Originally Posted by
mike12
I just started cycling last December and bought a Power Tap in June/July. The first thing that I noticed was how I really wasn't trying as hard as I thought I was. The Power Tap clearly lets you know when you are not putting out the effort that you should/could be. I think I was taking too many breaks during my interval work & not even realizing that I was taking the breaks. In the end the Power Tap did increase my rate of progress.
I also have the books mentioned above and try to use the Power Tap to maximize the benefit.
Finally, the Power Tap has helped me on climbs at events. I now know what wattage I should be able to hold over a certain xx minute climb so I don't start out too hard or too soft. I don't hear people talk about this aspect of the power meter very often, but it has helped me.
Good insight.
But your first point...how can you give more than what you think is your max effort? Some days you are going to have more to give than other days.
Your second point is excellent. You have trained and know what wattage you can sustain on climbs and so a PT gives you feedback if you are exceeding that value and are going to bonk.