ratz
Wielder of the Rubber Mallet
This
The power meter has two purposes:
1) Training to be faster, stronger, longer. If you are not going to do structured training then it's waste.
2) If you are trying to optimize a bike for rolling resistance and air resistance; then it is a high value tool for that but you have to learn the science. That tuning / optimizing can be because you obsessively enjoy it; or in pursuit of #1
If you are focused on #2 you can get a lot more mileage out of trusting people you really trust to recommend better Wheels, Hubs, and Tires. After you address those properly then #2 becomes about measuring the finite small stuff and the meter then becomes the next logical expense.
This an $2.45us will get you 1 coffee; and raise your heart rate.
If you want to just ride, power meter is only expensive gadget.
The power meter has two purposes:
1) Training to be faster, stronger, longer. If you are not going to do structured training then it's waste.
2) If you are trying to optimize a bike for rolling resistance and air resistance; then it is a high value tool for that but you have to learn the science. That tuning / optimizing can be because you obsessively enjoy it; or in pursuit of #1
If you are focused on #2 you can get a lot more mileage out of trusting people you really trust to recommend better Wheels, Hubs, and Tires. After you address those properly then #2 becomes about measuring the finite small stuff and the meter then becomes the next logical expense.
This an $2.45us will get you 1 coffee; and raise your heart rate.