Power Meters
There are myriad advantages to training with a
strain gauges. Using this type of power meter requires a specific crankset, but due its positioning directly on the generation of power, the readings are among the most accurate.
* '''Bottom Bracket:''' Meters based on the
bottom bracket shaft utilize sensors that detect the torque applied to the left pedal and then double this figure to derive the power. Bottom bracket systems are unique to each bicycle, so compatibility is low and the switching of units is often difficult.
* '''Freehub:''' A
freehub power meter is similar to a crankset meter, as it uses strain gauges to measure torque, but is located lower down the drive chain, on the rear hub. Due to its placement, the freehubs readings will be less than their crankset brethren. The upside is that their compatibility is high and their replacement is simple.
* '''Opposing Force: '''The opposing force system is a complex system of sensors with the benefit of being able to measure gravity, wind speed, acceleration and frictional drag.
* '''Applied Force:''' The applied force method of measurement senses the force in the pedaler's foot directly, and by using the magnitude and direction of the force, figures out the aggregate power. An advantage of this system is that, since both feet are being monitored, one is able to derive the force being generated by each leg individually. Outside of a laboratory setting, however, this system of measurement is unavailable.
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