Power Meters: The Best Investment or Just an Expensive Confidence Killer?
They’re everywhere—on cranks, pedals, hubs, and even built into the conversation at your local group ride. Power meters have become a standard in cycling tech. But are they truly worth the investment, or are they turning your training into a numbers game that undermines your confidence?
At Mach1 Performance, we believe tools are only as valuable as how you use them. Here's how to decide if a power meter is right for you.
why a power meter can be a game-changer
✅ Data-Driven Training
Power meters give instant, objective feedback—unaffected by heart rate fluctuations, caffeine, fatigue, or mood swings.
✅ Measurable Progress
Track FTP, TSS, NP, and more. Once you understand the data, you can assess fitness gains, training load, and fatigue with precision.
✅ Pacing Perfection
Power meters help you pace climbs, races, and efforts—so you don’t blow up chasing surges you can’t sustain.
⚠️ When Power Meters Might Hurt More Than Help
🚫 The Confidence Killer
Seeing “low” watts on a hard day can mess with your head. Athletes sometimes let power data override their instincts, leading to unnecessary doubt or hesitation.
🚫 Over-Reliance on Numbers
Ignoring RPE (Rate of Perceived Effort) and how your body feels can lead to overtraining or missed adaptations.
🚫 Not Always Necessary
A study comparing heart rate vs. power-based training in recreational cyclists found both methods improved performance—with no significant difference in results.
How to Use a Power Meter the Right Way
Use it selectively: Don’t stare at numbers every ride. Save it for intervals, races, or key sessions.
Balance it with RPE: Your body is still the best training tool. Use power as a guide—not a dictator.
Detach your self-worth from your watts: Winning isn't about the highest FTP—it’s about how you race, recover, and execute under pressure.
⚙️ Best Power Meters for Cyclists (Pros & Cons)
Garmin Rally (Pedal-Based)
Pros: Easily transferable between bikes, measures left/right balance, compatible with multiple pedal systems.
Cons: Can be pricey, battery cover issues reported on older models. Can also be more prone to impact damage in crashes or technical terrain.
Quarq (Crank-Based)
Pros: Highly accurate, auto-calibration with temperature compensation, and seamless integration with most cranksets for reliable, dual-sided power measurement.
Cons: Not easily transferable between bikes and requires a compatible crankset, which may limit options for some riders. More expensive than left-side-only crank arm power meters.
SRM (Crank or Pedal-Based)
Pros: Proven accuracy, used by pros, long battery life.
Cons: Most expensive on the market, installation can be complicated compared to other options.
4iiii & Stages (Left-Side Crank Arm-Based)
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to install.
Cons: Only measures one side, potentially less accurate for those with imbalanced pedaling. Some users report signal dropouts and can be affected by extreme temperature changes, requiring frequent zero-offset calibrations.
Favero Assioma (Pedal-Based) Pros: A cost-effective alternative with exceptional accuracy, a lightweight design, and easy transferability between bikes. Dual and single-sided options. Cons: Limited to Look Keo cleats, which may not suit riders preferring Shimano SPD-S and requires charging every 50 hours (USB rechargeable). Pedal stack height is also slightly higher than standard road pedals, which may affect fit for some riders.
For cyclists seeking top-tier accuracy and reliability, Favero Assioma is the best pedal-based option for easy transferability and affordability, while Quarq excels as a crank-based power meter with low maintenance and long battery life, making both ideal choices depending on your setup and training needs. 🚴♂️
Should You Invest in a Power Meter?
Ask yourself:
Do I train with structure and specific goals?
Am I motivated by data and progress tracking?
Will I use this data to improve—not just obsess over it?
If yes, a power meter can absolutely level up your performance. If not, it might just be an expensive distraction.
Final Word: Tools Don’t Make the Rider
Power is valuable—but it’s not everything. Some of the most successful cyclists in the world don’t win on numbers alone. They win on timing, tenacity, and heart.
At Mach1 Performance, we build complete cyclists—not just FTP machines. Whether you train with power, heart rate, or feel, our job is to help you train smarter, recover better, and race with confidence.
👉 Want help building a training plan that works for you—with or without a power meter? Let’s chat.