What does "Power Meters" mean?
Table of Contents
Power meters are devices used by cyclists to measure the amount of power they produce while pedaling. They help riders understand how hard they are working and improve their training.
How They Work
Most power meters measure how fast the pedals are turning, known as Average Angular Velocity (AAV). Some advanced models measure the speed of the pedals at any given moment, called Instantaneous Angular Velocity (IAV).
Left-Right Balance
One important feature of power meters is their ability to show the balance of power between the left and right pedals. This means they can tell if one side is producing more power than the other. Knowing this can help cyclists adjust their technique for better performance.
Accuracy Issues
The method used to measure power can affect the accuracy of the balance reading. Devices that rely on AAV may not give correct balance figures if there are differences in power between the left and right pedals during a stroke. Simulations have shown that these devices may have errors of up to 10% in certain situations.
Conclusion
Power meters are useful tools for cyclists, offering insights into performance and helping improve training. However, users should be aware of the potential inaccuracies depending on the measurement method used.