wot-ij
Noun, Measurement
Wattage is a measure of power output when cycling.
Example usage: My target wattage for this race is 300 watts.
Most used in: Triathlon and road cycling circles.
Most used by: Professional and amateur triathletes and road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 0/10
What is Wattage in Cycling?
Wattage is a term used to describe the power output of a cyclist. It is the rate at which energy is transferred while riding a bicycle, and it is measured in watts. Wattage is a representation of how much work a cyclist can do in a given amount of time. It is often used to compare cyclists of different sizes and abilities, and is a valuable tool for cyclists to measure their progress.
Wattage is calculated by multiplying the amount of force applied to the pedals by the speed at which the cyclist is pedaling. For example, if a cyclist is pedaling at a speed of 20 miles per hour with a force of 200 pounds, their wattage would be 4,000 watts. This calculation is useful for cyclists to track their performance over time and to compare themselves to other cyclists.
On average, recreational cyclists produce between 75 and 150 watts of power. Professional cyclists can generate up to 400 watts of power, and world-class cyclists may be able to generate up to 1,000 watts of power. As a cyclist’s fitness level increases, so does their wattage. By tracking their wattage over time, cyclists can measure their progress and strive to improve their performance.
.A Brief History of Wattage in Cycling
The term 'wattage' has been used in cycling since the early 1900s. It originated in Europe, specifically in Germany and France, where it was used to measure the power output of a cyclist. The term was first used to describe the amount of energy produced by a cyclist when pedaling a bicycle.
Initially, wattage was measured using a device called a 'dynamometer', which was connected to the bicycle's crankset. This device was used to determine how much power was being applied to the crankset, and the cyclist's wattage was calculated by multiplying the torque by the speed. The wattage reading was then used to compare the performance of different cyclists.
Today, wattage is still used as a measure of cycling performance and is widely accepted by professional cyclists and amateur cyclists alike. The technology and equipment used to measure wattage has also advanced significantly over the years, with modern devices being able to provide more accurate readings.
In conclusion, wattage has been an integral part of cycling since the early 1900s, and continues to be an important factor in measuring and comparing a cyclist's performance.
