Cycling has gotten complicated with all the gear and training methods flying around. As someone with extensive cycling experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.
Power meters measure cycling effort precisely, providing data that heart rate and perceived exertion can’t match. Understanding how to use this data improves training efficiency.
What Power Meters Measure
Power meters quantify work output in watts. They use strain gauges in cranks, pedals, hubs, or chainrings to measure force applied. The resulting numbers reflect actual effort regardless of terrain, wind, or fatigue.
Why Watts Matter
Unlike heart rate, power responds instantly to effort changes. Heart rate lags and varies with sleep, stress, and temperature. Power provides objective measurement for training and racing decisions.
Training Zones
Power-based training uses zones defined by threshold power. Recovery, endurance, tempo, threshold, and anaerobic zones each target different systems. Training with power means knowing exactly which system you’re stressing.
FTP Testing
Functional Threshold Power – the power you can sustain for an hour – anchors training zones. Various tests estimate FTP. Regular testing tracks fitness changes over time.
Pacing Applications
Power enables precise pacing that heart rate can’t provide. Knowing your sustainable power prevents overcooking climbs or burning matches early in events. The data guides strategy.
Product Options
Pedal-based meters are easy to swap between bikes. Crank-based systems integrate cleanly. Hub power meters work for wheel-on trainers. Prices range from $300 to $1500+ depending on type and accuracy.
Analysis Tools
Software like TrainingPeaks, Golden Cheetah, and platform-specific apps analyze power data. Metrics like Training Stress Score and Intensity Factor quantify workouts. The analysis reveals patterns invisible in raw data.
Starting with Power
Power training has a learning curve. Start simple – focus on consistent efforts before diving into complex analytics. The fundamentals matter more than advanced metrics for most riders.
