Difference between road bike and MTB helmets
Among bicycle helmets, road bike and MTB helmets look similar and it is hard to tell the difference between them. We have compiled a list of the differences, how to choose one, and how to use each.
Posted at: Jul. 19, 2022
Power meters are used by users who do serious riding on road bikes and MTBs. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter, and whether a power meter is necessary for beginners.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
There are four indicators to determine the load on a road bike or MTB
The surprising thing about power is that the value of power varies even under the same load depending on the riding conditions on a road bike or MTB, such as gradient or headwind, and it also varies depending on your physical condition.
Power, however, is the only quantitative value that can be used to determine the load during a ride, so the greatest advantage is that it can be used as an absolute value to determine “how hard the training is” or “how well you are doing”.
If you want to get faster and better on a road bike or MTB, daily training is a must.
Even if you train somewhat, you will improve to a certain point, but power training is what works when your level of improvement comes to a head.
You can adjust your training load based on how much load you apply and for how long, and you can combine a roller table with a training app like Zwift for a more serious power-up workout.
By using absolute numbers, rather than the inconsistent speed, distance, and heart rate numbers of the past, you can improve the efficiency of your workouts.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of power meters is the cost.
A single power meter alone costs around $300 for a single-sensor model, and around $1,000 for a dual-sensor model with both legs.
Furthermore, since a stand-alone power meter only continues to transmit data, you will also need a cyclocomputer that is compatible with the power meter.
If you own more than one bike, the cost is even higher because you basically need a power meter for each bike, except for pedal power meters, which are easy to replace.
Without a power meter, you could enjoy riding long distances or ride to exhaustion with no limitation, but with the absolute value of a power meter, you can suppress your power in training or shorten your training time because you are producing too much power. On the other hand, the absolute value of a power meter can have a surprisingly detrimental effect.
In addition, since the numerical values of power and FTP can be easily compared with others, you may feel that you are inferior to others, you may not feel your own growth, or you may feel uncomfortable when others boast about their FTP.
Even professional road racers who are doing power training based on scientific considerations even incorporate long rides that are just loose-pulling without thinking, so it is surprisingly important not to be power-biased.
If you are a road bike/MTB beginner who wants to do serious training, it may be beneficial to introduce a power meter.
However, for beginners, it is sometimes enough just to experience the “fun of riding a road bike/MTB,” which is different from riding a regular bike, so there is no need to force yourself to install a power meter.
If your friend or fellow rider has a power meter and you want to use it, we recommend that you borrow his/her power meter-equipped bike and try it out.
Sponsored Link
Difference between road bike and MTB helmets
Among bicycle helmets, road bike and MTB helmets look similar and it is hard to tell the difference between them. We have compiled a list of the differences, how to choose one, and how to use each.
Types of road bike gloves and how to choose them
When you start riding a road bike seriously, you will want gloves. And surprisingly, there are many types of gloves to choose from, making them easy to worry about. In this issue, we summarize the types of road bike gloves and how to choose them.
Which is better for bicycle lights, battery-powered or battery-operated?
There are many different types of bicycle lights, and it is surprisingly difficult to find the right one for you. In this issue, we summarize which type of bicycle light power source, battery or battery-powered, is better, the merits of each, how to choose one for each situation, and how to use each.
Types and differences of sensors for cyclocomputers, advantages and disadvantages
External sensors are used to send data such as speed, cadence, and heart rate to a cyclocomputer. This section summarizes the types and differences of sensors for the cyclocomputer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
In-depth comparison of XOSS cycle computers! Complete summary
This is a thorough comparison of all models of cycle computers from XOSS, a new manufacturer from Hong Kong that is popular for its overwhelming cost performance.
What kind of brand is "dhb" for sports and cycle wear?
What kind of sports and cycle wear brand is dhb, and what are the characteristics of dhb's clothing and item lineup?
What is the difference between the "chest" and "arm" heart rate sensors?
There are two types of heart rate sensors used for road bike training, the chest type and the arm type. The following is a summary of the differences between the two types and their advantages and disadvantages.
How to prevent crotch gap in women on road bikes
One of the major concerns of women who ride road bikes is crotch sores. Women's delicate zones are sensitive and can cause more pain and discomfort than men. In this article, we have compiled a list of ways to prevent crotch sores in women.
How to turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer for your road bike
Cycle computers are used to collect detailed data such as speed and heart rate on road bikes, but in fact, you can turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer with just a few additional items.
What is a Bluetooth Ant+ sensor that turns your phone into a cycle computer?
This is a summary of Bluetooth Ant+ sensors, which can turn your phone into a cyclocomputer or add sensors to your cyclocomputer. How to find a sensor, compatible apps, and what to look for when choosing one.
In-depth comparison of Wahoo cycle computers (cyclocomputers)! Complete summary
A thorough comparison of Wahoo's cycle computers, which are very popular for their high performance and high cost performance compared to other cycling computers. Here is a summary of the differences in features and performance between the new and old models.
Tips for turning your phone into a cycle computer
A smartphone can be turned into a cycle computer by simply adding an app. We have compiled a list of tips to check when turning your smartphone into a cycle computer.