Those who ride competitively will want to have all of the data that they can get about their training. The numbers can tell a story over time. They can show progression and regression. They can point out areas that need improvement and provide a target to aim for. It’s not all about speed. A lot of courses can be hilly and you will need raw power to climb in those uphill battles.

A bicycle power meter can help you measure your output in watts. If you can gauge your power today, then you can work towards gradually improving it for future races. You can also use the power meter to get hooked up in simulation software for indoor training. This is a great tool to have when the weather is not optimal or safe for riding. It is not cheap but the insights you will gain from it can be worth the cost.