Originally Posted by
MyTi
not the only way of course but how else would you know you are improving without any concrete data when you are riding on your own? Just seems like the best data tool out there.
I don't think many average 24mph over a considerable distance because we know tour riders can ride at 25-29 on flats but they are in a group taking turns pulling the group. I just want to do around 24mph on flats for 20 miles solo on a standard road bike. 19mph is already 200 watts which is what I can maintain on flats solo on my road bike. Just to get to 23-24mph you need to jump another 100 watts. Most are not comfortable staying in the 300-400 watt range. How would I get comfortable at 300 watts if I don't know when I'm doing 300 watts without a power meter?
Back before power meters and heart rate monitors, riders used time and distance. At the velodrome it was easy to do. On the road, riders would have a short course they rode with no stops and time themselves over it. Also, indoor trainers/ ergometers allowed for repeatable consistent testing.