Power is a very important facet of cycling, whether it be absolute (on the flats) or relative (in the hills).  Knowing one’s power (watts) on the bike is as valuable to cycling as distance per stroke is in swimming and average pace per Km/Mile is in running.

When coaching athletes as well as myself, I gradually try to increase the watts/power output being produced, while monitoring HR and RPMs throughout the winter (off-season). These values “power numbers” give the athlete and coach concrete numbers to predict average speeds out on the road. I have had the pleasure to have access to computrainer, which not only measures watts, rpms, and HR, but also has graphs to measure pedal efficiency. The measures are in %’s, which change while the athlete is riding (changing their technique) to offer instant feedback to the cyclist. ie. Change to reflect the pulling back action of the leg. Many athletes (even professionals) are surprised when they first get onto a computrainer and can plainly see that their pedal stroke is not as efficient as they thought.  Computrainer measures wattage at four points (top/ front/ bottom/ back) to ensure one is pedaling in a circular motion, which would mean equal force in the four aformentioned areas. 

Now, the ability to measure these same rates of force outside is an even greater advantage to the cyclist, as he can now compare his/her indoor watts to outside in the elements. As well, for racing it can be similar in importance to a HR monitor for pacing. One just has to maintain the wattage that they have been doing all year in training and the body will not be in for any surprises come race day. Timex (and its multisport athletes) are very fortunate this year to have secured a deal with Power Tap which will certainly benefit all parties.  Another added benefit to knowing your wattage produced is that it is a standardized number that can be compared to anyone and any place. For example; Lance can apparently “push” up to 500w of resistance for over an hour (I cetainly am not going to argue with this), but it is something that an athlete can imagine or try once you have a power meter to measure your wattage.

Being that cycling is my strong discipline of triathlon I like to measure myself with professional cyclists, even if I cannot come close, I relish the challenge.  I have not been able to measure my wattage outside on the road (never had a Power Tap or SRAM), so now I will be able to see what I can average for my long rides.

p.s. Many of the pro male triathletes average between 260 and 290w for a long distance triathlon, now it is our turn to see what we can do.  I cannot wait.

Happy Riding,

Cheers, Dave Harju

www.daveharjucoaching.com