Of course, one of the biggest obstacles I face in presenting this requirement is the perception that power meters cost a lot of money. "Wow, do you know how much those cost?" is usually the initial response. Yet, so many athletes come to me wanting to spend thousands of dollars on a new bike, wetsuit, swim skin suit, and/or race wheel set.

In all my days of coaching or racing professionally, I've never seen a bike or similar piece of equipment which has allowed me or my athletes to train dumb. If the athlete thinks the bike will actually be the difference to make up for a lack of focused and consistent training, then the marketing of bike companies has done an outstanding job. (To be fair, bike companies are not the only ones.)

The problem is that athletes put the focus on products which don't help them day in, day out, to become a better athlete. This is what a power meter does, compared to a bike or other supplemental equipment piece.

It's understandable that athletes who are about to spend, or have already spent a lot of money on a bike, or other equipment, are not wanting to shell out a lot more money for a power meter. However, it's a myth that a power meter must cost thousands of dollars.

First off, there are plenty of cheaper models of power meters, which are effective, but many simply believe because they are cheaper, they are not very good. One of the cheapest and most effective power meters on the market is the Polar CS800. Lots of good information can come from this tool, and it costs only about $600-800. Does it have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end models? No, but as a beginning user of power, it can still provide plenty of valuable information. As an entry-level model, it's excellent.

One of the big surprises has been how much the PowerTap models have come down in price. Now you can get a complete PowerTap rear wheel built, for under $700 at some online retailers. This is an incredible deal! It is even more likely that the prices of all models and brands will continue to decrease in price, making them more and more affordable.

Lastly, but somehow overlooked frequently, is the opportunity to purchase a used power meter. It is relatively standard that a power meter costs about 50% of its retail price in the private, classified market.

When I was racing professionally, and still to this day, I've only ever owned one power meter that was brand new, and that was from a sponsorship. All the other power meters I have owned were purchased used, and were just as effective as the new ones. In fact, the first power meter I ever owned was obtained in a trade, no cash out of my pocket. It was the perfect way to get me involved in using power, and I've never looked back since.

There may be some minor work needed on a used model, such as cleaning, or overhauling the bearings, or whatever the unique mechanical needs of the meter are, but this is minor in cost, especially when looking at the overall savings.

If costs are hindering you from purchasing a power meter, then consider the following sources for finding one at a bargain:

• Club classified sections, (tri clubs, cycling clubs, etc)
• Swap Meets
• Online forums - Ask for a trade, or post what you are looking for
• Bike shops - ask for a used one lying around they are willing to part ways with, or if any of the shop employees have one they would sell
• Group rides - find an athlete that has one, they probably have another, or know someone who is willing to sell one

Don't fall for the thinking that power meters are luxuries for those who are blessed financially, or that a bike or wheelset are better dollars spent, when they don't address your specific fitness needs.

Focus on becoming a better athlete, and do a search for a power meter on the cheap. I think you'll be surprised just how affordable they are, and how powerful the information they can provide is. (That information is next month's article!)

Best of luck!

Coach Vance

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