Cheapest power meter?

Barrzy257

Looking to step the training up, wondering what the cheapest or best value for money power meters ate out there? Any recommendations are welcome. Preferably something to work with the garmin edge 800 also...

golfergmc

Don`t go for the cheapest go for the most reliable that gives constant readings and no lost data.

amaferanga

Cheapest way into proper power measurement that'll work with your Garmin is a PowerTap Elite+. It's a bit heavier than the more expensive Pro+ and SL+ models, but gives exactly the same information. If the internet is to be believed, it's actually the SL+ that's the least reliable in the range despite it being the most expensive. You should be able to pick up a new Elite+ for £300-£400. There are new PowerTap models now, but these are quite a bit more expensive.

Older wired PowerTaps (that won't work with your Edge) could be even cheaper, but then you'd be stuck with the crappy PowerTap head unit.

Crank-based systems are bit more expensive - about £700 for a Power2max, >£1000 for a new Quarq and a lot more for a new SRM. Arguably these are more flexible as they are still easily switched between bikes, but they don't limit your wheel choice like the PowerTap does.

If I was buying again and I couldn't stretch to a Quarq or SRM (which I can't) then I'd go for a Power2max. They're not without issues (no power meter is), but the wheel choice issue with a PowerTap is a bigger issue IMO (especially if you want to train and race with the PowerTap).

springtide9

The Powertap Pro rear wheel are £675 new or just the Hub for £595 (based on Wiggle with 12% discount from being a British Cycling/Platinum member/customer)

I waited until one of Wiggle's 10% weekends (although sometimes these weekend discounts don't include the Powertap), so got the rear wheel for around £600.

I looked at the Power2max and was tempted, but put off by the fact I would have also had to have swapped my chainset (so it was down to cost)

The newer PT's are a bit lighter, but as stated above the Elite + are cheaper. If you do go for the complete rear wheel, I would would pop it into an LBS and get a wheel builder to check the tension of the spokes before riding. My PT Pro had to be returned (a one month process) to get it repaired as it went badly out of true (to the point the wheel rubbed on the frame). On googling I'm not the first person for this to happen too, but maybe there was just a bad batch or we were unlucky, but something to check.

As above, wheel choice is an issue. If I did this again I would have gone for the hub only (and chosen the spoke count based on my requirements) had a wheel built up with a lighter rim/spokes.

But the complete wheel seemed like the most hassle free at the time.

Cornish-J

i'm waiting for garmin vector - the ease of switching between bikes is the biggest key for me as i have different BB types on my bikes, and being able to take on holiday etc.

okgo

Get on the wattage group, loads for sale there.

I picked up a bargain Quarq off here, they do come up.

danowat

I got my powertap SL+ for £500, with the joule 2 unit and HR strap, from ebay (canada)

LangerDan

Bear in mind the potential long-term costs of the meter. For the Powertap, it is likely that you will go through several sets of wheel bearings (which can be replaced yourself but may affect your warranty). A authorised service / recalibration is around £50 without parts. And should you have the misfortune to have an out-of-warranty issue with the electronics, you are usually looking at a full replacement of the internals at something north of £300.

Having said that, even the full-fat SRM at several times the price of a Powertap usually has to go back to the factory every year or so for recalibration, battery replacement etc.

The cheapest option is to rent one in the first instance until you are sure you can get on with one - not everyone gels with them and if not, you're left with an expensive toy.