What are they ?
Power metres are a training device used on bicycles to gauge how much force is being applied to the pedals at any given time. They allow a cyclist to see how hard they are working.
The advantage of using a power metre is that it does away with guessing how hard or soft a cyclist needs to pedal to achieve their training target zones. At the beginning of using a power metre, the cyclist will be expected to do a baseline test to help set the numbers in watts of each zone.
How to use them.
These tests Functional Threshold Power (FTP) works out how long a person can sustain a number in watts for an hour duration. These tests are done sometimes as a twenty minute duration and then calculated to extend over the hour.
Power metres are usually placed on the crank or on the pedal. Other locations include in the hub of the wheel, the chainring spider and the bottom bracket. The most used type is on the cranks. These can be either a one sided sensor or sensors both on each crank arm. Both crank arm sensors allow the cyclist to see if they favour one leg to another.
History
The first power metres were around in the 1980’s but were not available to the public until around 1989. Since that time they have become a key part of a amatuer cyclists training tool. The cost has come down significantly, with a single arm crank setting you back around $500 USD.
Why you use them.
It’s also now made it possible for budding cyclists to understand their potential as a cyclist earlier on. This is due to the fact that you can now see professional cyclists data. And then gauge yourself directly against their numbers.
Additionally it’s now much easier to be more effective with your training as you are able to see improvements within the power data. As opposed to the old heart training model. Where seeing increases in fitness were not as accurate and feedback was more about feel and resting heart rates.
For those of you who like to have the control of seeing if what you’re doing on the bike is getting you faster the power metre is a great tool. The feedback is direct and allows you to focus on what needs to be done in your training. Also seeing the power numbers increase or decrease gives you information on how your training is going.
Do you train with a power metre ? Are you thinking about it ? Or do you just ride and let things take care of themselves. Whatever you choose, the power metre is now an integral part of most cyclists’ training toolbox.
