For many riders, a power meter is high on the wish list when upgrading their bike or undertaking a more structured approach to training.
What is a Cycling Power Meter?
A power meter on a bike is a device that measures the power delivered by the cyclist. Power meters provide instant feedback to you, the cyclist, through your bike computer and allow for a more measured training/workout/race efforts.
Whilst early generation power meters were heavy and tricky to set up and calibrate, you really had to be determined or a computer geek to set them up correctly. The first power meters were in the hub of the back wheel and so heavy that most riders would train with them but not race with them, which always seem daft to me. The latest pedal power meters look no different to a standard set of pedals and most importantly do not weigh much more than standard pedals either. With SpeedPlay entering the market you can now get all the favourite road cycling cleated pedals, Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo in a power pedal version too. There are also crank arm based power meters available to use too, however, the major benefit of purchasing a pedal power meter is that they can easily be transferred between your many bikes and they measure the power in both legs.
How do Cycling Power Meters work?
Most power meters use strain gauges to measure applied torque and angular speed this data is then used to calculate power output in Watts.
Some crank arm power meters only measure the power in one leg, it is assumed the other leg is working equally as hard. Another benefit of pedal power meters is that you will get an accurate reading of each leg. As with other sports we are either right or left handed or footed, with cycling you will also have a preferred/more powerful leg. A dual sided pedal power meter will also measure your left:right balance. You can then identify any asymmetries in your power output and work to address them.
What are the benefits of using Cycling Power Meters?
Power Meters/Power Pedals will enable you to track your riding, establish, understand and ride in your training zones. You will soon see improvements in your fitness and understand how those improvements were made. Training hard all the time is not the right approach. Actually, a power meter is one of the best ways to fast track your fitness. You can also use a power meter to gauge your effort in a race, on a climb or through a long day in the saddle
Power Meters will
- Eliminate the guess work in your training. With out a power meter you really are just guessing on how hard you are riding
- Allow for Structured Training. Once you have determined your functional threshold power, you can build a structured training plan with power-based training zones
- Determine your strength and weakness. Accurately assess your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your specific discipline eg Sprinting or Endurance. Then, using your training zones, you can look to maintain your strengths while improving any weaknesses.
- Make the most of training time. Improve the quality of your training and avoid the junk miles
- Motivation. The power meter does not lie and gives you immediate, accurate performance assessment.
Power based training is more accurate than heart rate based training. Of all the riders that I know who have switched they have all become faster and more consistent in their overall ride performance. Power Meters will highlight weaknesses in your performance and you can then develop your training to address these weaknesses. Recovery on the bike is quicker and you will find that you are not pushing into the red so much and lactating your muscles which in turn will increase your endurance on the bike too.
Overall you will be able to pace yourself better on the bike you will soon know how long you can sustain a certain power, which can be crucial in a time trail or race. The data from your power meter will also highlight when you need to rest. Remember rest is important as this is when the body recovers and the fitness comes. Rest = Fitness Freshness. A Power Meter will also help you measure your progress in your training and help you achieve PB’s.
Finally, those tough rides into the head wind will still be tough rides into the headwind but a power meter will show that you are still putting out the required power for your training ride regardless of headwind or tailwind. Not only reassuring for you but a huge benefit in a structured training program.
Using a Power Meter will enable you to become a faster rider, stronger and more consistent rider. There will be fewer flat spots in your ride performance and you will recover quicker on the bike.
