Floyd Landis doing so well...endorses a training product...

[AZ Don]

I recently came across this company www.saris.com that has a product called "Power Tuned" where they have a device measures the usual: heart rate and cadence, but also records up to 15 hours at 1-second recording rates, records unlimited intervals, and measures torque you apply to pedals (Power).

They have it for bikes (hub on back wheel) and a indoor group cycling bikes called Cycle Ops.

No, I am not spamming or selling a product...I truly want to know if anyone has used or heard of product

[Kaiser]

Sounds like training software designed to work in conjunction with a power meter in your axle. I've seen integrated HR, cadence and power watt meters before... looks like they just have a software now where you can plug your data in.

I'm confused Don - have you not heard of a Powertap power axle, or are you saying the app is new? Measuring power is the 'new' way of training on a cycle, much like HR meters were in the recent past. Powertaps and the like are usually used by racers since it is difficult to install and usually costs upwards of $1000 for a reliable model.

Landis has been endorsing Cycle Ops for some time now.

[AZ Don]

I have not come across that product...but I don't train in cycling...just like to ride for fun...and to beat JP around the mountain.

[AZ Don]

Kaiser,

Saris has approached us wanting to potentially be our endurance experts on our FitnessInsite platform. I want to know the quality of the product.

Don

[Kaiser]

Well, the reputation of their Cycle Ops bike trainers is one of a better, if not top, quality product. They advertise a lot in targeted magazines and their premium price reflects that.

Their Powertap meters are the industry standard and definitely command a premium price. I've read that most professional racers use Powertap. If I am not mistaken, they either pioneered the category, or perfected its first commercial launch.

They sell a nicely designed bike rack too - it has garnered some good reviews in a few of the mags.

Overall, my impression is that they are a higher level quality company, who has done enough brand advertising to command a premium slot in the consumer's mind. Of course, all of my thoughts have to be tempered - I do not own any of their products. I have used a Cycle Ops trainer once and it worked fine. I ride with racers who use Powertaps and they like them (albeit that they are occasionally finicky in their performance). I've never seen their car rack or heard much about their software.

FWIW - hope it helped a little anyway.

[ODB]

Don - you might ask Silly (Sarah) about them. I think she sells them at her bike shop.