Originally Posted by
WhyFi
No, not it's not.
not the only way of course but how else would you know you are improving without any concrete data when you are riding on your own? Just seems like the best data tool out there.
Originally Posted by
rubiksoval
Tens of thousands of people went way faster than 24 mph before power meters were invented. Thousands more still do so without a powermeter.
Even the most expensive power meter in the world isn't going to help you go from 12 mph to 24, though.
I don't think many average 24mph over a considerable distance because we know tour riders can ride at 25-29 on flats but they are in a group taking turns pulling the group. I just want to do around 24mph on flats for 20 miles solo on a standard road bike. 19mph is already 200 watts which is what I can maintain on flats solo on my road bike. Just to get to 23-24mph you need to jump another 100 watts. Most are not comfortable staying in the 300-400 watt range. How would I get comfortable at 300 watts if I don't know when I'm doing 300 watts without a power meter?