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Efficiency and Economy on the bike Efficiency describes the relationship between work performed and energy expended. The power we register on our power meter is just a small percentage of the total expenditure we're using to keep everything in our body working. If we're using 1000 watts to power or metabolism and 300 watts while riding at that time we're about 33% efficient. This very much a food/energy equation more than a bike-body equation. Studies have shown that those with more slow twitch muscles tend to be more efficient. Look at efficiency as analogous to fuel efficiency in a car: there are many ways to improve it just as there are many ways to improve efficiency with our bodies. Gross efficiency is part of our economy of overall movement. We can improve economy by using the wind to our advantage, improving aerodynamics, technical skills, etc. Economy is the more relevant term when we examine how we can use the least amount of energy possible to reach our goals. There is debate over whether efficiency can be changed. It seems to run parallel to the VO2 max discussion of whether a higher VO2 means success in endurance events. While a necessary characteristic isn't sufficient to be successful. Genetic potential can only take you so far given the many other factors involved in training and performance.