My first trainer

You need to learn how to train with a power meter.  Joe or Dirk Friel has a book on training wit h power. joe Friel reccomends Trainingpeaks WKO+ software and this book

http://www.amazon.com/Training-Racing-Power-Meter-Hunter/dp/1931382794.

Kevin

Allen and Coggan's book is a good place to start too.

Yes, those are essentially the tests you'll be doing; but you should really read up on training with power beforehand, and read a little more about test protocol. I can answer a little, but I have a coach so I never actually took the time to learn too much for myself.

Jorge (amiine) on this site is a great resource, but he's out of the country racing this weekend. Last off season, we had a "training with power" support group/thread on this site; hopefully we'll do the same this year (I'm hoping we do, because I think I am going coachless this year).

Congrats on the new toys .

Thanks, I forgot to add I would use my HRM in the baseline readings.

Joe

Just keep in mind that the Kurt power computer is not a true power meter and the data gleaned from its use, although purported to give fairly accurate power curve data, cannot be substituted as a comparator with actual power meters. Remember that it is only measuring your tire speed to determine suggested avg watt power output based on Kurt's "repeatable and measurable force curves" specific only to the Road Machine models. Things like roller tension will alter the results, and also good to know is that the power comp can't be used with any other brand of trainers. 

That being said, I have a KK with power comp and it does give fairly consitant readings, and can definitely be used as a gauge of your fitness progress.

ETA that it is only usefull when used with the trainer; riding outdoors with the computer will not provide accurate data.

Ahh, gotcha. I thought it was random that he just happened to pick up a trainer and a powermeter .