First ride: LeMond Revolution with Power Pilot

As some of you know, I’m a huge fan of the LeMond Revolution trainer. It has a solid base and a realistic feel — and it’s the only trainer I’ve ridden that accurately simulates acceleration. Yesterday I did my first session with the accompanying Power Pilot computer.

More details to come, but for now:

Semi-disclaimer: I did not pay for the Revolution trainer. I did pay for the Power Pilot.

What is it?
The Power Pilot is a computer designed to work with the Revolution trainer. Setup was quick and easy: A speed sensor bolts to the trainer, a magnet goes on your crank, a cadence sensor goes on your chainstay, a heart rate sensor goes around your chest and the console goes on your stem, bar or front tire. I entered the date, time, wheel circumference (for speed calculations) and elevation (for power calculations), and I was ready to rock.

The Mighty S-Works Tricross – basic ‘cross setup with Specialized Lo Pro Mag flat pedals — did the honors.

LeMond Power Pilot for Revolution trainer

What does it do?
A skim of the user manual indicates the Power Pilot does pretty much everything:

• Time
• Cadence
• Heart rate
• Power
• Speed

The Power Pilot records workout info. You can upload and download workout data.

I did the quickie install and got to work.

The ride
This is one of my typical trainer protocols. I’m always trying to improve/maintain my threshold power, and I like to mix in some sprints for those occasional races.

• Warm up 15 minutes. Start easy and work up the effort to just below threshold. Throw in some bursts to wake things up.
• 5 minutes at threshold – Start with a sprint from a dead stop. Play with bursts.
• 2 minutes easy
• Repeat for a total of five threshold intervals
• A few sun salutations
• Kiss wife and play with babies

Impressions

Lemond Revolution trainer

• Stoked on the power meter! Not only does it help you control your intensity and gauge your Awesome Power ™, it shows very clearly how subtle changes in your pedal stroke affect your wattage. I am all about getting more wattage from my perfectly average aerobic engine.

• It’s amazing how hard it is, mentally and physically, to sustain red vs. orange effort. The power difference might only be 25 watts, but it’s a whole different world. The Power Pilot is going to help me spend more quality time at red. That way, I can kick all your asses in orange. Ha.

• I’ve been counting revolutions. The cadence sensor is way more pro.

• Seeing all the data – time, cadence, power and heart rate — all in one place is super rad. Nerdy, yes, but rad. I’m getting ideas for semi-scientific tests where I compare different pedals, cadences and other variables.

• As far as I can tell, the Revolution with Power Pilot is the ultimate battle station.

Personal records
I’m recording them here so I can keep track. Also, when you blow them away you can post your Awesome Power ™ in the comments.

• Threshold pace: ~250 watts, 50×17 100 rpm or 50×15 90 rpm.

• Max cadence: 161 rpm, sitting in 34×17, flat pedals.

• Max power: 1,252 watts, standing in 50×17, about 150 rpm, flat pedals. Sprint #3 was the best.

Goals: Faster and stronger for longer. Is that too much to ask?

More info

www.leelikesbikes.com – writeup of the LeMond Revolution trainer

www.lemondfitness.com – Revolution trainer page

www.lemondfitness.com – Power Pilot page

Thanks to Eric Stobin at LeMond Fitness for helping make this happen. I shall dedicate my masters Super D and pump track world titles to you.

Indoor braaap!

Lee

Know more. Have more fun!

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