Power meter random question

[jacobus h123]

Random question is it worth spending a ton off money on a power meter to see if your leg/stroke strength is getting better as an example on a 10/20km  ride of similar route if your time on the stop watch is better that should be showing you results Wana know if I should be spending the money 

[Michael S]

Don't get one.

I accidentally got one with bike i bought. Now I am obsessed to the point where I bought a pair of power meter pedals so I can track gravel/road rides and mtb rides with the same meter so there is no variance.

But in all honesty, If you want to do proper structured training, it is a must have. If you like stats and raising you ftp will motivate you, go for it. Of you don't care for stats and the for fun, don't get it, keep it fun.

Edited June 13 by Michael S

[Mamil]

Get one... opens a world of training and data. 

[Thomo]

1 hour ago, jacobus h123 said:

... if your time on the stop watch is better that should be showing you results ... 

Probably, but there are also lots of other factors that influence speed/time.

If you're considering one then you must have already identified the need for it ... 🙃

 

[Tomik]

If you have spare cash, go for it, but it's by no means necessary. You can tell you're getting stronger by riding up a hill and timing it, then comparing it to heart rate to see how the effort compares. Accounting for a head or tail wind of course. 

I've got power meters on my road and gravel bike but sold the one on the MTB as that was less useful to me. 

[Marcv]

 

I have found it very useful for structured training, measuring progression and pacing (group ride and racing)

I have power meters on both my mountain bikes and they are amazing if you are the sort of person that loves data. There are many training use cases but in our group it often helps if one person is suffering i can set a pace that they are happy with and we can either finish the ride or just enjoy it a bit more.

just a point for mtb bikes, as the terrain is bumpy the instantaneous power readings are often very spikey.  3s average is a lot more useful.

[cadenceblur]

IF equipped with the appropriate level of knowledge to understand the data and metrics , a power meter is a valuable training tool and will change the manner in which you approach your training . 
Get it if you’re serious about training and want to get faster and want to understand how to do it in the most efficient manner. 
 

[DieselnDust]

It is a great tool for structured training. It’s doesn’t replace the Heart Rate Monitor or monitoring your average speed up a specific climb or route as the objective of any trek g is to go faster.

in the hands of someone not knowing. What to do with it a lovely expensive random number generator. It’s most effective when used in conjunction with structured training. But the most important change you can make is a structured training plan

periodised and specific 

Edited June 15 by DieselnDust