I’m 3 years into my triathlon “career” and wondering if it’s time for me to invest in a power meter. I’ve done a couple of HIMs and doing another next year and sprinkle some sprints and Olympic distance throughout the year. Next year I’m doing my first IM and thinking a power meter would be really beneficial for both training and pacing for the IM. Up until now I’ve been just going by RPE which has worked out okay but I’m thinking a power meter would really help me improve. I’m considering the Garmin Vector 2s since I have a road and triathlon bike and would like to be able to switch pedals between them if I wanted to. Anybody want to talk me into or out of a power meter? I know it’s a big pro power meter crowd but wondering if there are some “nah. you don’t need that” people out there. Or you can just tell me how great a power meter would be for me.
No other gadget you can buy will help you improve your performance like a power meter (used properly) can. There is NO reason not to buy one if you are serious about the sport.
If you can afford one, it’s really a no-brainer. I’ve had a powertap for 6+ years now, and it’s made a world of difference for my biking. Much more consistent bike splits in races, and the training is entirely power based.
No other gadget you can buy will help you improve your performance like a power meter (used properly) can. There is NO reason not to buy one if you are serious about the sport.
seems to be the consensus. I’m serious in the sense I enjoy the sport, enjoy the competitiveness of it, enjoy the fitness, enjoy race day blah blah blah. I’m not sure I’ll be winning anything (around 5:35 for each HIM so far) but would like to push that number closer to 5.
No other gadget you can buy will help you improve your performance like a power meter (used properly) can. There is NO reason not to buy one if you are serious about the sport.
seems to be the consensus. I’m serious in the sense I enjoy the sport, enjoy the competitiveness of it, enjoy the fitness, enjoy race day blah blah blah. I’m not sure I’ll be winning anything (around 5:35 for each HIM so far) but** would like to push that number closer to 5**.
Even if you aren’t thinking you are going to win anything, the bold to me tells me you are serious enough to make use of the power meter. Also if used properly you will end up going much faster than you ever thought you could. Not that the power meter itself makes you faster, but if you train to power, and race to power, your run splits will start coming way down as well.
In a similar position as you (going into my third year, although have only done one HIM). I thought about getting a powermeter but have opted not to, so my not-so-experienced $.02:
I do a lot of my riding indoors using TrainerRoad (typically do one ride outdoors each week, and it’s the longer less structured ride so I don’t mind going by heart rate/feel). So far I haven’t missed having one in races… I’m pretty disciplined during training, and kind of enjoy just winging it/pushing it during the race.
If I didn’t use TrainerRoad for most of my riding I’d be far more into shelling out for a powermeter, because using the virtual power has been super helpful.
Looking back, I would advise that a PM be a first upgrade (over wheels, cockpit, etc). They’re getting way cheaper and it has the potential to make you way faster than any aero gear. I have one on my road bike and one on my tri bike. I wouldn’t train any other way – except maybe during the off season break and do easy rides by feel.
If you can afford one, it’s really a no-brainer. I’ve had a powertap for 6+ years now, and it’s made a world of difference for my biking. Much more consistent bike splits in races, and the training is entirely power based.
I would disagree and I have a powermeter on a every bike I have. Some people just do not want to use them right and for them it is just a very expensive speedometer. If you have a coach that knows how to use one or you are someone that just loves data, then it is a very good idea. They are super helpful if you know how to use them, there is so much information you get out them, beyond telling you the power at that moment. Everything from aero testing to tracking of training stress, there is just so much valuable information they can provide. If you are someone that loves looking at data, they are great idea.
But some people are just not into that sort of thing and that may work for them, so I would not recommend a powermeter to those people. There are also people that powermeter makes them chase certain numbers (always going for the high score), a powermeter could also not be a good idea for those people.
If you can afford one, it’s really a no-brainer. I’ve had a powertap for 6+ years now, and it’s made a world of difference for my biking. Much more consistent bike splits in races, and the training is entirely power based.
I would disagree and I have a powermeter on a every bike I have. Some people just do not want to use them right and for them it is just a very expensive speedometer. If you have a coach that knows how to use one or you are someone that just loves data, then it is a very good idea. They are super helpful if you know how to use them, there is so much information you get out them, beyond telling you the power at that moment. Everything from aero testing to tracking of training stress, there is just so much valuable information they can provide. If you are someone that loves looking at data, they are great idea.
But some people are just not into that sort of thing and that may work for them, so I would not recommend a powermeter to those people. There are also people that powermeter makes them chase certain numbers (always going for the high score), a powermeter could also not be a good idea for those people.
any good information about how to properly use a power meter?
…Anybody want to talk me into or out of a power meter? I know it’s a big pro power meter crowd but wondering if there are some “nah. you don’t need that” people out there…
I won’t try to talk you out of anything, but I would agree that “you don’t need that.”
A power meter measures your effort. It doesn’t pedal for you, and it doesn’t tell you how to pedal. “Used correctly” – meaning if you find a good training plan/formula and you stick to it – you will improve, but you can say that about lots of things. (For example, pretty much all coaching makes you faster – you commit, pay the money, get reminded to train, and eventually improve.) Your actual method of training doesn’t change with a pm, just how you measure it.
I’d like to lose a few pounds. I could buy a very accurate scale that measures my bodyweight down to .1 lbs, another that measures my food to the gram, but I’d still have control my portions if I want to lose weight. Personally, investing in gizmos for easy reference to numbers doesn’t motivate me much to lose weight, let alone to train and race. I train methodically, but tracking numbers is no longer a part of that. As a result I enjoy my sports more and concentrate on “subjective” issues like motivation, focus, and recovery.
(Cycling background, approaching 20 years as an adult onset endurance athlete. Total mileage last year? No idea. Nor do I care.)
…Anybody want to talk me into or out of a power meter? I know it’s a big pro power meter crowd but wondering if there are some “nah. you don’t need that” people out there…
I won’t try to talk you out of anything, but I would agree that “you don’t need that.”
A power meter measures your effort. It doesn’t pedal for you, and it doesn’t tell you how to pedal. “Used correctly” – meaning if you find a good training plan/formula and you stick to it – you will improve, but you can say that about lots of things. (For example, pretty much all coaching makes you faster – you commit, pay the money, get reminded to train, and eventually improve.) Your actual method of training doesn’t change with a pm, just how you measure it.
I’d like to lose a few pounds. I could buy a very accurate scale that measures my bodyweight down to .1 lbs, another that measures my food to the gram, but I’d still have control my portions if I want to lose weight. Personally, investing in gizmos for easy reference to numbers doesn’t motivate me much to lose weight, let alone to train and race. I train methodically, but tracking numbers is no longer a part of that. As a result I enjoy my sports more and concentrate on “subjective” issues like motivation, focus, and recovery.
(Cycling background, approaching 20 years as an adult onset endurance athlete. Total mileage last year? No idea. Nor do I care.)
All good points. I’m in the middle somewhere. I know when I’m pushing myself and when I’m not. I rarely use a HR strap anymore. I was never really doing anything with those numbers. The more I’ve exercised over the years the more I get a feel for how hard I’m exerting myself and how long I can maintain a specific effort. I like to see my weekly volume numbers and workouts when I’m training for something like an HIM. Part me knows I can improve by just being strict in following a training plan. I know I can improve by adding more interval type workouts rather than just some long endurance sessions. I might just wait until closer to end of the year and see what the prices are.
This will be my 5th full year in the sport and have elected not to use one at this point. Usually at FOP on the bike. I do mostly OLY distance however…did my first half and full last year. Will be doing one half and one full (Kona) this year, but again, will be doing mostly OLY distance. If you have an unlimited budget and/or will be focusing on the longer distance events, I guess it might make sense, but I’ve elected to spend my budget for top of line equipment in other areas where I think it benefits me more…wetsuit, swimskin, trisuit, wheels, helmet. Just an opinion and not saying its not worth it, but again, I’d opt to spend in other areas.
A power meter does three things for training. Each is significant but the combination of the 3 is truly game changing. 1. A power meter allows you to test, with precision, to establish your training zones. 2. It allows you to measure your efforts (i.e. intervals) against established targets meaning your training is much more effective because a) you have good targets and b) you know if you are hitting them. 3. Using a power meter on every ride tracks your cumulative training load and thus make intelligent adjustments in your training over time easier and puts in the hands of an uncoached amateur at least the tools to plan and execute peaks for key events.
And, it is a very good pacing tool in time trial type races like a triathlon bike leg. But, that is probably only the 4th reason to buy one if you are smart about how you use it to change your training.
Frankly, a power meter is actually more useful for a rank and file amateur than a pro. Pros already know what they are doing and “only” get a little extra from training with power (a little is important though at their level though). But, admit it, most of us have no clue what we are really doing on any given day in training and we surely have no ability, on the fly, to track training load over time. A properly used power meter can give you huge insights if you use it right.
any good information about how to properly use a power meter?
For Training:
- Test to determine your FTP
- Go through a 4-6 week structured training plan. Tools like TrainerRoad are invaluable.
- Repeat
For Racing:
Keep your NP at x% of your FTP depending on race length.
The book Training and Racing w/ a Power Meter goes into much more detail, but it really is that simple. PM has been the single biggest game changer in my six years in the sport.
Thanks. Last year was my first year using trainerroad and I definitely thought it was helpful. I’m planning on upping my use of it this year when training for my HIM to 2-3 times per week.
Personally, I think power meters are over rated. But then again, I’ve trained using HR since about 1980, and am very comfortable with that. With HR training you can do the same sequence of: test to determine FTP, train, repeat. You can use it for pacing when racing. The only thing you do not get is actual power. But if you have a good TT route, time is a good substitute. And races are won using time, not power, as an output. Yes, there are environmental variables that will play into your measurement, but having done weekly TT’s on the same route for years, I found the environmental variables to not be that big of a deal. Either HR or power can be used for training, but HR is much more cost effective, and easier to install/maintain.
That leaves racing. The deal breaker for me comes down to this question: when you race, will you pay attention to the number(s)? For me, the answer is “no”. I often race with no electronics, not even a watch. Why? because it does not matter what the numbers say, I’m going to base my race off what I’m feeling. If I feel good, I’m going harder. If I’m feeling like I’ve over done it a bit, I’m backing off.
I know that when I’m racing (I usually only race HIM or longer), I go through phases of feeling better/worse. I know if I tried to push through a bad period to keep “at target power”, I’d regret it later. I frequently wonder if all the troubles people have with “nutrition” are really related to bad pacing that is a result of sticking to a power goal regardless of the state of their body.
So I use HR for training (easy, cost effective), and nothing for racing. If you would listen to the meter over your feelings, maybe the answer is different.
any good information about how to properly use a power meter?
The book Training and Racing w/ a Power Meter is full of good information.
Personally, I think power meters are over rated. But then again, I’ve trained using HR since about 1980, and am very comfortable with that. With HR training you can do the same sequence of: test to determine FTP, train, repeat. You can use it for pacing when racing. The only thing you do not get is actual power. But if you have a good TT route, time is a good substitute. And races are won using time, not power, as an output. Yes, there are environmental variables that will play into your measurement, but having done weekly TT’s on the same route for years, I found the environmental variables to not be that big of a deal. Either HR or power can be used for training, but HR is much more cost effective, and easier to install/maintain.
That leaves racing. The deal breaker for me comes down to this question: when you race, will you pay attention to the number(s)? For me, the answer is “no”. I often race with no electronics, not even a watch. Why? because it does not matter what the numbers say, I’m going to base my race off what I’m feeling. If I feel good, I’m going harder. If I’m feeling like I’ve over done it a bit, I’m backing off.
I know that when I’m racing (I usually only race HIM or longer), I go through phases of feeling better/worse. I know if I tried to push through a bad period to keep “at target power”, I’d regret it later. I frequently wonder if all the troubles people have with “nutrition” are really related to bad pacing that is a result of sticking to a power goal regardless of the state of their body.
So I use HR for training (easy, cost effective), and nothing for racing. If you would listen to the meter over your feelings, maybe the answer is different.
Have you ever used a powermeter? If not, no offense, but you don’t know what you’re talking about, and your post illustrates it.
Personally, I think power meters are over rated. But then again, I’ve trained using HR since about 1980, and am very comfortable with that. With HR training you can do the same sequence of: test to determine FTP, train, repeat. You can use it for pacing when racing. The only thing you do not get is actual power. But if you have a good TT route, time is a good substitute. And races are won using time, not power, as an output. Yes, there are environmental variables that will play into your measurement, but having done weekly TT’s on the same route for years, I found the environmental variables to not be that big of a deal. Either HR or power can be used for training, but HR is much more cost effective, and easier to install/maintain.
That leaves racing. The deal breaker for me comes down to this question: when you race, will you pay attention to the number(s)? For me, the answer is “no”. I often race with no electronics, not even a watch. Why? because it does not matter what the numbers say, I’m going to base my race off what I’m feeling. If I feel good, I’m going harder. If I’m feeling like I’ve over done it a bit, I’m backing off.
I know that when I’m racing (I usually only race HIM or longer), I go through phases of feeling better/worse. I know if I tried to push through a bad period to keep “at target power”, I’d regret it later. I frequently wonder if all the troubles people have with “nutrition” are really related to bad pacing that is a result of sticking to a power goal regardless of the state of their body.
So I use HR for training (easy, cost effective), and nothing for racing. If you would listen to the meter over your feelings, maybe the answer is different.
Have you ever used a powermeter? If not, no offense, but you don’t know what you’re talking about, and your post illustrates it.
Actually, I do have one, and I understand power based training and racing quite well. Rather than the standard ST “you don’t know what you’re talking about”, how about an actual discussion where you present some counterpoints? I.E. do you listen to your meter when racing, over what your body tells you? Something else to know?
all good points. so far I feel my pacing in races has been pretty good. I really am constantly evaluating how I’m feeling and make adjustments either speed up or back off a little. If I’m lucky I can find somebody with similar pacing as me and I can try to keep up with them. I’m going to use trainerroad more this year so that could help give me a good gauge. I’m going to attempt to keep going without a power meter right this moment but still leaning towards getting one at some point.