Power meters are by no means perfect devices. A robust design with simple functionality has yet to be created in my opinion (although they are getting better); and they are expensive to boot. A power meter requires a level of technical and analytical aptitude that not every athlete will possess. However, if used to correctly, a power meter is a powerful tool that can increase training accuracy and facilitate a much higher level of post race or work out analysis. Utilizing a power meter within a multisport pacing strategy can give a tactical edge as well.

Introducing an athlete to the process of training with power can be arduous. The devices themselves require a learning curve to set up, calibrate, and utilize. Once that is out of the way, then the real fun starts: uploading the data to the variety of software available and determining what utility it has.

It never fails. The first thing a person does when they buy a power meter, is to go out and ride as hard as they can, and then they rush home to look at their power file. After all, everyone knows that Floyd Landis can sit on 450 W for almost an hour, so everyone wants to know how they stack up.