If you’re serious about taking your cycling performance to the next level, training with a power meter is the absolute best way to get the most out of both your training time and effort. Cycling power meters are becoming increasingly more affordable, with the all-new TCR Advanced Pro 1 equipped with a power meter. But, knowing what to do with one and how to get the most out of your riding time, can be a different matter.
What Is A Power Meter?
Simply put, a power meter is a device fitted to a bike that measures the power output of the rider. Power meters usually use a strain gauge that deflects slightly when a force is applied, thus altering the current running through it. By measuring this torque and then multiplying by the angular velocity of that component, power (measured in watts) is calculated. They then transmit this data wirelessly to a head unit or smartphone via the ANT+ or Bluetooth wireless frequency.
What Power Meters Are Available?
Power meters were first developed by a company called SRM back in the mid 80’s, pioneered by pro rider Greg LeMond. Despite being commercially available since then, it’s only been the last few years where the price has decreased to make them attainable to the average rider. Alongside this, the benefits of training with power have become much more apparent. Therefore, the increased demand and cheaper prices have led to much more variety to choose from as different manufacturers bring out their own power units.
Nowadays, power meters are available in a variety of locations on the bike;
Crank
Having a crank-based power meter is a very popular option, as it’s relatively easy to switch between bikes (providing you use the same crank length). What’s more, with the ability to have a dual-sided unit or the cheaper, but slightly less accurate, single-sided option, the cost can be considerably lower - useful for racers on a tighter budget.
Just keep in mind that if you do decide to opt for a single crank arm option, it can’t provide accurate left/right data, as it’s only reading information from one side. They will be able to provide an estimation, however, it won’t be able to highlight any power imbalances in your pedal strokes.
Pedals
Power meter pedals are another type that has grown in popularity recently. Again, pedals are very easy to switch between bikes and also come in a single side or dual-sided option, meaning it can be a cost-effective and easy to manage solution for those who aren’t too handy with a spanner.
There are a couple of downsides to pedal-based power though – due to their location, they can get damaged much easier in a crash, as they are one of the first things to take the impact. Also, they can have a tendency to over-read on power as the force applied is being measured directly on the pedal, and they can be erratic during sprint efforts or climbing out of the saddle.
Chainring / Crank Spiders
The traditional location for a power meter has been the chainring and is still favoured by plenty of pro riders to this day due to its accuracy and popularity. It’s worth noting that it’s also unable to pick up left/right data as it’s technically a single-sided power meter, however it can give an estimation.
Wheel Hub
Although it’s widely considered one of the most accurate locations to measure from, the wheel hub power meter has declined in popularity as more alternatives have come on the market that is easier to switch between bikes. Being limited to a single wheel, without a fiddly and time-consuming hub switch, isn’t ideal for a lot of riders.
Bottom Bracket
The bottom bracket is a logical placement choice for a power meter, as they provide accuracy and low maintenance as it’s nicely tucked away. However, the lack of ability to switch between bikes easily and the various bottom bracket sizes on bikes nowadays cause plenty of compatibility confusion for owners.
Why Train With Power?
Prior to the emergence of power meters, using the heart rate was a popular training method. However, changing the focus to power has several advantages over heart rate. To start with, power meters give real-time information, whereas it can take tens of seconds for your heart to respond to an effort – when doing an all-out sprint, for example, you could well have finished the effort before your heart rate responds.
Having real-time data also helps you gauge your effort much better, for example by riding to specific power numbers, you can ensure you don’t go too deep and you can make sure you have energy left for the end of the ride. It’s especially useful when trying to pace a long climb or a time trial correctly.
Furthermore, factors such as hydration, nutrition, energy levels,
With ever-advancing technology and more cyclists looking for ways to improve their performance, power meters represent a major breakthrough in training technology. Power meters provide riders with real-time information on their cycling performance, enabling them to better understand what it takes to be successful. Giant Bicycles UK offers a comprehensive guide to help cyclists unlock their potential through power meters and training with power.
This guide includes tips on choosing the right power meter and learning how to use it to track performance in real-time. Cyclists will also get advice on finding the right power meter for their individual needs and how to make the most out of every training session. Additionally, readers will learn how to analyse their performance data and gain insight into what they can do to improve.
Those interested in power meters and training with them can benefit from the many resources provided by Giant Bicycles. Riders can begin with a detailed article on training with power and what to consider when purchasing a power meter. The article also helps the reader to set power goals and strategies while offering advice on how to make the most of your data.
This comprehensive guide extends to other aspects of cycling such as nutrition and recovery, as well as using the power meters to measure speed and progress over time. There are also useful tips for using the power meters in races and competitions. Tips on data analysis and how to visualise your data can be very useful for those wishing to increase their performance.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, Giant Bicycles UK has everything you need to unlock your potential through power meters and training. Their comprehensive guide explains the various aspects of the technology in detail, helping readers understand the benefits of power meters and how to use them effectively. With their help, power meters can transform a cyclist’s performance, making them a must-have tool for any cyclist looking to improve.