Watt power should I use?
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I'm sure there will be different opinions as to what system is best, but personally, I am currently batting for Powertap.
We've been doing loads of research here with regards to the release of the 2012 range (which is now available to purchase), and I think on balance Powertap is the best system for most people.
It is more flexible (transfers to bikes easily) and cheaper than say SRM, Polar, Garmin and Quarq etc. Whats not to love?
Well, bearing challenges are the main one, plus there is the thorny issue of training/racing wheels and whether you want to be training on 50mm carbon rims, or racing on a 32hole trainign wheel! I think this is some of the thinking behind the 2012 Powertap range... there are only two options now, the 2012 Pro and the G3 hubs. The G2 is race orientated, the pro the cheapest hub Powertap have ever produced. You can have one of each, plus a head unit, and still have change from the cost of a set of Quarq.
My website has a little article on the 2012 range. http://www.koolstofcoaching.com/article ... and-wheels
As mentioned, I am sure others will have different opinions. I 'd really like to hear from people that have got their hands on the new pedal based systems.
We've been doing loads of research here with regards to the release of the 2012 range (which is now available to purchase), and I think on balance Powertap is the best system for most people.
It is more flexible (transfers to bikes easily) and cheaper than say SRM, Polar, Garmin and Quarq etc. Whats not to love?
Well, bearing challenges are the main one, plus there is the thorny issue of training/racing wheels and whether you want to be training on 50mm carbon rims, or racing on a 32hole trainign wheel! I think this is some of the thinking behind the 2012 Powertap range... there are only two options now, the 2012 Pro and the G3 hubs. The G2 is race orientated, the pro the cheapest hub Powertap have ever produced. You can have one of each, plus a head unit, and still have change from the cost of a set of Quarq.
My website has a little article on the 2012 range. http://www.koolstofcoaching.com/article ... and-wheels
As mentioned, I am sure others will have different opinions. I 'd really like to hear from people that have got their hands on the new pedal based systems.
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I got a quarq after having to send in my PT SL+ 2 times and my SLC+ in once. The turn around in Canada was 3 weeks. The third time I sent it in I drove across the boarder so Saris would accept it, even though I bought it from the US.
Can you calibrate the new PT hub or do you have to send it in like the old one?
Can you calibrate the new PT hub or do you have to send it in like the old one?
For it's proven reliability and results alone I always recommend the SRM. I have been on SRM for over 10 years and my original system (PowerMeter and PowerController) are still going strong. The newest system is very good (I am currently using a DA7950 SRM with an alloy-cased PC7). I would recommend a used, wired SRM, which is about bomb-proof as you can get.
i am using powertap and power2max. both reliable, beneficial systems, delivering accurate values (i validated the p2max with my powertap).
maybe it would make sense to consider, if you want to use different bikes with the pm, or use a pm-equipped bike with different wheelsets.
edit: pedal-based system could be really convinient. but i fear, bringing it to market takes to long for a use already in the winter-training.
maybe it would make sense to consider, if you want to use different bikes with the pm, or use a pm-equipped bike with different wheelsets.
edit: pedal-based system could be really convinient. but i fear, bringing it to market takes to long for a use already in the winter-training.
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I have a PowerTap, but if I were to be buying a PM now I'd probably go for a Power2max. The PowerTap is very restrictive when it comes to wheel choice and racing with the PM provides really useful information. My current approach is to build the PowerTap into a carbon rim for the summer and use that for training and racing, and then switch to an alloy rim for the winter to train with. Not ideal, but it works.
As for ease of switching - I think you'll probably find that switching cranks will be as quick if not quicker than switching pedals so I'm not sure the pedal-based systems are really much better in that regard. And it looks like they'll cost at least as much as the Power2max anyway.
As for ease of switching - I think you'll probably find that switching cranks will be as quick if not quicker than switching pedals so I'm not sure the pedal-based systems are really much better in that regard. And it looks like they'll cost at least as much as the Power2max anyway.
SRM if you got the cash. Second place on my books go to Powertap. I had two powertaps, but sold one and was planning on selling my 24h as well and upgrading to SRM...but...SRM at $2700 for the powermeter, is lots of money. I might actually get another Powertap again.
That Power2Max looks good though especially at that price as long as it works as promised.
That Power2Max looks good though especially at that price as long as it works as promised.
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surely garmin vector pedal power is the one to get (from mar12)....its £1149 in the UK, gives pedal balance, ANT+. I am saying that as a regular powertap user. I'd recommend the joule head unit which is awesome provided you don't need GPS. Vector will transfer between bikes better than anything else....nb look keopower not ant+
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ajmitchell wrote:surely garmin vector pedal power is the one to get (from mar12)....its £1149 in the UK, gives pedal balance, ANT+. I am saying that as a regular powertap user. I'd recommend the joule head unit which is awesome provided you don't need GPS. Vector will transfer between bikes better than anything else....nb look keopower not ant+
What makes the Vector better than the Power2max? Easier to move between bikes? Nope. Cheaper? Nope. Both ANT+? Yep. The L-R balance is a gimmick as far as I can tell.
Power2max actually works as well
amaferanga wrote:What makes the Vector better than the Power2max? Easier to move between bikes? Nope.
you can use one set both on road and MTB bikes
weight concerned = good, weight obsessed = bad!
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+1 for the Power2max system. Simple to fit and use, accurate when run against Quarq/SRM and at their price, really fits the bill.