Power Meters for Dummies | Cycling Weekly

A power meter is a device fitted to a bike that measures the power output of the rider.

Most commonly, power meters use strain gauges that deflect slightly when a force is applied. By measuring this torque and combining it with angular velocity, power (measured in watts) can be calculated.

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[josephdunbar]

Thanks for the information. I’m now convinced that I simply don’t need to know if I’m peaking or not in my local race. If I was racing for millions and had a nerd to dumb down the information a power meter provides, maybe. I’ll save the thousand bucks for virtually everything that’d be more useful to me.

[dcmsr]

I'm here to explore the information provided by power meters, and I find it absolutely fascinating, however, I'm nowhere near the level of the riders that require this information. My relatively inexpensive computer and heart monitor is sufficient.This is not to say of course, that I won't accept a power meter as a gift🤓😁

[adamweb]

Very informative thank you! You guys have too much Le Col gear though, please send some to me!

[Tchairdjian]

I’m looking for more basic information for a beginner. So I have a 4iiii single side crank power meter and a new Garmin 530. What do I do and what are all these data reported on Strava mean to me? I don’t know what’s my FTP yet either. What number should I be monitoring while riding? My heart monitor is showing that I’m riding close to my 90% maximum rate on average. Huh? I’m 60 years old and 5’6” and 190lbs with a little belly and I’ve been road biking for 2 years.

[bearhuntertv]

Great video. Can you share what software you are using off line once you upload your data?

[abd-ixqd]

What are the advantages of powermeter compared to garmin watches which has measures of certain metrics also like speed, speed, calories, hr.

[kay]

Should I get the pedal, hub or the crank type? and why?

[deamon]

Hi, is there any powermeter fit with Sora 4bolt crankset? or do I need to upgreat to a new crankset?

[jeffreyanthony]

Do you need a speed sensor while having a crank power meter

[maginext]

Personally...its only for those who want to win races by pairing it with a training plan and a good diet regimen. All others are waisting there time and money, cycling is plenty enjoyable without a powermeter. But theres nothing like remembering the sacrafice and determination that took you to those wins, and a powermeter is an essential tool in my opinion for that.

[michaelmappin]

I thought you were going to tell me what to buy. I have never used a power meter and I'm a dummy. Anyhow, I have a Padrone with speed and cadence and my wife had a Strada with speed and Cadence until I lost it. Anyhow, I'm looking at getting the one with power meter compatibility. The link on their website is broken for the power meter. I was looking at what I need to buy and can't find an answer. Should I buy something else?

[johnkirk]

Just spent £1000 on the Garmin XC200 pedal power meter, but am about to return it for full refund as I can't seem to get an answer to my simple question, 'do I also need to purchase a cycle computer?'. I had hoped all I needed was my phone with the Garmin Connect app, but I may be mistaken. I rang Garmin helpline twice, and got conflicting advice. First time round I was told I DO need a suitable cycle computer, but when I rang back the next day to double check I was told the Garmin Connect app would suffice.

I certainly do not want to purchase a cycle computer. Any advice on this? Thanks in advance!

[xxxxty]

What about when you stand up to stretch your legs.
Instant 600wats😅

[norbertosabido]

Where to register my 4iiii power meter

[greglovelace]

Sounds like more difficulty bs in my life. It's hard enough to find ride time. At 56 I'll keep my money.

[runjosh]

so in short it's only if you are serious about getting amazing at riding rather than just using it to commute

[MikeCaffyn]

Thanks - very useful This has absolutely persuaded me NOT to buy a power meter. Data overload for the non-competitive (albeit enthusiastic) cyclist. I love the idea of FTP on my trainer but all those acronyms to tell me I'm knackered or not - no thanks.

[neiltruswell]

What's happened to the geezer with the floppy hair ?

[mobilejan]

The feedback on efforts shouldn't come from power but from heart rate or hrv. Power tells you what you're output is, not how you're body is re-acting. Not the most valid advice

[iberiksoderblom]

With those prizes for powermeters ???
I'm NOT going to pay that amount of money for that, ever.
It's just stupid.