I am using a smart trainer but I also have power meter pedals I noticed that they were giving me different reading from one another. The pedals were slightly less. Is it better to use the pedals for the power reading or the trainer?
What’s mainly important is consistent power measurement. If you’re using those pedals outside and they’re on the bike when it’s on the trainer, then it’s best to use the pedals to keep things consistent.
That said, I figure a few Watts one way or the other won’t make a consequential difference in my training. I have a dedicated bike on my trainer and the power pedals are on the outside bike. When I compared the pedals to the trainer they were only a few Watts apart so I rely on the trainer power for indoor workouts rather that switch my power pedals between my outside bike and trainer bike.
What often isn’t realised is that not all trainers actually directly measure power, for example I have an elite suito which uses an algorithm to “measure” power, this I would say is more like an estimation and will have a large tolerance. Some trainer such as mine allow you to pair your power meter to the trainer itself, which then uses these measurements rather than its own internal. I would suggest this if possible, if not us trainerroads power match feature.
Unless you have made comparisons over your full range of power outputs you could find the discrepancy is not a fixed value.
I’d use the pedals.
My Kickr Core measures higher than my other power meters that all align. Even a factory spin down didn’t fix it and I’d rather have accurate data than inflate my FTP by 10-15 watts then suffer outdoors since training numbers provided by TR are too high
Thanks
I would use the pedals (and do).
I agree that consistency is what’s most important.
If you can use the pedals for all your riding, then that’s probably best. 