The Cycling Thread

[Dipper]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Does anyone use a power meter? If so, please relate your reasons for getting one, if it helps and how you use it. What benefits did you see, especially if you are non-competitive?

Consistent effort is key to doing long fast rides, I use heart rate at the moment and have seen great gains ...out with a group others will pass on the ascents but I know I'll be catching or passing them on the descents and there's no chance of me blowing up towards the end of a long ride. As Dave says a power meter takes this further giving instant readings and can only be a good thing if you want to get the most out of your training.

I've heard good things about the Stages power meter and is probably the most sensibly priced option at the moment.

The real thing with a power meter is you DO need to take the time to regularly test & interpret the figures, otherwise its not worth the cost and heart rate would be better.

[Luckypants]

Some great information folks, keep it coming

Originally Posted by Dipper

Consistent effort is key to doing long fast rides, I use heart rate at the moment and have seen great gains ...out with a group others will pass on the ascents but I know I'll be catching or passing them on the descents and there's no chance of me blowing up towards the end of a long ride. As Dave says a power meter takes this further giving instant readings and can only be a good thing if you want to get the most out of your training.

I've heard good things about the Stages power meter and is probably the most sensibly priced option at the moment.

I've been using HR for ages and I am quite good at metering my effort. I recently went for Strava Premium (free trial) and using the HR zone displays on there told me I'm basically not trying hard enough compared to my compatriots! So I'm trying harder and saw a good improvement in speed the past couple of weeks. I still try to make a consistant effort, but at a higher HR than I would previously. Certainly putting more effort in on the hills.

Originally Posted by EssexDave

The real thing with a power meter is you DO need to take the time to regularly test & interpret the figures, otherwise its not worth the cost and heart rate would be better.

Hence my question, because the access to data I got from Strava Premium made me think about getting a power meter to really look. It's still seems too expensive for a gizmo for a recreational rider to me.

Dave, how did you do your FTP test?

My FTP test was a 20 minute effort, taking the average power and multiplying by 0.95 to work out the FTP.

I already had a ballpark figure to aim for from using a turbo with a power meter before. Obviously, devices will have differences between them, but it helped me to pace from the outset. I think my FTP may be a couple of watts low, but also the software will estimate it as you upload data.

I'm going to do another test in a couple of weeks, and all the time I'm learning more about myself and the device and how I can use it.

The real question is, as a recreational cyclist (which I would most definitely class myself as), do you care about riding faster enough to spend £5-700 on a device that will make you work harder?

I know many would say yes I would spend £500 on a lighter set of wheels because that makes me faster for no effort. The power meter is all about effort, and I think so far its already helped me.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

The real question is, as a recreational cyclist (which I would most definitely class myself as), do you care about riding faster enough to spend £5-700 on a device that will make you work harder?

I know many would say yes I would spend £500 on a lighter set of wheels because that makes me faster for no effort. The power meter is all about effort, and I think so far its already helped me.

That's why I went for the Limits power meter, I could justify the $130 (half price early bird deal) I paid and not loose any sleep over it. Even at $259 its still cheaper than the Stages or other options.

Ok, its not as pretty as some of the other options, but I think its a neat solutions, and easy to fit.

At the moment I'm just training on feel alone, giving it large on the hills.

I'm a firm believer in its cheaper to loose kgs from my body weight than buy ultralight bling for the bike, i'll go faster by loosing a few pounds

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by maviczap

I'm a firm believer in its cheaper to loose kgs from my body weight than buy ultralight bling for the bike, i'll go faster by loosing a few pounds

No argument there, but I also want to get stronger and fitter, but real life limits training - so want to train smart. I'm exploring options and the power meter is one of them.

[Dipper]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

No argument there, but I also want to get stronger and fitter, but real life limits training - so want to train smart. I'm exploring options and the power meter is one of them.

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

[maviczap]

Yes real life does limit what training you can do, my quality miles and training is done on my off duty week.

I find it difficult to get out on the road after a 12hour shift, although the lighter nights means i have the time to nip out and do a short intensive ride, which ive found has benefited my avg speed this year, plus i did quite a lot more winter riding this year.

im hoping that this power meter will improve my training, I do put the effot in when i go for a ride, perhaps too much sometimes.

it'd be good to go out with a group, but sorting out around real life is problematic.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Dipper

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

LP has a massive commute

well he did in his last job as far as i know, not sure about his new job.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Dipper

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

Originally Posted by maviczap

LP has a massive commute

well he did in his last job as far as i know, not sure about his new job.

It's about the same, 15 seconds to the home office.

I used to do spin classes which were high intensity, but they closed. Nearest one is 20 odd miles away, so the time spent driving there/back could be spent on my bike riding from home. I was planning to be out now on my hilly 30 mile route, but a meeting got moved and I'm listening to what changes I have to cover this weekend instead!

New job has made finding time harder. I'm thinking a power trainer with a power meter might be a way ahead but the cost of them is frightening!