Power Meter or HRM: More Effective?

Oooooo, this should be good!

Assuming the barrier to entry ($$$$$) doesn't bother you....POWER METER. If you learn to use the device its hands down the best tool in the training toolbox. Additionaly, it will take a lot of the mystery out of Ironman racing. You'll have a better chance of success with a PM. Learning how to use it is VERY important though.

haha, was it something I said? Guess I picked a touchy topic





Well, price as of now is a barrier to entry, which is one reason why I was considering a HRM as a solid alternative. Also, I can only train with power on the bike (unless I am mistaken), which leaves me to ask about run training.....

Like I said, there will be a lot of hyperbole!

The most effective will be the one you use properly, train, and race with consistantly, regardless.

Not really anything you said, but Bryan get some pretty crazy results and he trains with a HRM and not a powermeter.
I would guess most will say and I would personally say the powermeter will be more effective. As Bryan pointed out no matter what you choose you need to learn how to use it properly to make it an effective training tool. 

both are fine tools if you know how to properly apply the information collected for your training. That been said, a power meter offers you a more objective tool to gauge and quantify training adaptations, and offers more reliable/relevant information as it can help you to quanitfy strain in your working muscles which is what we are the most concerned about. A HRM on the other hand only provides cardiovascular strain and that can be affected by variables no directly relevant to the work done in your muscles. A power meter just offers you much more relevant information that can be used to set up training goals, track improvements, predict performance, develop pacing strategies, fueling needs, get in tune with your RPE, etc.

The limiters about the PM is price, you can only use it for cycling and you have to either learn how to use it ot have someone who does. (If you add a GPS/pedometer to your arsenal it is like training with power for running.)

A HRM can be used for both cycling and running and it is much more affordable.

In the end neither will help unless you do the training, both are just data collectors than can help you do better training desicions and manage your load.

That is the real answer ^^^^^.  Everything else is opinion.

With that said ...... ........ a PM doesn't lie.  Your HR can vary by as simple a thing as waking up on the wrong side of the bed and being late to work.  Or in my case, when I take my heart medication.

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a PM for running or swimming which means it is only effective during one portion of the sport in which we are participating.

I appreciate that, but I would never say my results are proof that training with a HR monitor is superior to other training tools. I prefer HR for the simply because it's what I have always used, my coach and I can discuss my training using HR as a basis for effort, and it's all I need to train and race.
K.I.S.S.

thanks for the info guys. Because I cant afford a $3000 power meter at the time being, I think I will go with the HRM. Though it seems like it is a better choice to train with power, I will have to save that one for later since the HRM is a little more versatile.

PM is cheaper then $3k.  they can be had for $700....but compared to a HRM for <$200 yes it is much more. 

SRM is not the only option, you can get a wired power tap for $650.00 including wheel: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-accessories/2009-cycleops-power-tap-compdt-rr-1.1-complete-wheel-5905.44.1.html