I am thinking about purchasing a power meter to start training with but am not to up to speed on the different models. Also, should you use them in conjunction with HR monitors?

I have my eyes on some of the powertap models but I am not sure if this is what I should go with. Also will I need to buy another wheel setup for this type of powermeter?

Thanks!

For a powertap, yes. Other models, no. Start by going to saris', SRM, ergomo, and polar's websites and read everything you can about them. It will give far greater detail than most of us can. Then, bring specific questions here.

Some people use HR monitors with power, others do not. It's probably close to 50-50 right now. Many do not see the need of using a HRM after going power, while others like to compare their power at certain HR's.

Why are you thinking of getting a power meter? How are you training now, what don't you like about it, etc.?

Thanks. I started to look at those other sites. I will do some more research and bring some questions to the table. Everything I have been reading about the polar seems to be more on the negative side.

Eric, currently most of my focus is on running with biking for cross training. I plan on running the Philadelphia distance run in September and then the Marathon in November. After the Marathon I see myself really switching primarily to the bike. Mainly because I love riding.

I currently do everything (training wise) with my HRM. I just added a computer to my bike that has cadence so that I can monitor that also. I want to go to a power meter because I really am the type of guy who likes to monitor my progression - seems like power meters give you a true representation of how you are doing.

in case you didnt know you are looking at about $2000 for a quarq setup, and $2300 for a SRM set up. Ergomo is out of business I think so don't even consider that. A midrange powertap is about $1000. You can get the competitive cyclist wired powertap deal for $659.

Pick up training and racing with a powermeter and read it before you buy a powermeter to see what your getting yourself into.

I recently started training with a Quarq (https://quarq.us) and love it. The meter comes in at $1500, plus you need a Garmin 705 $400 (which you would want with the other meters as well). Since this is a crankset power meter, you can ride with whatever wheels that you want. This was the main determiner of why I picked this one up. That and it's about $1000 cheaper than an SRM. Also, you need to have one of their compatible cranksets, otherwise, you shell out some additional $$ for that. I had a Truvativ Roleur Carbon which I added it to. You can get that crank on Ebay for about $150 now.

If you are training already with the other items, power is the next step, but you want to make sure you know how to use it correctly. I have a coach who gives me workouts and helps me to analyze my data, but in lieu of that, there are other options available to help you such as books like Jynx suggested. Check out roadbikerider.com for some great Ebooks that you can download.

Yep. If you get bored and stop reading the book, don't bother with a PM because you won't be getting much value from it. There is nothing wrong with that- some people prefer to train on feel. Feel is a good thing.. You have to be a real numbers geek to use the data from the PM to any useful effect.

Well,

Thanks to everyone for the input. I believe for now I am going to continue my zone training w/ a heartrate monitor. Unfortunately right now I threw out my back and have been off the bike for over a week and half. Starting to feel better so I might be able to get rolling this weekend.