Power Meters

[CoffeeNut]

Like the Polar 600.

Is this type of device a great help with training ?

I'm using a CS200 Cadence at the moment.....

[europa]

You've got the CS200, stick with that. Power meters offer a different way to measure your effort and there are arguments for them. If you were trying to decide which one to buy, a computer or a power meter, there might be some point in arguing it out. But seeing you already have the CS200, hook up the cadence and HRM and use that - you don't need the power meter as well. Actually, you don't 'need' anything but what you have is a very useful tool.

Richard

[toolonglegs]

Personally I would love a power meter as I am a numbers man...numbers motivate me even thou I sucked at maths .But it is a big expense and unless I was winning A grade or close to it for my age can't really or even closely justify it.My personal way of measuring myself is to have various timetrial courses on my training routes.Like hill climb times or lap times...then keeping a good training diary lets you know how you are improving or not.

[CoffeeNut]

thanks guys
I'm finding the C200 a fantastic tool indeed. After a bit of reading about training techniques to go from Sustained PowerX to Sustained Power Y, etc etc a lot of it seems to hinge on knowing the numbers pretty closely - also I like the idea be being able to see/measure some real data in real time. Even a personal 5, 10 or 30 minute urban time trial has a lot of variables...

[sogood]

A good power meter can leave a HRM dead in terms of cycling training when used properly. As Toolonglegs pointed out, the issue is whether your cycling justifies the expenses of a PM. Also, to properly apply and interpret and plan for a power based training scheme is no trivial task. Unless you've got someone who can guide you (coach, forum members), you may not be able to get all the value out of it.

Opinion on the Polar system is rather varied. Some question the accuracy while other dislike all the extra cabling and setup of the system. But guess that's what you get for the $ savings. I am not sure at what level of cycling ability you are, but the general feeling is that PM is justified if you are really trying to optimise your peak and is rigorous with your training. Alternatively, you can just read up on power and interval training fundamentals and apply the basic principles without the hardwares. Personally, it's either PM or regular cycling computer. HRM is not even on my shopping list.