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Recommendations for a new PM

rodfunctionrodfunction
in General Training Discussions

Hello all!  So I am new to both EN and triathlons.  Last year was my first real year.  I completed the FL HIM, and Racine HIM.  nothing earth shattering.  really just made up my own plans.  obviously didn't work that well.  So I have been using a Kurt Kinetic "PM" with my trainer and I am loving it.  That little piece of plastic keeps me in check.  So I am wanting to make the leap to a real PM.  I am in impulsive buyer so don't want to make a mistake with this.

I am riding an 09 Cervelo P2C ultegra package.  bought from all3sports and have not made any changes to it.  Before Racine last year felt the need to buys wheels, so I have a set of Grey 50/95mm.

Looking for suggestions.  I know this is a well discussed topic, so thanks for taking time to bring a newbie up to speed.

 

Shawn

Comments

  • kurshingkurshing
    The standard advice is a power tap power meter build into a wheel from Weelbuilder. There are a few other ancillary things that a suggested...PM Coach Rich and he will fill you in on the details.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    If you like the race wheels you already have, think about a crank-based system lik Quarq.
  • tuckermtuckerm
    What other type of gear do you have? Do you own a Garmin GPS watch? If so what kind? What do you use as a bike computer?

    A Powertap will probably run you close to $1000 but then you would need to sell your rear wheel which would help finance the PT purchase.

    A Quarq will run you around $1500-1700 but you would be able to keep the rear wheel you already bought. You would need to purchase a ANT+ bike computer to receive your power numbers so that is an added expense. Upside of the Quarq is that you can use whatever wheels you want.

    Both a PT and a Quarq can be switched between bikes to some extent.

    There are other power meters out there but I would have to say these are the two most popular on the team. But as Stephen said, Rich is the man to contact. i would see what others say here then post in the Purchasing a Power Meter thread in this same folder. Good luck.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    The wiki (under resources above) has an article "Before you buy a power meter" you might want to read.
  • rodfunctionrodfunction
    Thanks to those of you that responded. pretty much confirmed what I was already thinking.

    @Al - have skimmed the article but will read it thoroughly this time.
    @Tucker - have a Garmin 310xt, I read it is compatible with the quarq.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    The 310xt works great with the Quarq system.
  • Chris M.Chris M.
    Posted By Bob McCallum on 19 Feb 2011 08:52 AM

    The 310xt works great with the Quarq system.



    And the PowerTap system.  

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I really, really like my Joule, as having IF, Pnorm, TSS, etc in real time on the bike is very powerfule. But having a 310XT reduces the startup cost for you by about $200-250. You can always decide later if you want to upgrade to the Houle.

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