Powertap

TORQ were the first company in the UK to back and support Powertap and it is and always has been a product that we hold in the highest regard. This is why we do not back or retail any other power-measuring products. We support Powertap in the same way as we do our own branded products. Powertap has integrity and quality is at the core of the US-based company's philosophy. Now consider TORQ's experience and history of working with power measurement and ask yourself why you wouldn't purchase Powertap from us? There are other retailers out there, but will they be able to answer all your questions on what is essentially quite a complicated piece of equipment? Will they be able to explain how the new Power Agent software works? Can they explain the fundamental principles of power training and explain how to use the system to optimal effect and can they fitness test you to define your power training zones. We think we're pretty unique as a company and that these are pretty good reasons to purchase the product from us.

For 2010, TORQ are also launching a Powertap rental service.  This means that you can pop up to us at TORQ, hire a Powertap for a day for a very reasonable fee, follow one of our routes (integrated into a GPS system you can take with you too) and if you're sold on the product, we'll deduct the hire cost from the listed price.  If you need more convincing, you can hire a Powertap from us over a longer term and again the costs involved are very reasonable.  You could even set up a credit agreement whereby you pay a monthly hire fee, leaving you the flexibility to return the product if you decide not to keep it, or continue to pay your monthly installments until you own the Powertap.

TORQ are also offering FREE nutritional products with a Powertap purchase, or you can credit the value of the free products against Fitness Consultancy. Depending on which specification of Powertap you opt for - the range are the Elite+, Pro+, SL+ or SLC+, we are offering £50, £75, £100 and £125 credits respectively. You can use these credits to stock up on our products or as previously mentioned, take advantage of one of our consultancy options. For further information on these offers and to view the technical specifications of the products available, visit our online store and click on the extended information tab. Or contact us on 0845 128 4312 and we'll tell you more.

It is the accurate and reliable power output data supplied by this system that is revolutionising cycle training. With an accuracy level of +/- 1.5%, this system is as accurate as the higher spec Powertap models, not to mention other power-meter brands. It is also considerably more versatile, because you can simply drop the back wheel into the bike you want to collect data from and pop the computer on to the same bike (spare handlebar mounting kits for different bikes cost £5 each).

Why is collecting wattage data so important? We will tell you in detail when you buy a system from us, but essentially, wattage data tells you and your coach everything. It tells you how effective you are. Heart rate monitors give an indication of how hard your body is working internally, but they don't tell you or your coach how effective you are - in other words, how you are actually performing. They also will not allow you to compare your fitness with others, which you can do directly with power data. Also, at a sustained power output, heart rate will drift upwards over time. Similarly, at a sustained heart rate, power output tails-off over time. Do you want your performance to tail-off? It won't if you train with power.

Power data tells you precisely how you have achieved. Despite variations in environmental conditions, you will always have a measure of your form. Heart rate is considerably higher for a given intensity in hot/humid compared to cooler conditions. Average speed is lower if it is wet and windy compared with still dry conditions. Your Powertap system will always tell you how you have performed.

What does the TORQ Fitness Consultancy involve? We can discuss your specific requirements over the telephone on 0845 128 4312. You may want a tutorial where we run through how the cycle computer and software functions with you, which will take a few hours, or you may want something more comprehensive. If you opt for a full day's consultancy, the format includes an information gathering session followed by two fitness tests. The first test is an indoor graded exercise test to establish your base endurance levels and define the lower intensity power zones and the second outdoor test involves a 30-minute time trial to establish your Anaerobic Threshold power and your higher intensity power zones. After lunch we'll make sense of your test data and cover topics such as Training Theory, Energy Systems, Performance Nutrition and Periodization (how to phase your training over the year and peaking for key events). By the end of the day, you should have a really in-depth understanding of where your strengths and weaknesses lie and what you'll need to do to move your performance forwards using Power. We run these intensive days all the time - you just need to book a date in the diary. The one-to-one consultancy costs £200 including lunch and all your course notes and fitness testing consumables. If you apply your Powertap discount to this price, you will get the real cost of this day. In the case of the Elite+, £50 can be discounted from cost of the day. For further details, please visit the Performance Services section of this site or phone 0845 128 4312.

For extensive information any of our other products, visit our online shop, find the product you are interested in and click on the 'More Info' tab...