6 Reasons Why You Need A Power Meter For Your Bike!

Power metres aren't just for professionals! Yes, pro’s will use power meters but there is a lot to be gained for all of us, no matter what level our cycling is at. In that case, it’s time to cover the benefits of a power metre and how to use it to improve your cycling!

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍

Submit your content here:

Watch more on GTN...

Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
ES_Overthinking - Dylan Sitts
ES_Spindle - Dusty Decks
ES_Can't Chill - Dylan Sitts

Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the world's biggest triathlon YouTube channel, with new videos every day! GTN is for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned triathletes to first timers – and everyone in between!

With the help of our former pro and Olympic medal winning team, we’re here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:

- How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
- Try our session ideas
- Investigations into wide ranging topics
- The best triathlon bike tech and gear with pro know-how
- In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
- Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media!

Join us on YouTube’s best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete!

Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.

Thanks to our sponsors:

[seascape]

I’ve been riding with Garmin Vector 3 power meter pedals for about two years, and although I don’t race or even do any structured workouts, I have found them useful (and I am a gadget and data freak). Besides the benefits discussed in the video, dual-sided power meters can show if you have an imbalance in power between your left and right legs. They also get me up steep hills easier, but not necessarily faster - I found I was putting out too much power at the start of hills, and dying right before the top, but now I pace myself better, and die after I reach the top.

They’re also good in keeping you humble, after reading about the pros easily putting out sustained bursts of over 1200 watts of power, whereas I wimp out at maybe half that but for only one sec or two.

[richardnoe]

Recently got the garmin vector 3 dual power meter. Training for 70.3 St George May 1st. A few things off the top I noticed (and I'm a novice at best): on down hills I almost always dropped my power significantly (unintentionally). I thought I was pushing on the down hills-but clearly wasn't. My shifting was alot more dialed using power/cadence. When cadence went up and power went down I went to a higher gear- and vice versa. Recently did a 8 mile climb 3, 000 feet and was able to find a gear off the start I was able to maintain the entire time. Leaves some of the guess work out of it. The intervals are more noticeable because of the lag in HR. Anyway- I'm a fan.

[jshepard]

Assioma Uno pedals being delivered today and I can't wait! It'll be the first time I've ridden with power data and I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how weak I am! lol Seriously though, it's really got me gassed up about riding my bike and that's always a good thing. Thanks for the video.

[stuartmisfeldt]

PowerTap GS w/ DT Swiss 511 for training outdoors.

[basenisakietselaerhouwink]

I am still waiting for the delivery of my powermeter. Looking forward to learning from it!

[benjaminallen]

Would love to see a video explaining the BTF bike rules for what modification we can / cannot make 😁

[benbrowning]

Power on the racetrack is a great visual reminder. 💪😉

[samanthab]

I am training for my first sprint triathlon and don't think a power meter would be that useful for my level of fitness however I have found the cadence meter helpful

[sbyrstall]

I can see one needing a power meter if you are training to become an elite or pro triathlete. As a weekend warrior, it's just a waste of money and one more thing to lose/break.

[jaydesimone]

I'm glad you put out a bike video so I can make this comment marginally relevant...you have videos on training sessions, road bike vs TT bike, what is a TT bike, etc, but not really anything on helping people make the transition from a road bike to a TT bike. I recently got a TT bike and I currently do most of my training sessions on the turbo. Should I do them all just as I would on the road bike but with the TT bike instead? Any tips for making the on-the-road transition for the switch from being comfortable on a road bike to being a bit nervous about a TT bike? Do you ever ride your road bike again except when in a group? A video on this transition would be great!

[joshhead]

I drastically underestimated how expensive these things were. Haha Now I have to decide whether I need a power meter or a smart trainer first? Anyone have a recommendation?

[iberiksoderblom]

I dont need a power-meter.
I just need power !!!

[yyoussine]

If you only have to display 4 fields of data on your bike computer during a ride, what would it be? What do you think are the most useful 4 data to constantly look at ?

[SimoneChiaretta]

Suspicious that this “recommendation” video comes just a few days before Wahoo partner comes out with a new power meter on pedal from their new pedal division

[SBoots]

OH boy! some more equipment to purchase. LOL. I always wondered about power meters. Right now I have a dumb trainer due to cost but outdoor riding season is almost here. I do want to improve my cycling. Any brands I should look for. I know you covered the different types of applications.

[jean-francoisdesrosiers]

During a race, what strategy do you adopt using a power meter? Are you trying to maintain the same power during the entire race despite the hills or are you targeting a certain average power for the entire race?

[PeterTvonK]

I am not commited to doubling the price of my bike with power meter yet 😆

[DmitryRudoy]

Heather's bike is so much more beautiful!

[bobbysilver]

Power meters are still too expensive for most riders.

[odyseusjarhead]

A new power meter is just what I need. I can use it to increase my FTP, which I will need so that I can outrun my wife when she finds out how much it costs. Of course, she plays tennis, and has a wicked serve, so there is no amount of FTP increase that will save me.