Even before I had a power meter I was obsessed with watts. Everyone wants to produce more watts. However, to be a good cyclist, it’s smart to ask, how can I save watts?
Now, if you don’t know, a watt is unit of energy. It’s the measureable energy you produce when applying force on the pedals of your bike. Depending on aerodynamics, wind speed and direction and elevation, your speed on the bike is a simple ratio of energy to weight, or watts per kilogram (W/Kg). With this in mind, there are things one can do to save watts. Now, this doesn’t mean you will work any less hard, as Greg LeMond is famous for saying, “It never gets easier, you just get faster.”
Here are some things to ponder.
First, should you shave your legs? As a 52 year old man, I get a lot of funny looks when people notice my shaved legs. However, before you judge check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZnrE17Jg3I
Second, should you get clipless pedals? This is question I get all the time. Usually by people who are nervous about clipping in. If you want the answer check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkMCYYNTWUY
Lastly, tire pressure. What’s the best tire pressure for you? And yes, you should check your tire pressure before every ride! Check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoABOk_8KH8
There’s a lot more to consider than these factors, but this is a great place to start. Take some time to absorb this information and let me know if you have any questions (but please don’t ask me where I fall on the Chewbacca scale).
Thanks,
Ron P.