A power meter is an instrument placed on a bike that quantifies the power a cyclist generates in watts. It provides immediate feedback on the effort being performed, altering the way individuals train and race.
Power meters are installed on pedals, crank arms, or the hubs of the back wheel. They capture torque and cadence to determine the precise wattage. Endurance riders and triathletes use the power data to organize workouts, establish zones for training, and monitor their rate. It’s a more accurate indicator than monitoring heart rate or how hard they think they’re working. By monitoring data such as normalized power and intensity factor, cyclists and coaches are able to monitor fitness improvement, manage fatigue levels, and develop better race strategies. Power meter data is becoming standard in elite cycling programs.
