All of our Intermediate, Advanced and Discipline Specific Training Plans show power zones as well as heart rate to monitor intensity but should you be looking to invest in one?

So, do I need one?

The short answer is no, you don’t have to own a power meter to be a successful cyclist. However, if you are following one of our training plans, we strongly recommend, at the very least, that you .

However, there is no denying that training with power does deliver a number of significant advantages over training with heart rate and that power meters are revolutionising both cycling training and racing.

Advantages of using power over heart rate

The main advantages of training with power are:

Unaffected by external variables

Pre-event nerves, an argument before heading out or an encounter with an aggressive dog can all raise your heart rate. Over the course of a long ride, a phenomena known as cardiac drift causes your heart rate to drop relative to the effort you’re putting in. Power is unaffected by all of these sorts of factors and gives 100% accurate feedback on the output you are producing.

Instantaneous

There is always a delay with heart rate in responding to any change in intensity. This can present a problem for interval sessions. For example, if you are performing our 5-minute Ramped Interval session using heart rate, you will probably find that it takes the first minute or so to build into the correct zone or you will go off too hard in an attempt to get your heart rate up quickly and struggle to finish. With power, you can be sure you are hitting the right intensity from the first pedal stroke and, especially for high intensity work, this can be invaluable.

Analysis and planning

By using analysis software such as TrainingPeaks, power data can give you incredible insights into your training and even allow you to accurately plan tapers and peaks for key events. You will also get accurate data on the calories you burn which can be invaluable if you are trying to control your weight.

Pacing

For sportives, time trials, making a break in a race or interval training, a power meter makes accurate pacing extremely easy. If you always tend to overcook things at the beginning of long rides or on climbs, a power meter could be just what you need to rein yourself in.

Should I ditch my heart rate monitor?

No, Power meters do not tell you how hard your body is working, only the power you are generating. If on a particular day, your power numbers are down, you need to know why.

I’m tempted, how can I find out more?

There are further articles on the Insight Zone explaining more about training with power and giving advice on buying a power meter.

Anything else I need to know?

A power meter will deliver a bewildering amount of data on every ride you do. So, along with the financial investment you will be making, you also need to be willing to invest some time into learning to use it properly. To get the most out of your power meter and to fully understand and interpret this data, using analytical software is essential.

TrainingPeaks provides an excellent platform for training with power and British Cycling Members receive up to a 40% discount on monthly subscriptions. There are also a number of books available, including The Power Meter Handbook by Joe Friel, which provides valuable references for power meter users.

It is also well worth considering employing the services of a British Cycling Level 3 Coach to help you get the most out of your power meter.