How power output help us?
- Thread starter novetan
- Start date
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Kelvin_C-J
Active Member
It doesn't.
At least, not if you are looking at others' figures. Essentially it is like comparing a TV against another TV.
If you have a 30" TV and you look at the ratings for a 20" TV, and they are the same; the 30" TV is more efficient (as more surface area, yet same power output hence something is better).
Likewise, on a bike, it is only really useful when compared against your own data as only you know the entire situation.
You could have a power output of 180W - but if you have a heavy bike, and have a lot of drag - that is not going to get you up to very high speeds. Conversely, a power output of only 100W, on a lighter bike with a more aerodynamic style, will give you a comparatively greater speed.
It is only really useful when comparing the data individually.
A road racer could give out 150W averagely, which would (in theory) be very efficient and optimum. But if that is the best they can output, on a MTB, that will be a lot worse speed wise due to the associated losses.
If you know your figures, then it will be useful. For example, if you know you have an average output of 100W and want to reach 120W, then there is a lot you can do to try and improve.
Ultimately, though, you merely want your power output to be greater than your power 'input' as it were, otherwise, you would not move. Personally, I do not worry about it - but to some athletes etc. it is a very important thing.
After-all greater power output generally means greater speed attained.
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
Because it is a direct measure of your effort, therefore you can use it to ensure that you do not exceed your sustainable power level (obtained by testing yourself during training) for any substantial periods of time. The greatest benefits are probably in training however, by allowing you to perform intervals etc with immediate feedback, rather than relying on HR which exhibits a delayed response and also is prone to drift due to temperature and other factors.
briantrumpet
Legendary Member
- Location
- Devon & Die
Or, if you're Bradley Wiggins and have all the technical back-up in the team car, it can tell you whether to bother chasing down the riders ahead of you in the TdF. This wouldn't have worked so well in the mega-doping days as riders would be producing unnatural amounts of power, but knowing what clean riders can sustain over certain periods helped him to know whether they could sustain breaks or not. Apparently.
marzjennings
Legendary Member
- Location
- Houston, Texas, USA
Watts are a great measure of performance and improvement for those who like to train by numbers. When out riding/training you can ignore your average speed which can be influenced by wind direction and slope and focus on your power output, trying to do a bit better than last week. I've only borrowed friends bikes with power meters fitted, but I am seriously saving for my own set up, which is going to cost a bundle.
As mentioned through the real key is watts per kg of body weight and if a rider can produce an average wattage of 200w, but weighs 16stone, they're not going to be as quick as a rider weighing 11stone but who only averages about 180w.
If memory serves, the pro's knock out about 5w/kg.
As mentioned through the real key is watts per kg of body weight and if a rider can produce an average wattage of 200w, but weighs 16stone, they're not going to be as quick as a rider weighing 11stone but who only averages about 180w.
If memory serves, the pro's knock out about 5w/kg.
briantrumpet
Legendary Member
- Location
- Devon & Die
Although if it doesn't involve climbing (e.g. a flat time trial) the weight loses importance. Not that I use any of these gizmos - but they do seem to give a real focus to people who are properly serious about getting the most out of their training.
marzjennings
Legendary Member
- Location
- Houston, Texas, USA
True weight isn't that important on the flat, 'cept when you're accelerating. Being as most power meter systems cost more than a nice bike, then yes, you're going to have to be pretty serious about racing before buying one.
Davehateshills
Senior Member
- Location
- Bury, Lancashire
Watts are a great measure of performance and improvement for those who like to train by numbers. When out riding/training you can ignore your average speed which can be influenced by wind direction and slope and focus on your power output, trying to do a bit better than last week. I've only borrowed friends bikes with power meters fitted, but I am seriously saving for my own set up, which is going to cost a bundle.
As mentioned through the real key is watts per kg of body weight and if a rider can produce an average wattage of 200w, but weighs 16stone, they're not going to be as quick as a rider weighing 11stone but who only averages about 180w.
If memory serves, the pro's knock out about 5w/kg.
I have wondered about the power output that the Strava app gives. It tells me that I deliver about 225 watts on a regular basis however because I am 16.5st and ride a mountain bike (with slicks) I often feature at the bottom of all the sector times which doesn't really bother me however I am curious as to what a decent power output is in terms of watts.
black'n'yellow
Guest
Strava's power 'estimates' are usually highly inaccurate - even for estimates.
