Understanding watts in cycling is essential for cyclists, whether they are just starting out or have been riding for years.
Watts measure how much power you need to get up that hill, stay ahead of the pack, or complete a certain distance in a certain amount of time.
Here, we will break down what watts mean and how they can help you become a better cyclist.
What is a Watt in Cycling?
A watt is the unit used to measure power. Put simply, it’s the rate at which energy is transferred over time.
In cycling, this means measuring the amount of energy needed to move your bike forward—in other words, how hard you’re working on the bike.
The higher the wattage number, the greater your power output and speed.
How Does Power Measurements Help You As A Cyclist?
Power measurements can be used to set goals and track progress as a cyclist. By understanding your average wattage output during certain rides or races, you can set goals for yourself to improve performance over time.
For example, if you want to increase your average speed on a flat road from 25kph (15mph) to 30kph (18mph), you would need to increase your wattage output by about 25%.
This information can be used as motivation to work harder and become stronger on the bike.
Additionally, tracking your power output over time can help you identify areas where you may need improvement such as building leg strength or improving efficiency when changing gears.
Conclusion
Watts are an important measurement tool for cyclists looking to increase their speed and performance on the bike.
Understanding watts helps cyclists set goals and track their progress over time so they can continually work towards becoming a better cyclist.
Whether it’s increasing their average speed on flat roads or improving their efficiency when shifting gears, tracking watts allows them to monitor their progress towards their goals and make necessary changes along the way.
With increased knowledge of watts comes increased power!
