Road Cycling - Watts it all about?

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Cyclingmaniac
03-30-04, 10:21 PM
Hey all you experienced cyclists!

Can someone be kind enough to explain "watt" with respect to cycling? I've heard the term used in relation to power of a cyclist's peddling(?). Can you also explain the numbers?

Thanks!

karlfitt
03-30-04, 11:26 PM
746 Watts = 1 Horsepower.
sch
03-31-04, 04:36 AM
Europeans don't use HP, they use watts, kilowatts or megawatts to rate power both
electric and gas motors. Hence this usage of rating bicyclist power production in
watts output. Typical riders will generate 75-150 watts without difficulty. Fast
touring types will hit 250watts or so. It takes IIRC about 200 watts continuous to
pedal around 20mph. www.analyticcycling.com has some algorithms that relate
speed and power needed, I haven't got time to check these out. Racers, types that
can average 25-27mph are in the 350-400w range. Pro cyclists go from 400w to 550
or so. Lance, Ulricht and similar high achievers are in the 550w + range for continuous output. Sprinters on the other hand can have short bursts of power that
go upto 1500watts: that is what it takes to get to 40-42mph sprint speeds in the
final 200meters. Humans, well trained, are among animal elites in relation to the
endurance aspect, physically. We may not be fast but we can keep it up for a long time. Steve

Guest
03-31-04, 06:04 AM
I was reading about Eddie Merckx lately, and back in 1975, he was measured at 450 watts on a singlespeed. That's impressive, as these days, most people who measure at that power (or higher) are on technologically advanced bikes with all kinds of help, and the training now (of course) is a lot more technical as well. To have that much power back in those days with so little of the technology we have now is jaw dropping.

Koffee