New Bike or Power Meter

godtabh

Was waiting ages for the Stages power meter. Gave up on it and was thinking of getting the Planet X 57.

The stages is in now wondering do what do I go for? I like the idea of training with numbers. Numbers appeal to me but at my level is it just a gimick?

As for the bike I am looking for a light summer bike and the Plant X ticks that box

Leroy42

As a recent user of power I think it all depends on how much you currently use data. If you are constantly looking over HR, Avg Speed, distance, k's per week/month, meters climbed etc then I think that a PM (whatever flavour) is probably something that you will use and bring something additional to your training. Is it worth the costs, well that is an entirely different question.

Whether you will be able to utilise the data you get from it to improve yourself as a cyclist is really down to how much you want to.

I have friends who are far better than I am who rarely even have a computer with them. They simply go out to enjoy themselves, push hard when they feel like it and take it easy when they want to. They are interested in the numbers in as much as they ask me about mine but not much else.

You then have people that train specifically to a set of numbers. Every cycle has a meaning and certain numbers must be aimed for.

I like all the numbers stuff, but I do think that it takes away from the more natural pleasures of the sport. Just going out for a cycle with a few mates, seeing the scenery etc.

In my view, a properly used PM will bring more advantages than a new bike (assuming that you already have a good bike) but in the end the best type of training is to ride so whichever is more likely to get you out on the bike more is the best option.

The motivation of a new bike is pretty strong and will most probably have you out more often than now. A PM, well its more a long term investment. I know though that when I got mine I did head out more as I wanted to see the numbers on those cycles I had done loads of times to be able to get an understanding of what the numbers meant. But I would have done the same with a new bike.

Used properly the PM will bring more rewards than a new bike. I would go with the bike first, the PM I think is a nice 'to have' thing and something I treated myself to but I could live without it.

godtabh

Great reply.


I currently use a PowerCal as an indicator of improvement. I use it with strava an can see the fitness level go up (off the bike for a week sick and you see it go down) and thats how I intend to use a power meter.


My current bike is a Canyon Roadlite AL. Good enough for me but I know there is better out there. I dont race but I do set myself goals (Evil 200, 3Cities Challenge) and train accordingly (lots of climbing now for the Evil 200). I suppose in the back of my mind I am wondering will I see the benefit of a power meter over the PowerCal? Accuracy yes but the final answer will be the same if the consistency is there with the powercal.

duffyshuffle

Leroy42 wrote: »

As a recent user of power I think it all depends on how much you currently use data. If you are constantly looking over HR, Avg Speed, distance, k's per week/month, meters climbed etc then I think that a PM (whatever flavour) is probably something that you will use and bring something additional to your training. Is it worth the costs, well that is an entirely different question.

Whether you will be able to utilise the data you get from it to improve yourself as a cyclist is really down to how much you want to.

I have friends who are far better than I am who rarely even have a computer with them. They simply go out to enjoy themselves, push hard when they feel like it and take it easy when they want to. They are interested in the numbers in as much as they ask me about mine but not much else.

You then have people that train specifically to a set of numbers. Every cycle has a meaning and certain numbers must be aimed for.

I like all the numbers stuff, but I do think that it takes away from the more natural pleasures of the sport. Just going out for a cycle with a few mates, seeing the scenery etc.

In my view, a properly used PM will bring more advantages than a new bike (assuming that you already have a good bike) but in the end the best type of training is to ride so whichever is more likely to get you out on the bike more is the best option.

The motivation of a new bike is pretty strong and will most probably have you out more often than now. A PM, well its more a long term investment. I know though that when I got mine I did head out more as I wanted to see the numbers on those cycles I had done loads of times to be able to get an understanding of what the numbers meant. But I would have done the same with a new bike.

Used properly the PM will bring more rewards than a new bike. I would go with the bike first, the PM I think is a nice 'to have' thing and something I treated myself to but I could live without it.

Well summed up! I got a power meter, its great to use and see data and see improvements, but I did get bored using it and it did make me feel like I wasn't enjoying cycling for cycling sake, which can happen when chasing numbers. I did also get a new bike, and I love getting out on it, whichever makes you cycle more!

Hmmzis

A power meter, as I seee it, is a training tool and as long as you have specific targets it is going to be a better investment. Then again, a new bike is very motivating and will have some immediate benefits to it (comfort, looks, bling etc.), never undersetimate the placebo effect and a new bike has that in spades .

Personaly I'd go for a power meter but I do race and I train for races and the training plan is structured and it requires to do stuff at certain intensities. It is also a huge benefit in time trials, knowing the power/effort in the first couple of minutes is of great value ragarding pace setting.

That said, for the Evil200 you don't need a PM, that is an endurance event and short intervals and sprinting won't be much use there. Same goes for other big endurance events. Training by heart rate there is going to be perfectly fine and since the PowerCal can already show fitnes trends for you then that's all you really need. So we're back again at the question of what do you want more and what's going to get you in the saddle more and what do you think you'll enjoy more.

godtabh

Hmmzis wrote: »

A power meter, as I seee it, is a training tool and as long as you have specific targets it is going to be a better investment. Then again, a new bike is very motivating and will have some immediate benefits to it (comfort, looks, bling etc.), never undersetimate the placebo effect and a new bike has that in spades .

Personaly I'd go for a power meter but I do race and I train for races and the training plan is structured and it requires to do stuff at certain intensities. It is also a huge benefit in time trials, knowing the power/effort in the first couple of minutes is of great value ragarding pace setting.

That said, for the Evil200 you don't need a PM, that is an endurance event and short intervals and sprinting won't be much use there. Same goes for other big endurance events. Training by heart rate there is going to be perfectly fine and since the PowerCal can already show fitnes trends for you then that's all you really need. So we're back again at the question of what do you want more and what's going to get you in the saddle more and what do you think you'll enjoy more.

That's a good point to make. I don't race. Most of my goals are endurance / distance based so I think a power meter maybe over kill. I think I am edging towards a new bike.

Mechanic365

If your not racing and you need to get out for endurance training alot is well worth having two bikes or atleast two/three sets of wheels. You probably have these already but just saying ive had issues like breaking gear cables before a race etc. or even woke up one day to find one of my tyres exploded. Bikes are very delicate and the more the merrier :P

Brian?

A new bike with a power meter.

pprendeville

Hmmzis wrote: »

A power meter, as I seee it, is a training tool and as long as you have specific targets it is going to be a better investment. Then again, a new bike is very motivating and will have some immediate benefits to it (comfort, looks, bling etc.), never undersetimate the placebo effect and a new bike has that in spades .

Personaly I'd go for a power meter but I do race and I train for races and the training plan is structured and it requires to do stuff at certain intensities. It is also a huge benefit in time trials, knowing the power/effort in the first couple of minutes is of great value ragarding pace setting.

That said, for the Evil200 you don't need a PM, that is an endurance event and short intervals and sprinting won't be much use there. Same goes for other big endurance events. Training by heart rate there is going to be perfectly fine and since the PowerCal can already show fitnes trends for you then that's all you really need. So we're back again at the question of what do you want more and what's going to get you in the saddle more and what do you think you'll enjoy more.

Not to derail but what types of PMs you guys using?