Technological gadgets such as cell phones and personal computers have become commonplace in the daily life of most Americans. The same holds true for those who enjoy the sport of cycling. Heart rate monitors and power meters are readily available to cyclists, but before you rush out and train with either, you should consider the disadvantages and benefits of each.
Power
Power is a measurement of the amount of mechanical work that you perform expressed in watts. Power meters measure this continuously and provide you with instant feedback. Different companies have developed different ways of measuring power, including bottom bracket torque, rear-wheel hub torque and chain tension.
Benefits of Power
According to Hunter Allen in "Training with Power," power provides a "second by second diary." It is a quantitative measure that tracks every moment of your workout. You may use this information to improve posture and aerodynamics. Power meters can reveal weaknesses, such as struggles with hills or sprints.
Disadvantages of Power
Power meters are expensive. Power data is also complicated and can be difficult to interpret. Take a moment to learn what the data is telling you. A coach may be helpful in this step.
Heart Rate
Heart rate is a measurement of the rate at which your heart contracts expressed in number of beats per minute. A strap worn across the chest will provide you with this information.
Benefits of Heart Rate
Heart rate has a direct correlation with lactate threshold. Wearing a heart rate monitor is a non-invasive way to monitor this factor. For longer distances, heart rate is often used to determine optimal intensity.
Disadvantages of Heart Rate
Heart rate does not provide instant feedback. During shorter intervals, it is often worthless to use heart rate as an indication of work, as it takes too long for the heart rate to catch up. Conditions such as stress and amount of sleep can affect your heart rate. Heart rate can also vary depending on external factors such as medication, time of day and outside temperature.
References
- "The Triathlete's Training Bible"; Joe Friel; 2009
- "Training and Racing with a Power Meter"; Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan; 2006
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