Pioneer announced the addition of a new firmware update for its SGX-CA500 computer called Training Assist, as a means of providing users of their crank-based power meters with more detailed post-ride data for greater analysis.
“We’re fortunate that we’ve got the technology, mobile app and cloud system on the back end to show all of the information a rider needs for us to offer training guidance,” says Pioneer’s Russ Johnston. “It makes it easy to offer and end to end solution for the rider.”
The new update features what Pioneer calls “28 structured training modules across three programs”, which are designed to help users improve their cycling performance by using their power meter more effectively. The program is applicable for all skill levels and experience, including weekend warriors and cyclists who do not have a formal coach, but want to use their power meter more efficiently to advance on-bike performance.
According to Pioneer, the Training Assist is a tool that breaks down training with a power meter into three easy steps: educate, ride a training effort/exercise and analyze results. Learn and improve at your own pace. More experienced riders who already train with Pioneer’s power meter can take advantage of additional features critical to any serious cyclist’s training including Interval Timer for setting up personalized interval efforts and Threshold Training, which includes a MMP Challenge and FTP Testing.
“Power meters and training with power can be intimidating, particularly for cyclists who have no experience with a coach. Our new Training Assist feature breaks down our advanced technology and training with power into easily digestible modules,” Johnston added. “Previously, cyclists had to read books or watch videos online to learn about power meters, then jump on the bike and put what they researched into practice. With Training Assist, riders learn and ride simultaneously. Extra time is not wasted off the bike.”
How Training Assist Works
Riders use Pioneer’s free mobile Cyclo-Sphere service to access Training Assist. The user first selects the training module to be performed, easily downloads the module to his or her Cycle Computer via built-in Wi-Fi, and then completes the power training effort/exercise on the bike. After the ride is complete, results are uploaded to Cyclo-Sphere, where ride data can be compared to what is expected, and the cyclist can see what he or she can do differently next time to improve. The feature grows with users. As riders progress in their power meter training, Training Assist offers advanced training courses and metrics utilized by experienced cyclists and more experienced riders.
The three training courses consist of:
Seasoned cyclists can take advantage of advanced training tools including Interval Timer, which allows riders to create, name and set customized interval trainings for easy, safe and quick access while on the bike. In Threshold Training, cyclists have access to MMP (Mean Maximum Power) Challenge, a maximum average power benchmark training session in which riders challenge themselves in one minute, three minute, five minute, 10 minute and 20 minute time durations. Power “targets” for each time duration are automatically factored, uploaded and displayed based on the rider’s best effort records from his or her Cyclo-Sphere ride history. In Threshold Training, cyclists are also able to perform FTP (Functional Threshold Power) Tests in 20 or 60 minutes increments.
HDPower Metrics
In addition to Training Assist data, when combined with Pioneer’s Single Leg or Dual Leg Power Meters, the SGX-CA500 GPS Cycle Computer offers users exclusive HDPower Metrics for enhanced power data and analysis. The Cycle Computer with the Single Leg Power Meter enables the rider to see comprehensive performance analysis and highly detailed data gathered from 12 points of measurement and displayed graphically in real-time on the display of the Cycle Computer, including Force Vectors and Torque Vectors graphics and Pedaling Efficiency. Dual Leg Power Meter users transition from 12 points of measurement to 24 points of measurement and gain additional metrics including pedaling balance. With 12 point and Dual Leg force measurement, Pioneer’s HD Power Meters are the only power meters that help uncover the source of pedaling balance issues and identify bike fit, power loss and absorption issues, making them essential tools for improving pedaling technique and efficiency.
Training Assist
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