Power Meter Recommendation

Jonathan Olson

After using trainer road this OS I realize that I need get a power meter for my bike once I am off the trainer. I am beginner so I don't need top of the line.

Also, what are the crank recommendations for the hilly IMWI?

Thanks

Jonathan

 

Steven Ford

Training and racing with power rocks. I had the powertap for years and never had any issues. The downside is its built into your wheel so one set of wheels for training and racing (you can get the aero kit thru wheelbuilder) I just got a new bike and went with a crank based powermeter. I have not had a chance to try it yet as literally just got it.

jfields74

I have a Quarq. I like it because I'm not bound to one wheelset. It is on the upper end of cost as far as power meters go. I've purchased a set of PowerTap P1 pedals for my wife but haven't received them yet. I know there are several others on the team using them with good success.

Go here to see DC Rainmaker's list of 2015 power meters. This might help you decide also.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/10/buyers-guide2015-edition.html

Patricia Rosen

I use a power tap on a carbon 404. I ride it for training outside and use a different wheel for the computrainer... and get power reading inside with that... I use a 150mm crank so no powermeter is available at that length. I had used a Quarq with a 162mm in the past and it was just fine. you have to decide, wheel or crank, which is the variable you are most concerned about.

jpmarchewka

I have a Quarq S975 I am looking to sell if you are interested. I used it for my first Ironman last year in Louisville and worked great!  Had to switch to Garmin Vectors as the Quarq didn't fit on my new bike .  I bought it from a fellow Endurance Nation member last year and would like to help out another EN member if I can!

Gordon Cherwoniak

What are your needs/price range?  If you just have the one bike and set of wheels then a power tap or used power tap is an option.  Multiple bikes/wheelset then a crank or pedal system would be a better choice .  If you are thinking of getting a second bike in the near future then this may influence your decision as well.

I have a tri bike and one set of wheels.  I've been an older wireless power tap for 8 year and a wheel cover from Wheel builder.  I've been very happy with my purchase. 

I'm not sure what some of the other power meter systems come with for head units but you will also need to look in to this as well.  I still use the little yellow computer that came with my power tap but should have something that displays more detailed metrics.  I'll leave this for others to comment on.

 

 

Paul Hough

I have two sets of race wheels with Powertap G3s built in. I've never bought into the concept of separate training wheels and race wheels...that is a hold over from more than 10 years ago when race wheels were much more fragile. If you are going to pay big bucks for wheels then by God use them! However, if I were buying again today, I would probably go with the Powertap Pedals, but that is going to wait for at least one of my wheel sets to croak but the G3 is extraordinarily reliable so it will be many years from now.

thekidduxc

+1 @ Jamie's response. DCR created a fantastic post. My takeaway from his post is that the power meter market has matured to such a point where the question what's the best power meter is no longer the proper question. The correct question is which is the best PM for me.

I've had great success with the PT G3; however, I purchased the G3 prior to living in the sandbox. Today I would purchase the P1 pedals because it fits my needs. (I've already fried my G3 from leaving it in the car for 60' @ 48C had to get the entire electronics replaced)!

Scott Giljum

I have used a power tap hub for a number of years and just recently went to the pedals. I love the pedals, but the price has to be something you are good with.

As for what crank to use for IMWI, I would strongly recommend a compact crank. My rule for that course is give me as many gears as possible and the compact makes my watts spike less when going up all the hills on that ride.

Francis Picard

i bought a p2m and really with it, easy to install

Tom Glynn

+2 on DC Rainmaker reviews - the best place to start.

I've had mostly power tap wheels as they were the cheapest / best price for the money for many years behind SRM. Now there are so many offerings out there it's hard to keep track. I bought a pair of the Power Tap P1 pedals several months ago and really like them. The only downside for me is the limited cleat options and I had to give up my favorite Speed Play pedals.

Brad Marcus

Also love my Quarq. They can be had used (Ebay, etc) for 1/2 the price or better of what a new one costs if $ is an issue. It's been rock solid for me for the last couple of years. But really, you will get a bunch of different responses here depending on who you ask, as everyone has different experiences and preferences. The DCR article breaks down the + and - of different types and brands very well and is a great reference to familiarize yourself so you have a good understanding.

Regarding IMWI, I'd go with a compact crank.

John Henault

Let me throw this out there:

I have an older Quarq Cinco with carbon FSA cranks that I'm not using (http://67.23.2.82/quarq-fsa). It needs to be repaired - the prongs that hold the battery in place broke. You likely have to sent to to Quarq and have them fix it. It is a 53x39. It has a MegaExo bottom bracket (which I have and will throw in).

If anyone wants it, I'll sell it for FREE. I can't guarantee Quarq will fix it, but for free, its worth a shot.

I'm in the DC area and will be at the Blue Ridge Camp in a month and a half so I can hand-off then. Or, I will ship if you pay for the shipping. Let me know.

moetai@gmail.com

Stages, very cheap, easy to install, use and swap between bikes that have the same crank system. And if u use gxp, they are on sale for 400 USD