Do I need a Power Meter for Cycling in Endurance Sport?

What is this episode about?

INTRO 0-1:50

Amy shares feedback from an athlete!

Do I Need a Power Meter for Cycling in Endurance Sport?

A Power meter is a device that helps athlete manage their effort on the bike.  It helps us understand how hard our legs can push for a given amount of time.  It's been around for a while, but there is still often confusion about how to use it correctly.

A power meter uses watts as its unit of measurement.  We can use it in training on our indoor trainers to design sets that help us get stronger. However, learning to ride with it outside and/or to race effectively requires a set of skills that usually mean a learning curve for athletes.  Terrain changes on the road require athletes to learn to use their cadence and gearing to hold a steady effort (steady power).  This prevents power spikes (effort surges) that will fry an athletes legs during a ride - especially if you have a run off the bike.

Should you get a power meter? It depends.  It will change how you ride for the best but only if you want to actually learn how to do that.  It can be frustrating but worth the effort.  But - every athlete needs to decide for themselves if they actually want a power meter and how and why they want to use it - there is no right answer so decide what works for you!