Hi everyone, I need your advice about power phase: what is more important? Power phase or Peak Power phase? And what is better? Power phase longer or shorter?
I've just did a test, when I try to bring pedals up with my calf power phase is longer and power value is up about 50w, from about 220w to 270w. I think a longer power phase is better than short power phase.
It very much depends on your cadence as well. I don't think you can say shorter or longer is better. Though you can say the longer the phase, the more "round" you're pedaling. But as I said, cad has a major impact here. For example, if I go 60 rpm with moderate load, I typically have power between 75-90%. If I go 110 rpm with light load, I'd go with a power phase about 50-60%....
So I use it to compare L/R leg instead. To see if I am pedaling equal with my legs.
In theory longer is better because you're putting in power for more of your pedal stroke. In reality you may find that not putting power in on the upstroke lets your leg recover a little so you get tired less quickly. You may also be able to have higher power for longer using a "stamping" motion. Ultimately all of these metrics will only tell you what's happening and it's for you to interpret how best to modify your riding for best effect. The actual answer to this question is probably "are you sprinting, time trialling or touring?"
I have a L/R power imbalance which I first noticed when comparing Stages power readings with my trainer and this is one of the main reasons I got the Vectors. My balance usually averages out at about 47/53 in favour of the right. Interestingly this difference seems to be the result of a power phase difference between my left and right legs. Both legs return almost identical torque effectiveness and pedal smoothness figures (sometimes better for the left than the right even), but the left power phase is consistently shorter than the right - kicking in a few degrees later and finishing a few degrees earlier. On the one had its kind of interesting to have some idea of the reason for the L/R imbalance - but if I want to "fix" it I now need to try and work-out why I am not getting the power down as soon with the left and why I am ending the power stroke a little early. Its clearly a seated only issue because whenever I stand the balance shifts to 50/50. Perhaps most people have a similar seated imbalance - could do with more data on this because perhaps I shouldn't be worrying about 'fixing" it at all.
Perhaps most people have a similar seated imbalance - could do with more data on this because perhaps I shouldn't be worrying about 'fixing" it at all.
It's not at all unusual to have a dominant leg, just as you likely have a dominant arm and hand - the one you write with. You will typically have greater dexterity with your dominant leg and because you are more likely to use that leg when greater power or control is needed (such as kicking a ball) it can be a self reinforcing thing.
If you want to give your weaker leg some practice then it may help to do some short one legged drills at moderate power, with focus on pushing the foot forward at the top of the pedal stroke and scraping backwards along the bottom of the pedal stroke. This will help activate the corresponding muscle groups without the other leg being able to help out.
Thanks to both of you. Re t-smit comments, I imagine years of playing football (soccer) has indeed reinforced the dominance/dexterity of my right leg and is quite an interesting insight. One legged drills it is then.
