After reading all the post/replies it sounds like something I don't need. I'll draw the line at the Garmin Edge and that will be more than enough for me to know. The only question I would add is, what did the pro's use before a power meter came on the scene?

[QUOTE=Sluggo;10588686]For context:

http://valvejob.files.wordpress.com/...pg?w=418&h=460

I think my power is "off the charts;" but I am not going to reveal which side of the chart I went off...

[QUOTE=BengeBoy;10589381]On this chart I'm around 220 watts for 5 to 10 minutes, based on the lab test I did about 18 months ago. Never done a real time trial, the test was patterned on a Conconi test with a calibrated power meter. The point was to find my lactate threshold so I could set up zones. So I'm below the healthy NASA guy! But he wasn't a 56 yo recovering couch potato. Maybe I'm good for a couch potato?

A cyclocomputer may be similar in complexity but not functionality.

A power meter may not be for everyone but it is not that difficult and anyone capable of posting on a message forum using a computer should be able to manage a power meter. It is certainly simpler than knowing the rules of golf or using a GPS enabled Garmin.

Hummm... really brings into question the power calculation (guesstimation?) from my Garmin 305!

03:39:43 h:m:s, 64.9 mi., 209 watts

This thread has been forward to John G of the TwoJohnsPodcast. Everyone here will be punitively ridiculed and accused of being a dentist.

Are you using your Garmin to give you a ball park on watts used?

ball park, soccer field, what ever. I ride by heart rate, and the rest of the stuff is interesting. I will say that the calories burned do provide a nice "justification" for that next beer or 2nd piece pie.

There's a pretty good explanation at:

http://bicyclesportshop.com/buyers-g...ers-pg1208.htm

I sure see what cyclinfool's talking about, not being able to justify it.