| Power training for cyclists is now the most popular | | | | whereas your heart rate can take time to respond to |
| form of monitoring and structuring training sessions | | | | a change in ride intensity. This means that if performing |
| amongst professional cyclists. It is now relied on and | | | | short duration intervals you will be able to gain much |
| viewed as more accurate than the old favorite, heart | | | | more accuracy with a power meter. |
| rate monitoring. You will rarely find a professional in the | | | | The main reason to opt for power as your cycling |
| pelaton that does not use power meters as a key | | | | measurement of choice is mainly psychological. It is |
| part of their fitness monitoring. | | | | much more satisfying to know what your average |
| Why get a power meter? | | | | power output is rather than knowing your average |
| Unlike heart rate, power output is a direct and instant | | | | speed and having to compensate that figure by looking |
| measurement of performance. The heart rate of a | | | | at your average heart rate and the conditions and |
| cyclist is not always the same when riding an identical | | | | terrain of your ride. In short using a power meter |
| ride in identical conditions. The reason is that heart | | | | makes monitoring your cycling progress and planning |
| rates measure your body's response to riding at a | | | | training rides much more simple as you need only |
| certain intensity whereas a power meter measures | | | | concentrate on one set of numbers rather than |
| the actual power generated as you turn the pedals. | | | | evaluating several in order to find the overall picture. |
| In addition the readout on a power meter is real time | | | | |