Within the data category fields of Bryton bike computers, "PW%" is a set of display modes used to observe the power distribution status between the left and right legs. By averaging data across different time scales, it assists riders under steady output conditions to understand whether there is a long-duration bias toward unilateral force delivery between both feet.
It requires special attention that PW%-related data must be paired with a power meter that supports independent left/right measurement (such as dual-sided pedals or dual-sided cranks) to display correctly. If using a single-sided power meter, the bike computer will be unable to provide actual left/right power ratios, and the related metrics will hold no reference value.
In practical use, PW% is not used to judge performance quality but rather to assist users under an appropriate output intensity to observe whether the pedaling distribution remains consistent over long durations.
FTP%
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Definition: FTP% refers to the current output power expressed as a percentage of your personal FTP (Functional Threshold Power).
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Purpose in the PW% Screen: FTP% itself is not left/right balance data; rather, it serves as an "output intensity reference." Before observing the left/right power distribution, first confirming whether the current output rests within a relatively steady intensity zone helps prevent errors when interpreting PW% at excessively low or high intensities. It is generally recommended to pair and observe PW%-related data during steady output states such as endurance or tempo riding.
Lap Average Power%
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Definition: Lap average power% is the average power of the current lap (Lap) expressed as a percentage of FTP.
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Purpose in the PW% Screen: This data can be used to confirm whether the overall output intensity within a single lap segment is steady. It is suitable for pairing with PW% to observe whether the left and right feet maintain a similar output ratio over long durations during specific segments (such as climbs or fixed-paced cruising).
Previous Average Power%
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Definition: Previous average power% is the average power of the previous lap (Lap) expressed as a percentage of FTP.
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Purpose in the PW% Screen: By cross-referencing against the output intensity of the current lap segment, it assists in judging whether changes in left/right power distribution are related to accumulated fatigue, pacing adjustments, or shifts in road conditions.
3-Second PW%
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Definition: The left/right leg power balance percentage within the past 3 seconds.
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Application Scenario: Belongs to real-time reactive data, suitable for observing the instantaneous force delivery of the left and right feet during short-duration output variations. Because the value shifts rapidly, it is only recommended as a real-time reference and is unsuitable for long-term stability judgments.
10-Second PW%
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Definition: The left/right leg power balance percentage within the past 10 seconds.
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Application Scenario: Suitable for use in situations where a relatively steady output is maintained over a short duration, such as short intervals, undulating terrain, or the cruising phase following an acceleration, to inspect whether a noticeable deviation between the left and right feet occurs.
30-Second PW%
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Definition: The left/right leg power balance percentage within the past 30 seconds.
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Application Scenario: More suitable for steady output scenarios, such as short climbs or riding at a fixed power, to observe whether the distribution between the left and right feet remains consistent under continuous exertion states.
Average PW%
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Definition: The average left/right leg power balance percentage throughout the entire ride.
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Application Scenario: Suitable for post-ride review and analysis to inspect whether a long-duration bias toward unilateral output exists, rather than being used to judge single-ride performance quality.
Why Use This Metric Called PW%?
PW% is not intended for chasing a perfect 50/50 distribution. During actual riding, minor left/right discrepancies belong to normal phenomena and will be influenced by factors such as posture, terrain, and fatigue levels. The primary value of PW% lies in assisting riders to observe whether an output pattern that is fixed and biased toward one specific side exists over long durations. By interpreting it alongside output intensity indicators like FTP% and lap average power%, you can understand your personal pedaling distribution status more clearly under relatively steady power conditions.
Summary
When you select "PW%" related data fields in your Bryton bike computer, what you see is not just a single number, but a set of display modes used to analyze left/right power distribution. As long as you first confirm that the output intensity rests in a steady state and then pair it with observations of PW% across different time scales, you can practically apply this set of metrics to pedaling motion comprehension and riding efficiency optimization.