Cyclepowermeters.co.uk

sheffsimon

Thinking about trying the whole training on power thing, rather than my usual intervals, hill efforts or just going out in peak district and battering meself.

As a kick-off, am considering renting SRM amateur package from cyclepowermeters on web. Rental price seems pretty reasonable, did briefly look at purchase prices but they are eye-watering! Or is powertap wheel a better system.

Anybody used cyclepowermeters?? Whats the kit like when you get it, in good order?

Once I've got it, do I then need to work out my zones in terms of power levels, how do I do that?

I'm happy with the intervals I do, presume then I could do the same on power rather than feel??

amaferanga

Hope you're not in a hurry for it and don't expect a reply to your emails.

I placed an order then tried to cancel it after deciding to buy a PowerTap (from elsewhere) - I think it has been cancelled as nothing has turned up after over a month, but I've had no confirmation. Probably sent about 7 emails to them in total and had zero replies.

Pretty shocking customer service (and I don't think my experience is unique), but then no-one else is hiring powermeters AFAIK so they can get away with it.

guinea

I got a powertap purely on price. If money was no option I'd have gone SRM and kept my Shamals on the bike.

Read the threads on WKO on the forum. You'll get everything you need from those. Basically after a few weeks of training go balls out for an hour. Bingo, you have your FTP. WKO will work out your zones after that.

Cyclepowermeters are highly regarded.

hopper1

Personally, I'd go for the Powertap as it's more flexible, ie; easy to swap from bike to bike, if you have more than one bike.
I have the early (wired) Powertap, but I'm awaiting a new Powertap+ wheelset to be built!
I didn't use cyclepowermeters.com, but plentyon here have, with god reviews.
If you are intending to train with power, then I advise you to obtain the book, 'Training and Racing with a Power Meter', by Hunter Allen & Andrew Coggan. I believe there's a new updated copy just been printed.
The book describes how to test to find your zones.
Yes, basically you'll do all training, even recovery based on power, as opposed to feel.

sheffsimon

Thanks all - will fire an email into them, see what response I get.

Seriously tempted though. Other option is cos its my 40th soon, I can justify (maybe) to the missus blowing a load of cash on a powertap wheel. Mmmmm.....

Pokerface

SheffSimon wrote:

Thanks all - will fire an email into them, see what response I get.

Seriously tempted though. Other option is cos its my 40th soon, I can justify (maybe) to the missus blowing a load of cash on a powertap wheel. Mmmmm.....

I'd try ringing them as they don't answer emails.

Just finished a rental contract with them for a Powertap wheel (and bought my own as I was so impressed with it).

Kit arrived BRAND NEW - never used before. Included wheel, computer, tyre, cassette, HR strap, etc. Everything but a skewer!

Used it for 3 months and price was great. Bought and built my own set-up as I decided I can't live without it!

bcss

SheffSimon wrote:

Thinking about trying the whole training on power thing, rather than my usual intervals, hill efforts or just going out in peak district and battering meself.

As a kick-off, am considering renting SRM amateur package from cyclepowermeters on web. Rental price seems pretty reasonable, did briefly look at purchase prices but they are eye-watering! Or is powertap wheel a better system.

Anybody used cyclepowermeters?? Whats the kit like when you get it, in good order?

Once I've got it, do I then need to work out my zones in terms of power levels, how do I do that?

I'm happy with the intervals I do, presume then I could do the same on power rather than feel??

If you want to buy a power tap and have a friend in the states I would ask him to get it for you and send it over, you pay the same amount ie. 1100 incl wheel for the pro but in USD instead of GBP, so you get it around 40% cheaper, shipping is around 60 USD

To determine your power zones properly you would need to do a VO2 max test, costs around 100 to 150 Pounds

APIII

The various systems on the market all have their pros and cons. I went down the SRM route, partly due to the fact I have some nice wheels and want to use them. Switching the cranks from one bike to another is also very easy and can be done in just a couple of minutes (although I think the amateur is a square taper b/b, so may take longer?)

I believe the Quarq cranks are due in the UK this month, and will be a lot cheaper than SRM (check http://www.5339.co.uk)

Get the book as recommended by the others. There are a number of ways to measure your FTP, just be consistent in which method you choose and you'll be fine.

Bronzie

bcss wrote:

To determine your power zones properly you would need to do a VO2 max test

Never heard that before - news to me (and many others on here I expect). The 1 hour TT is the Gold Standard for determining your current FTP (and hence training levels).

http://alex-cycle.blogspot.com/2008/05/ ... -sins.html


The Allen & Coggan book is almost an essential read if you are going to get the most out of the equipment. Another very good background read before you even get your hands on the unit is this:

http://www.freewebs.com/velodynamics2/rcgtp1.pdf

applemac

I used cyclepowermeters many times. Always very helpful. Give them a ring instead of emailing.

applemac

I used cyclepowermeters many times. Always very helpful. Give them a ring instead of emailing.

hopper1

bcss wrote:

If you want to buy a power tap and have a friend in the states I would ask him to get it for you and send it over, you pay the same amount ie. 1100 incl wheel for the pro but in USD instead of GBP, so you get it around 40% cheaper, shipping is around 60 USD

To determine your power zones properly you would need to do a VO2 max test, costs around 100 to 150 Pounds

Assuming you don't get caught for the import duty!
I gave up waiting for Bob at cyclepowermeters to respond to an email, so I got Derek at Wheelsmith to build me a complete wheelset for £1100.

sheffsimon

APIII wrote:

The various systems on the market all have their pros and cons. I went down the SRM route, partly due to the fact I have some nice wheels and want to use them. Switching the cranks from one bike to another is also very easy and can be done in just a couple of minutes (although I think the amateur is a square taper b/b, so may take longer?)

I believe the Quarq cranks are due in the UK this month, and will be a lot cheaper than SRM (check http://www.5339.co.uk)

Get the book as recommended by the others. There are a number of ways to measure your FTP, just be consistent in which method you choose and you'll be fine.

Just had a look at Quarq on 5339 website, cheaper than SRM but still more than powertap.

I think the rented powertap wheel might be first option, then see how many wins that produces.

wallstreet

amaferanga wrote:

Hope you're not in a hurry for it and don't expect a reply to your emails.

I placed an order then tried to cancel it after deciding to buy a PowerTap (from elsewhere) - I think it has been cancelled as nothing has turned up after over a month, but I've had no confirmation. Probably sent about 7 emails to them in total and had zero replies.

Pretty shocking customer service (and I don't think my experience is unique), but then no-one else is hiring powermeters AFAIK so they can get away with it.

It's was July 2013 that I ordered two items at a cost of £29. I heard nothing about the order. So I wrote, then called. 2 months have passed with false promises gone by! Terrible that they sell items not in stock. I still await my refund. I plan to go to small claims court if they do not return my money. It's in principle, unjust such companies exist. Best to use chain reaction, wiggle or Evans. I have never had fault with them oh and cyclestore.

Hope you got your item in the end I know it's 2013 so assume you did!

napoleond

Ring them. They always answer the phone and its quicker!

mentalalex

they are top guys!

stueys

bcss wrote:

If you want to buy a power tap and have a friend in the states I would ask him to get it for you and send it over, you pay the same amount ie. 1100 incl wheel for the pro but in USD instead of GBP, so you get it around 40% cheaper, shipping is around 60 USD

To determine your power zones properly you would need to do a VO2 max test, costs around 100 to 150 Pounds

Is it though? Looking online wiggle have the g3@620 and jensons (us) have it for $1299. Do you know somewhere cheaper in the US?

FatTed

Buy in the country you are resident. Warranty issues crop up all the time with power meters.

mattclinton

I've just been reading through this thread and would like to just mention that in 2010 when most of the posts on here originated, Bob was pretty much working alone in the company.

There's now several of us in the office, which means that we can respond to your requests much quicker and efficiently. We try to respond to emails in a timely manner (those who email me know this!), I would assume that if several have been sent and you've had no response, then they've not go through. We're always here at the end of the phone, where you can always leave a message.

Niaz, as far as I am aware we always responded to your inquiries, apologies we have not been able to source this product. We were told we would have some within a few weeks of your order and lead times are out of our control. The website does not state that we have any item in stock, though for the vast majority of items we do hold. I am informed your complaint has all been sorted out. Once again, apologies.

Regarding buying a powermeter from abroad, although we do ship worldwide, personally I would always buy from a retailer within your home country.

paddlemyowncanoe

Bob and Derek are both great sources of advice - just call

lef

very good experiences with them. I always just pick up the phone if I need a response and Bob has always been very helpful.

dzp1

They are excellent. Helped me out long before I ever bought anything from them, and were excellent when I did buy a crank based PM off them about a year later. Thumbs up from me.