Unless you just want to maximize the use of your time to become faster to keep up with a local group ride, gain fitness so you burn more calories faster, or just because it feels good and you are willing to have some structure to your riding which can change according to what comes out of your bike computer and the following data analysis on your PC.

Used first generation Powertaps have also depreciated to the point where a lot of people could justify one as an impulse purchase just because they're curious. They might figure out what happens to perceived exertion with some fatigue in their legs, discover that sometimes although it feels tough they can dig deeper, find that they can go harder on their hard days when they keep the easy ones easy enough, and average more power when pacing off power than perceived exertion or heart rate.

Used first generation Powertaps built into wheels with the electronics package ($200-$250) can cost less than a Garmin and some brand new wireless ANT+ power meters (Powertap Elite+ for $700 + $20 of spokes to build into an existing rim or Power2Max crankset for 690 euros) are in-line with "nice" wheelsets recreational cyclists upgrade too and way less expensive than plastic bikes which don't make them any faster than what they were riding for the preceding decades.

Reading Training and Racing with a Power Meter would be a fine idea if the price of a power meter is significant to you. That way if it's not for you you're only out $20.


6-8 hours a week is enough to avoid slowness and isn't hard to fit into a normal lifestyle.