3 Reasons why bike power meters help improve cycling performance.
1. MotivationDon’t underestimate the power of measuring your performance, it's motivating in itself.
Nineteenth century mathematician, Karl Pearson, said, "That which is measured, improves. That which is measured and reported, improves exponentially". |
Karl Pearson, 1857-1936
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2. Consistency of measurement
Traditionally, emphasis has been on measuring physical effort through speed, time and heart rate. These results can be inconsistent due to adverse wind, traffic conditions and heart rates that vary from day to day.
Now, it is possible to get accurate, objective and repeatable data measuring physical exertion, in watts, with a bike power meter.
Now, it is possible to get accurate, objective and repeatable data measuring physical exertion, in watts, with a bike power meter.
3. Optimise your training
Bike power meters, working together with heart rate monitors and cadence sensors provide a wealth of information about past and present performances. The bike power meter tracks power in real-time and provides post-ride data for more in-depth analysis of performance.
By using apps such as Golden Cheetah, Training Peaks, WKO, Strava or Cycling Analytics, you obtain a detailed mathematical breakdown of your rides over time for:
Get the most out of your valuable training time.
By using apps such as Golden Cheetah, Training Peaks, WKO, Strava or Cycling Analytics, you obtain a detailed mathematical breakdown of your rides over time for:
- Tracking your fitness objectively and accurately
- Preparing structured training programs, pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses
- Collaborating with your coach or sports scientist
- Planning race strategies and pacing guidelines
- Determining rest and recovery periods
- Allowing for experimentation in training
Get the most out of your valuable training time.
Choosing a bike power meter right for you.
Cyclists considering the use of a power meter to measure performance have a extensive range of products to choose from. Bike power meters come in two distinct forms, Direct Force Power Meters and Opposing Force Power Meters. They both have pro's and con's and choosing the right unit for your situation can be daunting.
Direct Force Power Meters have traditionally been the choice of elite cyclists, coaches and sports scientists. They measure power using electro-mechanical sensors built into a variety of cycle components, such as:
Direct Force Power Meters have traditionally been the choice of elite cyclists, coaches and sports scientists. They measure power using electro-mechanical sensors built into a variety of cycle components, such as:
- Rear wheel hub
- Bottom bracket
- Ring gear/spider
- Crank arm
- Pedal
Power is calculated by measuring the force applied by the cyclist. Crank arm and pedal power sensors can also measure left/right leg balance, an important physiological aspect for elite athletes.
These bike power meters are disadvantaged by several issues. Firstly, they are expensive, ranging in price from $800 to $4000. Secondly, they can be difficult to install and choosing the right unit for your bike setup can be a minefield. Thirdly, they need regular calibration, mostly on-bike, but some units need recalibration in-factory.
These bike power meters are disadvantaged by several issues. Firstly, they are expensive, ranging in price from $800 to $4000. Secondly, they can be difficult to install and choosing the right unit for your bike setup can be a minefield. Thirdly, they need regular calibration, mostly on-bike, but some units need recalibration in-factory.
Opposing Force Power Meters are gaining in popularity as they are light, easy to install and remove on the handle bars, and are competitively priced. They measure power by reading the opposing forces due to rate of climb, wind speed and direction, and acceleration of the cycle. With a price range of $200 to $800, Opposing Force Power Meters do not need recalibration and are as accurate as Direct Force Power Meters.
The competitive pricing and ease of use of Opposing Force Power Meters makes an appealing alternative for road cyclists whether they are enthusiasts, competitors, professionals or elite athletes.
The competitive pricing and ease of use of Opposing Force Power Meters makes an appealing alternative for road cyclists whether they are enthusiasts, competitors, professionals or elite athletes.
Why buy a Wasp Smart Power Meter?
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Wind is the predominant force affecting performance of a road cyclist. Our innovative wind speed and direction sensor reads speed to within ±5% and direction to within ±5° allowing more precise calculation of power attributed to wind.
Not only that, the Wasp Smart Power Meter has a GPS sensor that accurately measures ground speed and direction along with a barometric pressure sensor that measures altitude, all of which enhances the accuracy of the power meter. 
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Each unit is tested and calibrated in our specially design wind tunnel, so you’ll be assured of the best performing units available.
Our research shows that the Wasp Smart Power Meter is as accurate as Direct Force Power Meters. Figure 1 compares the Wasp Smart Power Meter to a reference Direct Force Power Meter. As can be seen, the differences in the time-interval power readings for this one-hour ride is negligible. Figure 2 shows the probability distribution of power readings of the two units for this same ride. Even though the two units measure power in two totally different ways, the results are the same. 
Figure 1: Comparison of Time Interval vs Power for the Wasp Smart Power Meter (Cyan), and a reference Direct Force Power Meter (Blue).
Figure 2: Probablility Density Function of Power distribution of Wasp Smart Power Meter (Cyan), and a reference Direct Force Power Meter (Blue).
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One main advantage the Wasp Smart Power Meter has over its rivals, is its ability to measure and display power readings for wind, climb and acceleration, separately. This allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses to target your training purposefully.
