{"id":4449,"date":"2023-03-07T11:55:59","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T10:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=4449"},"modified":"2023-03-14T11:57:50","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T10:57:50","slug":"how-to-train-with-a-power-meter-understanding-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2023\/03\/07\/how-to-train-with-a-power-meter-understanding-the-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Train with a Power Meter \u2013 Understanding the Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Training with a power meter has revolutionized the way cyclists train and measure their progress. By providing precise and objective data, power meters have enabled riders to train more effectively and efficiently than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore the key terminology that every cyclist should know when learning to train with a power meter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What is a power meter in cycling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with the basics. Cycling power meters are devices typically attached to the bike’s pedals, crank spiders, crank arms or rear hub. They use strain gauges to measure the torque being applied to the bike’s drivetrain, which reveals how much work the cyclist is doing in real time. The power data is then transmitted to a bike computer, which displays the power output and stores the data for later analysis.<\/p>\n

Power output is expressed in watts and it\u2019s made up of torque and cadence. Power meters also reveal the mechanical work a cyclist produces, which is expressed in kilojoules or kilocalories. As you can imagine, having precise data about how much power you generate on the bike and how many calories you burn<\/a> is invaluable for planning your training, racing, and even diet. But before we get deeper into these topics, let\u2019s go over the terminology.<\/p>\n

Power meter training terminology<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Understanding the basic terminology used by other cyclists and coaches will help you make sense of the numbers your power meter provides. Here are the most commonly used phrases and terms.<\/p>\n