luismboc

Considering you still have a bike with Tiagra groupset, you are either new to cycling (otherwise you would have bought a 'better bike' already), not taking it seriously ('otherwise you would have bought a better bike or power meter already'), or budget constraint ('otherwise you wouldn't have bought a bike with Tiagra groupset to begin with'). None of these are issues, but none of these make sense for buying a power meter. Use your heart rate to train. Buy a new bike. Keep improving and revisit power meter decision down the road (no pun intended). I thought for the longest time that I needed a power meter. Got disproved of that fantasy. Go ride, have fun and enjoy shopping for a new bike.

Racing Dan

Yes, all sorts of issues gets conflated.

Its true, a bike that fits is important, but you he doesnt need carbon to get that. - And Tiagra is fine.

Imo bike fits is largely superfluous (and subject to the whim and personal beliefs of the fitter) unless you have no idea at all how a bike should fit.

guadzilla

One can get by with a size small or larger on a road bike, but the OP plans to do a triathlon and will be using either a tri bike or adding clip-on bars to the bike (at the very least - else why pay for coaching and give up free speed?). In that case, bike fit becomes VERY important.

Racing Dan

I didnt advice to get a bike that is too small or too big, or that it doesnt matter. I said "Its true, a bike that fits is important"

Getting a bike that fits is not the same as getting a bike fit, and one does not absolutely depend on the other, and getting a bike fit does not guarantee anything.

Its a bizarre idea that you need a carbon bike and a bike fit to qualify for getting some coaching, like wtf?

Racing Dan

Imo, the first thing you should upgrade is the coach. What a d!ck :-)

downhillmaster

Huh?
If the bike is indeed a poor fit the coach is not talking bad about anything. His client references spending money on a power meter so he instead repeats the fact that she should instead spend money on a better bike that fits.

guadzilla

I am talking about bike fit - which is both a correctly sized bike (which the OP doesnt have, as per her coach) and well as a proper fit. And we will have to agree to disagree on the above, cos IMO:
- Having the correct sized bike makes getting a correct fit a lot easier - so the one does depend on the other
- For triathlons, where there are a lot of variables to adjust, having a professional fitter set up the bike makes a HUGE difference. Does it guarantee anything? No. But it sure as heck increases the odds of getting it right, to the point that the rider can then make additional tweaks on their own.

Also, not sure where you are getting the idea that one needs are carbon bike to get coaching - havent seen that anywhere in this thread, maybe i missed it.

mstateglfr 

er...

Hermes

@diana101 Welcome to bike forums. Soon you will be at 10 posts and then you can post a pick of you on your bike. Also, you may want to tell us about yourself and your goals.

My question is do you see your coach in person or email him files of the workouts you do per his customized prescribed workouts?

I have used several coaches and bike fitters over the years. The first matter at hand is your ability to achieve a posture on the bike and the second is the goal where a certain posture on the bike is typical for athletes competing in that event. For example, a brevet rider may want a more upright position versus a criterium racer. And each athlete would chose a different bike and then customize it for the individual kinesiology.

Maybe your coach is telling you that your current bike is inadequate for your intended goals and the fit is way off. He may not want you to spend time training and developing strength and adaptation on a bike in a position that does match your event. He may feel that a new carbon bike with a custom fit would a boost to your morale. The mental aspect of training is at times more important than physiology.

A power meter is the best tool to generate data that can be sent to a coach for review and comment. He can see power in the zone, force versus cadence and power versus heart rate among many other variables depending on the power meter. Some coaches are very good at using power data to help their clients improve and others not good at all. Some coaches do not believe in power meters. So there is that.

Since you have a coach, you need to develop communication with him to let him know your goals and concerns and then listen to what he has to say. If it makes sense to you, follow the advice. If it does not, then interview other coaches. YMMV.

Theypeedonmyrug

If you can afford a new better bike, you should always be on the lookout for any excuse to get it. Your coach has given you a very decent excuse, so I say jump on it. I used a flimsy pretext to get a new pricey bike a year ago that I really didn't need, and I am very happy I did every time I ride it or even just look at when I go into my garage.

eduskator

Treat yourself and get a new bike. If not, at least get your bike fitted to your specs. You'll thank me later.

pickings

@diana101 Dude, that's a tough question! A healthy lifestyle and sports are in trend today. And one of the most popular types of fitness is cycling. In addition, it is also the most environmentally friendly mode of transport.

Chandne

I'd be getting a new bike that fits. Then you can get a power meter. It seems pretty clear to me.

LarrySellerz

Not everyone has the money to drop on a new carbon bike, maybe go to a experienced bike shop you could tell you if your current bike could be adjusted to fit you.

tomato coupe

It seems like you don't want to buy a new bike. So, just tell your coach you're going to stick with the bike you have.

WhyFi

Two year old thread, folks - someone used their first post to raise the dead.

Chandne

Crap. OP hasn't been seen in two years and is probably on rollerblades by now.

tomato coupe

Oops.

datlas 

Is there a word for that?

ussprinceton