First off, I'm a recreational cyclist who doesn't race or compete. Having said that, I'd still like to get as good as I can for the time I have to train/ride. I have a co-worker who keeps extolling the virtues of training with a power meter. (btw, I understand merely having a power meter doesn't help, it's incorporating the data into a proper training program where it shines). To be honest, most power meters are way too expensive for me to justify. Only the cheaper models of the iBike might be in my price range. But the cheaper ones are lacking some features. But my friend says he ranks the usefulness of his computer features in this order:

1. Power
2. Percent grade
Below is heart rate, speed, cadence, distance, etc.

I forget what order he put them, but he said he can almost do without speed. The reason I ask is the cheaper models of iBike that I can afford do number one and two. The price goes up significantly to incorporate heart rate, cadence, and to be able to download my workouts. What do you think