Okay, I actually laughed out loud.

It's a matter of money vs utility. I use a powermeter, more for grwoolf's reasons. I don't train scientifically - my friend asked me why I had a PM. Seriously? I really wanted to see ride data on a time line basis. I couldn't afford the downloadable Polar HRM when that was new, but later I could afford a PM. So I got it.

Yeah, I use the PM as a guide for some things - I've learned to pace my efforts better in races (not going 1000-150-1000-150 watts, but go 450-250-450-250), learned how to test better (my FTP has "gone up" by 30 watts - 220 to 250 - but I think it's mainly because I've learned how to test), and learned my race sprints are 80% of my training sprints. I'm still experimenting with the idea of "shorter efforts at higher wattages", i.e. trying to hold 5 w/kg for a short period of time, stuff like that.

I've also gotten concrete numbers on the benefits of losing weight. With my car it was pretty obvious. I weighed my car, have an estimated (claimed) HP, and I could see how losing 100 lbs would equal X number of HP gained. If I can test a bit better, and get a bit stronger, I should be able to raise my FTP another 30w. If I can, and lose 5-10 more lbs (down 25-30 so far), I'll increase my w/kg by a full point from last year. It's a huge benefit already on short power climbs, like I have an extra gear.

But at the end it's about information. I assimilate it differently than others, using it at a much more shallow level. I do some Ze intervals. I do some 20' tests, when I can go for more than 5' without giving up.

But it's fun. And I ride for fun.

cdr