Training

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Training With Power

It used to be that power meters on bicycles were only found at the professional level. Now, you can find power meters being used by all levels of athletes, not only in training, but in races as well. Why would you want to use a power meter? No other training device can so easily quantify your training and race efforts as a power meter. Want to know if you're training too hard, or if you're putting out too little effort? Maybe you want to know how much you can push yourself for a 5 minute effort. A power meter can tell easily tell you this information in real time.

Many cyclists are familiar with the benefits of using heart rate monitors in training. HR monitors are great. They're cheap and accurate and can be used to design training programs. However, power meters can give you better feedback than just a heart rate monitor. Power meters can give you a direct measurement of what your body is actually doing at any given time, where as heart rate monitors tell you how your body is responding to what it's doing. Why is that important? Think of all the things that can affect your heart rate during a training period. Maybe you like a cup of Peet's coffee (my favorite) before a bike ride… there goes your heart rate, and you haven't even started your workout. Maybe you're getting over a cold, or you're a bit dehydrated. These are just a few factors that can affect your heart rate. However, if you're using a power meter to guide your efforts, then you know exactly how much power your body is putting out, after all, watts are watts no matter how much coffee you drink.

Here's an example of a workout I did on my indoor trainer, a Cycleops Pro 300PT. You can tell from the power meter that I wasn't having a good workout, as I was below my goal of averaging 300 watts per interval.

If you've looked recently, you've probably seen different power meter options. Depending on the model, power meters have become relatively affordable, so that many riders can afford to use them as a training tool. I've been using the Powertap wireless model laced to an aluminum rim, which I recently purchased for less money than an entry level carbon wheelset. If you're on a budget, you can probably pick up a used Powertap for as low as $700 on ebay. However, once you get a power meter, then what? You'll need to design a training program for yourself. You could purchase some books on power training, or you could purchase a computer program like Cyclingpeaks to help guide you. However, if you're like me, then maybe you don't have the time or desire to research and develop your own training program. A cycling coach may be the best solution. One excellent local cycling coach is Chris Burnham. Check out his website at www.burnhamcoaching.com.

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