Just got a power meter and I'm completely overwhelmed with data
I picked up a new bike (yay new bike day!) and had the LBS put a Quarq power meter on it so that I can work on really trying to dial in my training.
I'm looking up how to actually use a power meter for training and I am drowning in a sea of (mis?)information. This is a case of information overload right now. I did my google work and holy crap is there a lot of stuff out there on the subject. Is there a "generally agreed upon" source for power meter training for newbs like me? Just something to get me started so that I can structure a basic plan? |
Measure FTP using one of the many methods people like to argue about. I like friel's method of a 30 min time trial. Then define your goals, and not in terms of numbers but in terms of what you want to accomplish on the bike and what types of fitness are required.
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Have you ever structured a basic plan before?
If so, then use that. A powermeter doesn't change the plan or the general scope of training. It just (potentially) makes the training more exact. In any case, I wouldn't worry about anything with the powermeter for the time being. Just go out and ride, do some efforts, look at the data post ride, then go again. After a few weeks you'll have some data, a better handle on what that data actually means and relates to, and possibly how to use that data to plan for future workouts/goals. |
Originally Posted by sgtrobo
(Post 19925775)
Is there a "generally agreed upon" source for power meter training for newbs like me? Just something to get me started so that I can structure a basic plan?
https://www.amazon.com/Training-Raci...meter+training |
That's ^ the book to read.
That said, while you're waiting for it to arrive, just go out and ride as normal. Look down occasionally to see the number. You just got a new toy, you want to play with it. Check out the average power and normalized power at the end of your ride. Right now, you want to get a sense of what different power levels feel like. The rest will fall into place in time. |
Originally Posted by rubiksoval
(Post 19926401)
Have you ever structured a basic plan before?
If so, then use that. A powermeter doesn't change the plan or the general scope of training. It just (potentially) makes the training more exact. In any case, I wouldn't worry about anything with the powermeter for the time being. Just go out and ride, do some efforts, look at the data post ride, then go again. After a few weeks you'll have some data, a better handle on what that data actually means and relates to, and possibly how to use that data to plan for future workouts/goals. |
No helpful info, just a "you lucky dog :lol: and ENJOY"
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I have some significant power differences between left and right legs that are contributing to some ongoing muscle/tendon issues that are being addressed by physical therapy and some strength and flexibility training. As part of addressing these ongoing issues I did a bike fitting that included a torque analysis that confirmed the power differences identified in physical therapy. The fitter recommended using a left+right power meter to get some ongoing feedback about progress with improving the balance in power output. I'm thinking of using the new Vector 3, but not too enthused about switching from my Speedplay pedals. But, I see this as a worthwhile investment?
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Originally Posted by metalheart44
(Post 19931014)
I have some significant power differences between left and right legs that are contributing to some ongoing muscle/tendon issues that are being addressed by physical therapy and some strength and flexibility training. As part of addressing these ongoing issues I did a bike fitting that included a torque analysis that confirmed the power differences identified in physical therapy. The fitter recommended using a left+right power meter to get some ongoing feedback about progress with improving the balance in power output. I'm thinking of using the new Vector 3, but not too enthused about switching from my Speedplay pedals. But, I see this as a worthwhile investment?
A power meter is useful for monitoring performance but I don't think it's necessary as part of physiotherapy. |
Originally Posted by gregf83
(Post 19931060)
Power imbalance alone is not a problem that needs addressing or monitoring. Imbalance that causes pain or discomfort should be dealt with by a good physio as you're doing. The goal should be to remove any pain not make your power even. Balanced power is seldom, if ever, a limiter to performance.
A power meter is useful for monitoring performance but I don't think it's necessary as part of physiotherapy. |
Originally Posted by metalheart44
(Post 19931734)
There are different ways to look at this issue and yours is one perspective. My surgeon (a cyclist), the bike fitter, and the PT all agree with the idea of a power meter for my particular issues.
There are plenty of riders who think that balanced power is a reasonable goal in and of itself. There's just no evidence that it's a useful or will improve your performance. |
Originally Posted by metalheart44
(Post 19931014)
I have some significant power differences between left and right legs that are contributing to some ongoing muscle/tendon issues that are being addressed by physical therapy and some strength and flexibility training. As part of addressing these ongoing issues I did a bike fitting that included a torque analysis that confirmed the power differences identified in physical therapy. The fitter recommended using a left+right power meter to get some ongoing feedback about progress with improving the balance in power output. I'm thinking of using the new Vector 3, but not too enthused about switching from my Speedplay pedals. But, I see this as a worthwhile investment?
If you really like your Speedplays and want to stick with them, Pioneer makes crank-based power-meters that provide true L/R power info. The strain guages attach to the crank arm, unlike some other brands that use crank-spider measurement to estimate L/R power. Shimano's also got a crank-based power-meter coming out in the next month or two that will do true L/R power. |
Originally Posted by metalheart44
(Post 19931014)
But, I see this as a worthwhile investment?
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I've noticed @BloomBikeShop consistently gives out excellent advice.
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Originally Posted by BloomBikeShop
(Post 19935000)
Considering the potential cost of physical therapy and other medical expenses, the cost of a left/right capable power meter probably doesn't seem like all that much. If your doctor and therapist and fitter think the data will help you and/or them with diagnosis and treatment, it definitely sounds worthwhile.
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Originally Posted by metalheart44
(Post 19931014)
I have some significant power differences between left and right legs that are contributing to some ongoing muscle/tendon issues that are being addressed by physical therapy and some strength and flexibility training. As part of addressing these ongoing issues I did a bike fitting that included a torque analysis that confirmed the power differences identified in physical therapy. The fitter recommended using a left+right power meter to get some ongoing feedback about progress with improving the balance in power output. I'm thinking of using the new Vector 3, but not too enthused about switching from my Speedplay pedals. But, I see this as a worthwhile investment?
I wasn't thrilled about switching from SPD to Keo cleats to use Vectors, but I did. (I have V2.) I even had to buy new shoes. :mad: Overall it was a very worthwhile move. I like my wheels including hubs, and my crankset, and I want 100 % coverage, so that leaves pedals for me. Having power data was worth the switch for me. You asked about an investment; sometimes it's nice to look at the icing on the cake. You also get a fantastic training tool, probably the best pacing tool available, and knowledge of how many calories you're burning. |
Originally Posted by sgtrobo
(Post 19925775)
...Just something to get me started so that I can structure a basic plan?
It's a lot like a weight-lifting routine where you add just a little more weight than you've successfully done in the past. And to make it more fun, and add a competitive element to it, I also found Strava segments that were about the same duration length as the power interval I was trying to improve on that ride. So I could improve my power, as well as climb the segment leaderboard, if you happen care about that. |
Originally Posted by Riveting
(Post 19954898)
And to make it more fun, and add a competitive element to it, I also found Strava segments that were about the same duration length as the power interval I was trying to improve on that ride. So I could improve my power, as well as climb the segment leaderboard, if you happen care about that. Ha! I do that as well. Might as well try to take a KOM if you're going to make the effort anyway. |
Originally Posted by rubiksoval
(Post 19957201)
Ha! I do that as well. Might as well try to take a KOM if you're going to make the effort anyway.
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Originally Posted by Riveting
(Post 19954898)
I then did rides where I would increase that base power 5-10% for the interval duration I was trying to improve.
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Originally Posted by RChung
(Post 19957933)
5-10% ? Yikes.
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Originally Posted by Riveting
(Post 19959108)
5-10% of 200 watts is only 10-20 more watts, and hardly worthy of a "Yikes", especially at the start of using a power meter when dramatic gains will be seen. And that 5-10% will only be added once you achieve the prior power goal.
I'm having a hard time believing you're very experienced with power. 20 watts increase on a base of 200 watts as a goal for a ride is nuts. I see a 5-10% change in my MMP over an entire season. You're advising new users to set a 5-10% goal for a ride? Yikes. |
Originally Posted by RChung
(Post 19959235)
You're advising new users to set a 5-10% goal for a ride?
If someone finds that they can ride at 200 watts for 10 minutes, it really isn't that much of a stretch to attempt 210-220 watts for that same duration. And clearly someone who's been riding a long time and has plateaued, such as yourself, can make smaller wattage increases, or make any change to my recommended plan as they see fit, or totally disregard my plan. |
Originally Posted by Riveting
(Post 19959382)
If someone finds that they can ride at 200 watts for 10 minutes, it really isn't that much of a stretch to attempt 210-220 watts for that same duration.
I very much agree that new users should keep things simple. I also think that new users should be realistic in their goals. Overly complicated training plans aren't likely to be followed, and overly ambitious goals aren't likely to be attained. Either can result in a discouraged rider. |
Originally Posted by BloomBikeShop
(Post 19927162)
Yes. This book: Training and Racing with a Power Meter, 2nd Ed.
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