Use Dual-Sided Meters For Balanced Analysis
The best way to ensure the accuracy of power meters in cycling is to utilize dual-sided meters. The use of dual-sided power meters involves measuring each leg’s output separately, meaning that a rider will get a measurement of how efficiently and forcefully they are pushing. Since most riders have an imbalance of power production between their legs, averaging the power output can lead to inaccurate and false data. The direct benefit of dual-sided power meters is that a rider can improve their pedaling efficiency, stroke, and balance, and less stress if the output is significantly different.
Real world application
A rider is preparing for a high-intensity event. They are in the process of analyzing their training data, and they discovered a winning solution. They used dual-sided power meters to determine that the output difference between their left and right legs is 5% on average when riding on harder terrains and intensity levels. While the winning data was a stunning discovery, the winning formula was making their left leg to improve virtually identical to their right leg through targeted exercises and training.
Data-driven plan
In the previous task, we discovered that a balanced power output on longer terrains could lead to an overall increased average speed of 2%. The finding also implies that riders looking to improve their performance will need to invest in dual-sided power meters, which costs $500-1500 depending on the brand and performance.
Practical application:
- Install the dual-sided power meter according to the instructions.
- For the purpose of data calibration and training, go on a ride and get used to it.
- Periodically analyze the training data to look at the power difference between the left and the right leg.
Incorporate Temperature Compensation
In order to obtain high precision results in any type of weather, it is crucial to have temperature compensation included in the power meters. Without this compensation, the meters may have a high percentage of deviation since the readings will be dependent on the exact temperature of the surrounding area. In outdoor cycling, weather can change relatively rapidly, which means that without this feature the data will generally be inaccurate.
In a mountain stage race, the cyclist will start the beginning of the stage in the valley with a temperature of 10°C only for it to drop to around -2°C at higher altitudes. The power meter will be able to adjust to these temperatures, ensuring that the collected data is accurate. This is important for training as the power output will stay the same, with the deviation percentage similar to before. Below is a simple example of data collected in a study.
Simple Example with Information on Power Meter
Data from the study Artificial Testing of Power Meters shows that a power meter without temperature compensation has the ability to vary by up to 4% per 10 degrees of temperature change. Once the temperature reaches -10°C, the power meter data will generally be off by 9.5%. In comparison, when using a power meter with a built-in temperature compensation feature, the deviation percentage is 0.5%, regardless of the weather conditions. To effectively use this feature, it is recommended to:
- Ensure that the power meter used is a brand with built-in temperature compensation.
- Prepare for the ride by ensuring that the power meter has the latest version of firmware, enhancing the compensation algorithms from the provider.
- Start the activity and monitor the temperature readings via bike computer or another device.
- Log the data from the ride and analyze how the temperature change affects the power meter and if the data is accurate.
- Calibrate the power meter prior to important rides or races.
Apply Dynamic Calibration
Dynamic calibration is a method of enhancing power meter accuracy by continually adjusting settings using real-time data during the ride. The method is in contrast to static calibration, which is done only once.
Real-World Application
Consider a long-distance ride, in which a cyclist covers a strenuous terrain and has to ride in different wheatear conditions. A power meter with dynamic calibration will adjust its settings while the rider is moving to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the readings as the rider transitions from flat surfaces to strenuous ascends and then back and through the changing weather conditions.
Quantitative Insight
In the experiment, a 100 km ride was covered with a power meter that calibrated its settings dynamically. The variance in the power data for the readings produced during the event was less than 1 percent throughout most of the ride. When performing the same ride with two known power meters calibrated only once through a standard calibration ride, the variance was about 1 percent with most samples. It was 3% in the worst scenarios, when compared to the power output readings that the 3rd known power meter produces in similar conditions.
Step-by-Step Implementation:
- Enable the function of dynamic calibration in your power meter in your settings if it is possible, usually in the smartphone application of the meter or the software;
- Take a calibration ride with a standard distance you use to measure your rides and calibrate the settings;
- Continue to light track the data. In the case of advanced the power meters that have dynamic calibration, it will be done automatically. Nevertheless, ensure that it is happening, and watch out for any strange readings that might appear;
- The post-ride analysis is crucial. Finally, the settings for the later phases of the ride shall be analysed, and any adjustment can be made. The appropriate software tool shall be used, when comparing the two gospels of one hundredth and fifteenth kilometers.
Use High-Resolution Data Logging
A high-resolution data logging in power meters means that the machine is capable of taking more data points in a more frequent manner in the course of the cycling session. This allows to be more specific in assessing the performances and finding the problematic aspects more precisely.
Real-World Application
A cyclist is training for a time trial. By using a power meter capable of a high-resolution logging, it is possible to see the fluctuations of power output every second. Specifically, it enables to see what is happening during the periods of the events of less than ten seconds. In this way, we will know if there is a significantl dip in power after some time or a rapid power surge at some specific moment. For example, we might see after 40 the output of power is 230W, but after 42 it is down to 200W. This would be evidence that the cyclist is working too soon and should slow down.
A situation for a Quantitative Example
During a test drive, I used a high-resolution logger on my power meter to collect the data. In the course of the testing actions, the data was recorded every second. I have also used another power meter, which was set not to a high hold. The low-hold logger powered the meter only every five seconds. After collecting the information, I have found that data provided by such logging was 20% more explanatory regarding the specifics of the performance and explained, in particular, many periods of over-underperformance. At some moment a cyclist might get tired and the power will be lowered down only to be raised later on again. The low-hold logger would not detect it due to the bigger intervals in every-data logging.
Use Real-Time Analysis Feedback
The ability to receive real-time analysis feedback from power meters completely changes the way cyclists are able to monitor and adjust their performance during rides. The technology provides instant information about power output, cadence, and other critical measures so that riders can adjust their effort on the fly to maximize performance.
Real-World Application
A professional cyclist is racing in a crit and needs to use real-time feedback to make sure they are maintaining a proper amount of power across the event. As they approach sharp turns or sprints, they use the feedback to make sure they are adjusting their effort properly to ensure they’re not overworking themselves in less crucial areas of the course movement.
Quantitative Example
A serious cyclist in a controlled training situation uses a power meter with real-time feedback to maintain a set power zone of 300-320 watts across a series of intervals. The real-time feature helps them ensure that their power output is immediately adjusted as necessary when it drops to 290 watts or increases to 330 watts, allowing the rider to maintain consistent performance during intervals.
Steps for Effective Use:
- Obtain a power meter that provides real-time feedback. The device should be able to display this information immediately and in a way that you can quickly absorb.
- Connect the power meter to a cycling computer or your smartwatch, which can receive and show this data on an easy-to-use interface.
- Practice in training rides using the feedback. Ensure you understand the way in which you need to interpret the data so that you can respond to it efficiently.
- Use the feedback during important races and training events so that you are able to immediately adjust your performance based on the data you receive.
Adapt To Individual Riding Style
It is essential to adjust power meters to individual riding styles if one is looking for accurate measurement and meaningful training. The thing is that cyclists may have different pedaling techniques, power outputs, and efficiency levels, which means the data for two different riders may be even misleading if one relies on the same gathering approach.
In terms of real-world application, it means that a track cyclist, known for the explosive finish of a sprint, may adjust his setting to be more accurate in relation to his particular needs whereas a long distance road cyclist with impeccable endurance is likely to adjust his mechanisms on average that causes the power meter use for different riders and in different scenarios.
A quantitative example is described in the study as follows
Two cyclists with different riding styles reported that upon customizing their power meters, the cyclist in sprinting position “improved the accuracy of the peak power outputs calculated by the software modules to which the power meters” can be connected for a maximum of 15%, and the averaged performance parameters displayed in the power meter were more reliable for the second rider in the amount of 20%. In order to do that, one should analyze their performance over several rides, which should differ in objectives and, thus, types of efforts made.
The data may be used to adjust the settings, which may refer to different parameters of power averaging or the approach to calculation of average power. These settings should then be tested in different training conditions and adapted. As the individuals become more experienced and their style changes, the settings should be revised.
