Do you really use it/like it? Maybe it is because I jsut rode with a friend and he just got a powertap, or whatever, but i feel the need to get one somehow. I really don’t think I need one, but I don’t need CF wheels, or a super highend bike either, and i have multiples of both.
I pay attention to my cadence (although I can pretty much tell without looking now) and I like to knwo how far I have gone, and how fast I’m going just for kicks. Is a PT jsut a very expensive extra number or woudl a semi casual MOPer get some value form knowing how few watts I produce?
I recently started training with a powermeter, and I love it. I feel as if training with it and paying close attention to my data on a daily basis has made me more “efficient” at training, and I’ve improved as a cyclist. However, don’t forget: just continuing your previous training style, but with a powermeter telling you your power output, does not guarantee improvement. Someone on one of these threads had a great quote about powermeters a little while ago. He said, “Its a training tool, not a strap on motor”.
When used properly, it can help you be more precise in hitting your desired training zones during workouts, and it can certainly help you with race pacing. But, remember, there were plenty of incredibly fast cyclists before powermeters were ever invented, so it is by no means an absolute necessity on your path to reach your potential.
I have been training with powertap for 7 years now and love it. The immediate feedback it gives you is great for training and racing. One of the best uses I have it preventing overtraining. I hate taking time off, however, if I can’t produce the amount of power I need for the workout I have set for the day, I stop it an go home. I think that aspect is really useful. Some days you feel bad and can produce all kinds of power. Other days you feel great but your legs aren’t working like they should. A powermeter takes the guess work out.
There are a lot of things that I like about training with power - most of them are well voiced on this forum.
However, the one thing I really like that no one ever talks about is how it changes your perception of a strong headwind or false-flat. Before, I would feel like I was riding poorly and really struggling, but now I can see that I am actually putting out a good number of watts in those situations and it makes me feel better about the ride. That little psychological boost might not make much of a difference for some, but it really makes me feel better.
Andy
X2
I’ve been using my PT for the past few months and agree with Andy. The objectivity of the PT also prevents you from taking credit for a fast workout that is really just a tailwind. The reality check has greatly improved my training. Use it correctly and it is way more than an expensive bike computer.
Bought a used SRM power crank off a coach and friend this winter. I’ve never had more focus and fun on the trainer as I did this year. In fact I’ve put more miles on my trainer than in the previous 4 winters combined and loved it. I’ve seen my threshold power increase and am geared up to learn more about training and racing with power this season (even bought the book). It’s been a great tool for my TBC coach to keep tabs on me. I was most surprised how much my HR varies with cadence given a constant power output. Up until this year I was putting too much faith in HR and not enough in perceived exertion. I feel like the power meter helps me to better gauge my perceived exertion–especially over a range of cadence. It’s a lot more money than an aero helmet or racing wheels, but definitely more fun. If I had to do it over again I would have pulled the trigger on a power meter before spending money on these other accessories.
If it’s an investment in fitness and gets you on your trainer or out on the roads a couple more times per week–then do it. If you’re just trying to squeeze a few minutes off a race and don’t have longterm goals (beyond this race season or even the next few seasons) then don’t bother.
Best of luck!
I did a 3 hour ride in 20+ mph winds last Sunday and had exactly the same sentiment. What would have been a frustrating 16 mph avg. ride became a solid 230w avg. ride. Totally changed my perspective on the day.
My powermeter has become like ATMs and my iPhone. Indispensable. I could probably get by without one, but I wouldn’t want to.
Just one example of why I love my powertap:
On my first ride over 4 hours this year (turned out to be 4:42), I got real tired in the last 45 minutes heading home into a bad head/crossing wind, had to draft a couple of buddies and had a real hard time getting back. My perception of the ride was that I was not in nearly the shape I thought I was. Very discouraging.
Downloaded my power file and saw that my average power was above what I had averaged at IMC the last time I did it in 08.
So now, rather than being discouraged by the ride, I have proof that in fact my hard work over the winter is paying off. Very encouraging.
My PT SL is:
My coach
My motivator
The best cycling purchase I’ve made…
From a racing perspective I find it very useful in a lot of ways.
In an IM it helps me hold back my effort for the first 60-80 miles.
As noted above into a wind you can resist the desire to push to hard because you’re pissed about the mph you see and also, and I had this happen last week, with a tail wind it stops you from being complacent.
It can also give you a sense of how much wind and pavement resistance impacted your average speed.
One thing that’s hard to adjust for is the technical nature of a course where you have to back-off from the power your fitness level says you can deliver for safety reasons–here the Normalized Power calculation can partially adjust for that…
One more piece of data. Like HR or mph–all very useful for learning about your training and racing and managing both as well…