We've received another update from one of Team Dillon's triathlete's, this time it's Andy Shaw, giving us a great insight into how he is using the Wattbike to improve both their training and performance during competition. Lovely to see that Andy's daughter and son are also benefitting in different ways from using the Wattbike too. Look forward to seeing how Andy gets on in 2012...
I use the Wattbike every other day for an hour session and a double session at weekend, which has proved invaluable to me. Earlier this year I completed the Austria Ironman with a 5 hour bike split. This was certainly down to all the training on the Wattbike.
The feedback is excellent. Although of course turbo trainers and other exercise bikes give you information as well, none are as detailed and precise as the Wattbike. The data provided and accuracy is fantastic. This feedback enabled me to tailor my exact training requirements and wattage output to gain maximum efficiency for the Ironman.
I know what I am capable of and how much effort is needed to improve even the minimal of time improvements. You feel very confident when racing knowing what wattage you have been pushing during training sessions.
The solid build of the bike is excellent and I have had no issues whatsoever all year. The different adjustment levels afford you the opportunity of exactly replicating your bike position unlike many other static bike manufacturers.
Other members of my family are also gaining benefit! My 14 daughter used it to improve her fitness for sports day and a 5k race recently. My son who is recovering from an ACL operation finds the individual leg feedback incredibly useful for his rehabilitation. His consultant is even considering buying one for himself after seeing how well my son is recovering.
Finally I find the hill setting adjustment very useful for cardio fitness which is great to combine with occasional full effort sessions thereby helping maximise ones VO2 capacity.