Why should I bother with a cycling power meter in the first place – they’re not for me! This is a statement we hear quite a lot, and whilst cycling power meter usage is unquestionably more common than it was even five years ago, there are still a substantial proportion of riders who question the necessity of a power meter and think it’s just for the pros.
So, why might using a cycling power meter be just the thing you need to use to inject a new level of interest into your favourite pastime?
The truth is, training with a cycling power meter can provide a number of benefits for cyclists who are looking to improve their performance. Here are our top five reasons why you should be using a power meter:
1. Objective Measurement: A power meter provides an objective measurement of your effort. It measures how much power you are putting into the pedals, which is a more accurate and consistent measure of effort than heart rate or perceived exertion. Here the InfoCrank has been shown in independent tests to do this job better than pretty much anything else.
2. Training Zones: With a power meter, you can set specific training zones based on your power output. This allows you to train at the appropriate intensity for your goals, whether you are aiming to improve your endurance, strength, or speed. As always, accuracy is key to ensure your training is consistent and effective (again the InfoCrank leads the way here! One of our key partners, British Cycling, has used the InfoCrank for eight years precisely to build a database that can be cross-referenced over time and between different riders from all disciplines, because they know they can trust how accurate the InfoCrank is!).
3. Progress Tracking: A power meter can help you track your progress over time. By comparing your power output on specific rides or workouts, you can see if you are making improvements in your fitness. And with the InfoCrank you know this progress is real. Not an anomaly or the result of poor or missing data.
4. Performance Analysis: After a ride, you can analyse your power data to see how you performed. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve, such as maintaining a consistent power output or pacing yourself more effectively. Once our new app is launched, you will have many new ways to interrogate your data.
5. Race Strategy: Using a power meter during a race can help you develop a more effective race strategy. By knowing your power output, you can pace yourself more effectively and avoid burning out too early in the race.
Overall, training with a cycling power meter can help you train more effectively and efficiently, leading to improved performance on the bike. If you use an InfoCrank, you can be certain that you are in safe hands – you will have equipped yourself with the same power meter that was used by 30% of the national cycling teams that medalled at the last Olympic Games. That’s quite some pedigree!
