How to improve your cycling skills with a power sensor?
Whether in mountain biking, road biking or triathlon, analyzing power is the key to progress. This information is important for cyclists who are able to interpret it to achieve their goal. Thanks to a power sensor , the athlete can precisely control the intensity of their individual sessions and adjust their training for greater performance. Although it was initially reserved for professional riders, this cutting-edge equipment is now available to beginners and cycling enthusiasts.
How to progress with a power sensor?
How to choose and use it to optimize your training and improve your running?
Our experts will answer you.
What is power on a bike?
It was in 1986 that the first mechanical power measurement system adaptable to a bicycle appeared: the SRM crankset. From 1995-2000, specialized laboratories and professional riders adopted the power sensor. Since then, the models have continued to improve and have conquered the market for democratized use. More precisely, the power on a bicycle is expressed in watts. It corresponds to the effort required by the cyclist to fight against certain forces during his ride: air resistance, mechanical friction and gravity. When we talk about power , we must also take into account physiological factors such as the physical condition of the athlete (weight, muscle mass, cardiac system, quality of his training, etc.), his ability to manage the effort, but also his mobility and coordination in space. Unlike heart rate, power is not altered by external elements such as weather, temperature, type of terrain or stress.
How does a power sensor work?
This smart device measures the moment (torque) applied by the cyclist and the angular velocity (RPM) of the latter. The power sensor technology is based on the measurement of deformations or extensometry. In other words, the power is measured precisely using a strain gauge, often made of aluminum. This is slightly deformed by the support of the legs during pedaling . The gauge is attached to the accelerometer which allows it to determine the number of pedal revolutions made . The data is recorded in an electronic card which transmits it to a bike computer placed on the handlebars or on your mobile phone via the ANT+ and/or Bluetooth protocol. The majority of power sensors are compatible with bike GPS.
Why use power in training?
During training, you can measure your level of effort through sensation, heart rate and power. The first two factors are subjective and random: they can vary from one day to the next with the same energy. However, watts never lie! It is a reliable and above all invariable measurement. Thus, measuring your power during training has many advantages: knowing yourself better in the effort and becoming an expert in your practice; managing your progress; assessing your state of fatigue; doing intense and short intervals (difficult to measure with a heart rate sensor); reaching peak form at the desired time; adopting an effort management strategy. Integrating power over the total duration of your training or over time intervals allows you to measure the work done regardless of the type of course, wind strength or shelter within the peloton.
Which power sensor to choose?
There are many models of power sensors on the market. These are distinguished by their location on the bike (pedal, bottom bracket, hub, crank), the type of battery, their level of autonomy or even the way in which the calculation algorithm is managed. In addition, the number of gauges varies according to the models. The sensors with the most advanced features measure power , but also torque , speed or pedaling cadence . Among the reference brands, we find Favero, Garmin and Wahoo which offer very high-performance power sensors. Choosing high-end trusted brands guarantees you safe and precise use of your tool. This reliability allows you to best adjust your training, increase your pedaling frequency and progress optimally.
Progress on a bike with a power sensor: track your progress and compare your sessions
One of the main purposes of the power meter is to help you improve. In training and in competition, you can analyze your performance for constant improvement.
Betting on different paths
In order to train as best you can with a power meter, it is necessary to set up some preliminary work. The principle is simple: you must find varied routes or sections of road, also called “spots” that will serve as references. From the data collected on these spots, you will be able to better understand yourself in the effort, evaluate yourself and prepare an adapted training strategy.
Measuring power based on duration and weight
- Power versus duration
- Power to weight ratio