Beam Pro ($1,199 MSRP) is the wireless, customizable unit with all the bells and whistles. Now if I were training to race Geoff Kabush I might be worthy of the Power Beam Pro, but seeing I am not the Super Magneto Pro is more than enough for my training needs.

The Super Magneto Pro comes almost fully assembled and ready to go – all you have to do is change over your quick release to the one that is provided by Saris. Out of the box you get the Super Magneto Pro fully assembled, the special QR, a training video called Race Day, and the warranty card. When unpacking the unit, fold out the legs and make sure each one clicks into place before leveling the trainer using the adjustable leg. Turning the thumb-wheel clockwise or counterclockwise will extend or retract the leg. Next, set the bike on the trainer using the Pro’s secure skewer clamp and make sure you engage the lock pin. The lock pin will prevent the skewer clamp from backing away – just follow the well written user guide and you’ll be ready to sweat in no time!

Once the bike is situated on the trainer it’s time engage the resistance unit with your rear wheel. The Super Magneto Pro will work even for those folks who have 29ers – just adjust the trainer to accommodate your wheel.

NOTE: I HIGHLY recommend getting a slick MTB tire which will spare your knobbies. Using a knobby mountain bike tire will also generate excessive noise and vibration.

With the Super Magneto Pro you get four levels of resistance which offer up to 680 watts of power at 30 mph which is pretty good considering that most people will have a very hard time maintaining that level of power output. Using the Super Magneto I found I was using the top two settings the most (Mountain and Interval). Seeing that I have little time at home to spend on the trainer those two settings were the most suitable for my style of training (more on that at a later date). The Easy and Road settings are better for those who are just getting started with cycling or for those who want a lower impact session.

I have to say, after trying out a few trainers the Super Magneto Pro is one of the smoothest and quietest units I have used in a long time. This allows me to spin late at night while my son is asleep without waking him up with the noise that can be generated by some other units. This trainer provides good resistance and has a fairly realistic pavement feel to it. With my 26″ inch wheels I got the best results in my 44 tooth ring (big gear).

For those who really want to take indoor training to the next level, be sure to also get yourself a bike computer that can measure wheel speed and cadence. Without a way to measure speed and cadence you will only be able to judge how well you’re doing by sweat and perception of feel which for me, wasn’t enough.

When working out you may want to place your trainer in front of the TV and watch the video that comes with it. I found the video helped burn the time and gave me some great ideas about how to train on my own. I would love to see an MTB version of this video but hey, maybe next year.

Overall I am very happy with the performance and ease of use of the Super Magneto Pro. It’s ultra stable with just enough flex so that when you’re hammering on the pedals the bike moves well on the unit. I only wish there was a trainer in between the Super Magneto Pro and the full-blown Power beam Pro to measure performance indicators like heart rate, cadence or speed.

In the coming months I will set up a training log and post some more tips and tricks on using a trainer like the Super Magneto Pro. Resolve with me to get in your best biking shape this winter!

Thanks to the folks at Saris for providing the Super Magneto Pro  for review.

If you’re looking for a mountain bike transport system remember the name Saris! I’m rarely completely impressed with a product but this is one of those times. Today I will be reviewing the Saris CycleOn Pro two bike trailer hitch carrier (MSRP $439.99). I am so excited to talk about this product I am not sure where to start. For one thing this unit will fit any bike with any style frame, without the need for an accessory attachment bar. Even more important: the CycleOn does not touch your bike frame at all.

The CycleOn Pro locks the rear wheel in a channel which can be easily released with the push of a button. The front wheel is locked in with a shackle and two lower cups that can easily adjust to accommodate wheels from 20″ all the way to 29″. This is a great bike carrier for those who ride a gravity monster since the robust construction can handle two bikes at up to 60 lbs each.

Now I’m sure you’re all wondering if this carrier will work on your car / SUV / truck. Well, if you can add a hitch to your vehicle, you’re in luck (check with a hitch manufacturer like Reese, Curt, Hidden Hitch, or Valley). I chose to make my own hitch since I’m cheap and welding one up is a pretty easy job for me. Just remember you need to match the CycleOn Pro to the hitch; the 4017 model is for a 1 1/4″ hitch and the 4018 model is for a 2″ hitch. I have heard there will be a universal model in the near future (Jan 2010).

The photo above shows what the 2″ hitch looks like in the receiver. Adding a security lock to your CycleOn, standard on the Pro will set you back a few extra bucks but it’s well worth the investment to keep your carrier secure. The photo above on the right is an example of what an automotive receiver adapter looks like – try to pick one that bolts directly to your vehicle frame for a strong and worry-free installation.

After using the CycleOn Pro on just a couple trips I quickly realized this was the bike carrier for me. It takes all of 35 seconds to load two bikes on the rack, which includes folding it down. There is plenty of space on the CycleOn so you don’t have to worry about your handlebars touching your vehicle. The super robust upright ratcheting arm will not allow your bike to sway and positively locks the wheel in position. Releasing it is a simple as pressing the release button. The unique wheel holding trays are designed to hold either a mountain bike or road bike (or one of each).

Some assembly is required with the CycleOn Pro so plan on about 30 – 40 minutes to put things together. If I had a single complaint about the CycleOn it would be the assembly instructions. The printed version that came with my unit was a little unclear and the graphics were blurry. Fortunately the online instructions helped clarify any doubts I had – what did we do before the internet anyway?

Taking my car and two bikes to the local trails and shopping mall (with tons of speed bumps) I was checking for any signs of the bikes coming loose or the CycleOn striking the ground. I found no faults other than a slight knock at the connection between the receiver and the CycleOn (slightly loose fit there). When your bikes are not on the CycleOn you can fold the unit with the simple pull of a pin and you’re good to go. Otherwise, remove the pin on the receiver and store the carrier away until you need it. I actually keep mine on the car since it doesn’t impede the regular operation of my trunk.

Overall I have to say this is one of the best bike carrier units I have used hands down. For its simplicity and ease of use, convenient bike lifting height, and simple flip and store feature no one comes close. Compare this to a roof mounted unit and you will quickly see the major advantages of using the Saris CycleOn Pro. No scratch marks on your roof from a misplaced pedal plus your back gets a break as well. Your door’s weather strip won’t get torn because of your rack clips digging in and no more stopping before driving into the garage. This carrier even helps you save on fuel over a roof rack (aerodynamics) which means more gas money for MTB road trips!

Technical Specifications from Saris:

• Carries two bikes out of the box.
• Carries 3 or 4 bikes with the optional add–on kits.
• Available in 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch sizes.
• Carries up to 60–pound bikes.
• Fits bikes with 650c, 700c, 26″, and 29″ tires
• Never contacts the bike frame.
• Unique wheel trays accommodate road slicks right up to Downhill knobbies.
• Ratcheting arm secures bikes in one simple motion.
• Folds up when not in use.
• Includes locking hitch pin to lock rack to vehicle.
• Includes locking cable to lock bikes to rack.
• Includes Hassle Free Hitch to make installation easy and tool-free.

Thanks to the folks at Saris for providing the CycleOn Pro for a review.

Let’s admit it: bike racks aren’t usually all that exciting. Getting your bike to and from the trailhead is a nuisance at best and most of us are just looking for something that gets our bikes there in one piece. Fortunately the folks at Saris have put a lot of thought into their bike transport racks and have incorporated some cool features in keeping with the latest MTB and economic trends.

Bigger wheels: The Saris Thelma is a lightweight hitch mounted rack that features an adjustable wheel cup for standard or 29er wheels at the flip of a switch. The universal hitch mount fits 1 1/4″ and 2″ receivers which is great for folks with smaller vehicles.

Heavier DH rigs: The Saris Cycle On is a heavy-duty rack that can hold two bikes at up to 60 pounds each! The wheel grabs are 29er-compatible and slide to accommodate longer wheel base bikes. Both the Thelma and the Cycle On are a good choice for bikes with sloping top tubes.

Thin and versatile is in: the T-Bones is a lightweight hitch rack that weighs just 10 pounds for the 2 bike model. Since it’s lightweight it’s easy to bring the rack inside where the rack doubles as a home storage system using the optional stand. In this economy, multi-function is in and the T-Bone gives you a transport and storage rack system that works!