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WHAT DO THE QUANTITIES RECORDED BY THE METER (TE/PS/LR%) MEAN?

In addition to recording the basic parameters (power and cadence), the power meter also records additional parameters, which are explained below:

  • Torque Effectivness (TE%) – a very important parameter describing what part of the power we generate is actually used to propel the bike, so technically speaking – what percentage of the generated power is usable power. The values of this parameter usually take values in the range of 65-90%, the higher this value, the more efficient is our work on the bike and less of the work done is lost (or by generating the same power we will simply ride faster). The losses described are due to the fact that even when using clipless pedals, at a certain point in the rotation of the crank (when pulling the leg up) one leg interferes with the other, putting additional resistance necessary to overcome. The parameter is calculated according to the formula: TE = [(P+ + P-) / P+] x 100% ,where P+ is the total positive power during one crank revolution, and P- is the total negative power during one crank revolution.
  • Pedal Smothness (PS%) – is the second parameter that determines our pedaling technique during one crank revolution. It describes how evenly the power applied during one revolution is generated. It is calculated according to the formula: PS = (Pavg/Pmax) x 100%, where Pavg – is the average power during one revolution (the average of all collected samples), and Pmax is the maximum value of power recorded during a revolution. The higher its value, the more uniform the distribution of power during rotation. Usually its values are in the range of 10-40%.
  • Leg balance (LR%) – a quantity available in TWIN2 bilateral power meters – tells us what is the share of the left and right legs in the overall distribution of generated power. A value of 50%/50% indicates equal operation of both legs. Usually, the balance deviation does not exceed 5%.

In addition, ‘Cycling Dynamics’ parameters are recorded when connected with selected Garmin computers and watches – read more about this HERE.

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