Power Meter or New Wheels??

[MHB]

I've been fortunate to get a cash windfall, and have decided to blow it on cycling. The options at present seem to be either a power meter, or a new set of wheels - and would appreciate comments on what may be the better option.

My current wheels are Dura Ace C24, which are have been great - but have been looking at the following

https://www.huntbikewheels.com/collections/road-ri...

With regard to power meter, I've got Sram Red on my bike at present, so was considering a Quark Zero model.

I know this may generate comments about this being a complete waste of money, but I'm getting into my cycling again after a year off, and am happy to spend this 'free money' on it.

I suspect the power meter will be the better option, as current wheels are pretty good, and will a power meter will allow more controlled riding, but opinions welcome.

[Magic919]

Why not waste it on a hobby? I'd say the power meter will be of use if you start looking at the figures and doing some structured training. Do the wheels next time.

At least you are looking at decent power meters. Quarq are good and I expect their Dzero models to be more of the same. I've fitted a couple of Elsas and they were great.

[frisbee]

Power meter definitely. I'm not actively training with the power outdoors but its so useful being able to correlate indoor and outdoor riding and to moderate my efforts.

I miss it when I ride my bike without a power meter.

[langy]

I was in a similar position to you and was deliberating between new wheels (Hunt's as it happens) and a power meter.

After 12 months or so, I opted for a Quarq Dzero power meter and have been using it for a couple of weeks. I think i've made the correct decision as it will allow me to train smarter, however, I'm still getting used to the functionality and how to use the data.

[mikecassie]

Power meter is for me a no brainer. Lets you do structured training where as the wheels will only look bling, well maybe they will help you gain a wee bit of speed on a ride but the long term gains will be better with the power meter, then after you've up'd your power, new wheels and you'll be motoring along :-)

[okgo]

You need to know what it all means, a powermeter for the sake of it is a waste of time. And there are a huge amount (most?) that have no idea what any of the numbers mean.

Wheels are wheels, they are inconsequential to anything in the grand scheme. The ones you have are fine.

[TwistingMyMelon]

okgo said:

You need to know what it all means, a powermeter for the sake of it is a waste of time. And there are a huge amount (most?) that have no idea what any of the numbers mean.

Wheels are wheels, they are inconsequential to anything in the grand scheme. The ones you have are fine.

I agree

Wheels you have look good, unless they are v worn, or issues?

Are you training for anything? IMO powermeters are great if you are training for events and have the time to sit down and decipher and plan training from data, otherwise whats the point?

I would spend the money on a few decent cycling holidays, go and watch the tour in the summer and do the big climbs in the alps

[Banana Boy]

I'd be another vote for a power meter if you have specific events to train for!

I love mine and enjoy picking though the data... I'm also time trialling this year and hopefully racing too so it's not just numbers for the sake of it. If I weren't competing I wouldn't bother at all as I'd just enjoy the riding.

[MHB]

Many thanks for the replies.

So the summary appears to be that either the power meter is the better option, or both are a waste of money and I should spend the money on cycling holidays and watching the pros!

I acknowledge I'm a recreational cyclist, but still want to be as efficient as possible and get the best results with the ability I have - the consensus as I'd expected, is that a power meter may assist with this, rather than new wheels.

I did a couple of rides this weekend, 80m on Saturday and 60m on Sunday with 2 different groups. The first ride I felt that I overdid it early on staying with the quicker guys, and suffered at the end as a result, but the second I eased off too much early on, and had plenty left at the end. Average pace at 19mph was the same for both rides, but one left me feeling spent, but the other with energy left in the tank at the end. So perhaps a power meter would allow me to understand watts against my FTP and be more balanced.

I know it's not racing, but these are rides with similar minded competitive riders, always looking for bragging rights - and everyone gives their all.

On reflection I'm going to go with the power meter option, and whilst some think this is a waste of money - I'm happy that if this helps my enjoyment of riding, using 'free money' to achieve this, it's a worthy investment.

[okgo]

For sure, good choice.

Read 'training and racing with a powermeter' and get an idea for what it all means.

ALSO I would do a couple of weeks riding with it fitted but without looking at the data, then when you've got an idea of what it all means you'll have some data to look back on that will be an honest account of how you ride.