Riding with Powermeters

[Ben]

Anyone have any tips to ride with a powermeter. I want to improve my riding up hills and lose weight as well.

[xrayspecs]

1. don't buy a power meter.
2. losing weight is 80 % diet 20% exercise
3. lose weight to ride up hill faster
4. don't buy a power meter
 

[craig m]

I guess it depends on what your goals are?
'I want to improve my riding up hills and lose weight as well'
those two go hand in hand (I struggle at both!) As Xrayspecs said above -losing weight hasn't got anything to do with a power meter, and if your goals are to maintain your current FTP/Power but to lose weight so you can climb more efficiently, i would agree- why buy a power meter?
However, if you are looking to increase your FTP through a structured and targeted training plan....I dont think I could manage without a power meter! But thats a whole different post, and you are probably better chatting to AndyH about a good training plan and how to effectively use a power meter.

[Ben]

I already have the powermeter. It was a good deal on the Powertap wheels and I was looking for new wheels anyway. I'll speak to Andy and see if he can help :-) I know diet is a big thing. If I can lose 2 stone and still keep my power up I'll be ecstatic. And a small dot down the end of the road 

[Jason T]

Will you be at the AGM as I can bring along a book that you can have (if I can find it)?
https://tinyurl.com/ybms4428

I would suggest just getting out there to do an outdoor 20 min FTP test, at least this will give you your first numbers.

A Fitbit Charge 2 would also be a good tool, linking your Fitbit account to Strava and cronometer would allow you to monitor your calories in vs calories out... keep an eye on the Carbs, Fat and Protein and just start touching on a calories deficit will start to allow the weight loss.

Once you've got your FTP just go out and ride, get used to the data that's being displayed for a few weeks and then look at building on some smaller intervals (40/20s etc) and go from there.

If you get that going over the next 2/3 months then that should start you down the right track for training to power for the start of spring.

[Andy H]

Probably don’t need me to tell you that riding with a power meter won’t make you a stronger rider but the training with the information that it provides, will.
Happy to have a chat and help anyway I can.
To start with I’d just get some rides done without paying any attention to the figures, just look at them afterwards. Then as Jason suggests do a FTP test, either outdoors (even effort climbing the Bwlch) or on the turbo. This will then give you zones to work with when doing training sessions.
I’ll be out Sunday, so can have a quick chat then

[Dave W]

Eat less ride more , simples!
Worked for me

[Ben]

Thanks guys. Yes Jason. I'm going to try and be at the AGM. I might have to ride there and back though. But all miles

Andy I'll be out Sunday so yes will speak to you then

[Nick Langley]

Ben, you've spent a lot of money on your power meter so use it at your leisure. I bought one last year and love it (even if it does read a bit high according to Harpo) Ride with it for a week or two and get an idea of what numbers you're looking at and have a bit of fun with it. Then try an FTP test...done correctly it is absolutely brutal. Once you've got this you've got a good benchmark of where you're at and if done regularly you can see the improvements or not as the case may be. You can base your training zones on this figure which you can then use to improve the areas your lacking. For example if you're looking to lose weight, technically longer rides in Zones 1 & 2 may help and lower cadence in higher zones will improve your climbing (completely separate thread required for this tho). I mainly use mine to judge longer climbs outdoors, training sessions on the turbo or rollers (really good for this) and looking back at data afterwards. I'm still a complete novice when it comes to power meters compared to Jason, Craig and Andy but I can certainly give you a "My first year with a power meter" advice if you so wish. Enjoy it