Originally Posted by zacster

Really? If you are drafting to go fast, you are not getting the workout you think you are. All they'd have to do is move themselves so you're not in the draft and you're toast. Wind resistance will slow you down even with the same power.

And does it make a difference if you are riding 25mph behind some big, fast guy, at 200watts vs. riding by yourself at 20mph at 200watts? Nope. It won't matter at all. Watts are watts and joules are joules. It is satisfying to go fast but it isn't any better for training. Get yourself in a gear with your cadence goal too, whether mashing at 60, spinning easy at 90 or spinning out at 110+.

And if you can't push the watts, you aren't going to go up that mountain with the guys that can. And w/kg has everything to do with going uphill. It is the great equalizer, since greater weight takes more watts to go the same speed up the same hill.

This isn't magic or speculation. It is pure physics. Power is everything, whether you apply it during a group ride or solo or on the trainer. It would be much more satisfying to be with people of relatively equal power on a long ride. On fast laps around the park it is fun to be with the fast guys. It is even more fun to be the fast guys. And if you are on a group ride that splits up, be realistic and ride with people that are at your ability.

Buy a power meter and it'll change the way you ride. When you see you're falling short of your power goal while drafting, you'll get out on your own and push harder. And when you attack up that hill, you'll see how much power you just put out to get there. And maybe you'll see that riding with the fast group is just about where you want to be training. But maybe not. And if you find that group rides get you to a power level that solo riding doesn't, well you're not riding hard enough solo, and maybe the motivation of the group is worthwhile.