What Power Meter do you use? - Page 3

cuocciom · #31 02-14.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thom_y

I don't have a PM yet ... I want one based on my research to date, but this forum is making selection confusing.

SRM is more than I want to spend, leaving me to consider PT SL (preferably 2.4 wireless) or possibly the new Polar CS600. Won't consider erogmo now and iBike doesn't seem a viable alternative. Would love to hear more about the MicroSport Revolution, but suspect it is nothing more than vaporware for a while.

I realize that there is an inherent bias that problems are more likely to show up on forums like this, while happy customers are probably too busy riding to post anything positive about their device. Yet, the early experience of a few with their PT SL 2.4 on this forum is making me hesitant to take the plunge just yet.

I am curious are people out there who are happier than pigs in **** with their new PT SL 2.4's ??

Whereas I would hate to spend > 1500$ to get a PT SL2.4 wheel and have it crap out a week later, I am anxious to hear reports about the Polar CS600 once it is available to see how it tracks against the PT, hear about reliability, ease of set up, problems, indoor use on trainer etc. Does the limited memory 2 hour 50 min (for HR, speed, cadence, power) with 1s sampling make it a nonstarter for some ? Is it likely to be any more reliable than iBike ?

Seems there is a real love-hate relationship with the original Polar device.

I bought a PowerTap Pro SL in December 2005. I used it all 2006, and I saw significant improvements in my race performances. Of course, I also paid for coaching for five months, so I can't claim that a tool made all the difference. Unfortunately, I spent a LOT of down time with the PowerTap. I now am on my fourth and fifth modules. Both of them (like the three before them) are malfunctioning: total loss of heart rate recording; "blackouts" of 5-15 seconds every minute or two; total loss of data recording; etc. I also had to ship the wheel/hub back to Saris for new seals after one ten minute rain storm. Saris has been very good about replacing defective parts, but I think they're getting sick of me. I'm not happy with the product quality. I don't abuse the equipment, and there is no reasonable explanation for the frequent failures. Oddly, I'm considering buying a 2.4 wireless model because I appreciate the training benefits and the clean installation, but only if Saris repairs or replaces one of the two defective modules I have now.
Mark Cuoccio

Ollli · #32 03-05.-2007

Just got my CycleOps PowerTap SL for 930 Euros and i am very happy. After testing a Polar Power Meter with broken cables and a never ending setup i am very happy now. Although i had to sell my Tacx I-Magic to get the Powertap :-( but i think the spring is with me :-)

All the Best, Oliver

Piotr · #33 03-05.-2007

Well, I had my first experience with my new shining PT SL this weekend. Everything great so far. I opted not to install the cadence wire for now, but noticed something interesting about the hub cadence values. Namely, if you push on the pedals it reads OK, but as soon as you start pedaling smoothly in a more circular motion it overestimates the values. Perhaps this is already known to all, but just FYI, it became apparent to me that the hub cadence calculates based on power variances in the pedal stroke. IOW, if your pedal stroke is rather smooth you're better off installing the additional cadence unit.

betulla · #34 04-08.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by acoggan

What's up with all the people responding "other not listed"? With the exception of the old LOOK MaxOne, all the rest are on the list.

What about the Computrainer?

jbvcoaching · #35 04-08.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by betulla

What about the Computrainer?

http://cyclingforums.com/showpost.ph...4&postcount=16

WhitWyatt · #36 04-28.-2007

I have used powertaps for years. First the SL, then the 2.4

On the Sl's I went through at least 4 computers, as all of them eventually lost the heartrate signal completely. (I think I missed the water problem era)

My neighbor went through 3 computers for various problems, and two hubs, on which he bent the axles (he is a biggish guy)

Then went to the 2.4 wireless, and right out of the box had 16 dropouts of heartrate in a one hour ride, you all know the story of course.

So now I am the proud new owner of a SRM pro, which was financed by the sale of a whole raft of powertap stuff.

I have to say, the powertap is a fairly good product, but plagued with reliability and quality control issues. (at least in my experience). I am tired of waiting for them to get it right.

After reading the 155 page SRM manual - several times - and getting it on the bike and adjusted correctly - and going out today for a quick 40 minute spin just to check it out, I have to say I am really impressed with it.

The number of parameters you can change is incredible, the display is much easier to read; the amount of thought that went into the design and execution of this product seem to be head and shoulders above the powertap equipment.

All I have to do now is ride it for a year or two and see how it holds up!

Whit

NORECUMYET · #37 06-02.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE83

What Power Meter do you use? Vote on the poll!

Me - 4 Polar Power meters, next one might be an ergomo pro if the new Polar Power meter does not have enough 1 sec memory.

Sorry, I forgot to put SRM science in the poll!

I voted "Other" but I don't really think what I have is a power meter. I've got the Garmin Edge 305. It measures more types of data then I'll probably ever use but I don't know if I can take what it does record and use it correctly. I'm sure there's formulae that make it possible to convert calories used, distance, speed, %grade, feet climbed, cadence, etc., into watts but I wouldn't know what to do with it. I'm kind of a data junkie so any info people can help with would be appreciated.
I am brand new to road biking by the way.

vascdoc · #38 06-26.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE83

And I am surprised how very few have Polars, when this is the cheapest basic powermeter you can buy.

Actually the iBike is the cheapest.

vascdoc · #39 06-26.-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by NORECUMYET

I voted "Other" but I don't really think what I have is a power meter. I've got the Garmin Edge 305. It measures more types of data then I'll probably ever use but I don't know if I can take what it does record and use it correctly. I'm sure there's formulae that make it possible to convert calories used, distance, speed, %grade, feet climbed, cadence, etc., into watts but I wouldn't know what to do with it. I'm kind of a data junkie so any info people can help with would be appreciated.
I am brand new to road biking by the way.

The Edge 305 is not a PM. Regarding the data - for purposes of training, the only data useful on the Edge is HR. I think it is clear that PM are superior to HR for training purposes. For recreational riding, however, the Edge is a very nice unit. I own one and enjoy it. I have been thinking about a PM, but the price, and reliability factor complicate the matter. I am also a recreational rider with a "competitive" streak. Purchase of a PM just to collect one more piece of data that goes unused does not make sense. I have a computrainer and appreciate the use of power for training in the winter. My reliability for sticking to a training schedule conflicts with my unpredictable work schedule. Thus I sit on the side lines dreaming of a PM but realizing that it is icing on the cake. Reduction of calories and a trim figure is probably more important!

PaulMD · #40 07-11.-2007

Since yesterday I have a Powertap SL 2.4 in combination with a zipp 404 wheelset :-)

Today I am going to buy rimtape and I hope to test ride it tonight.

Thom_y · #41 08-17.-2007

Powertap SL 2.4 mounted on Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 wheel.

musher · #42 12-02.-2007

I have a Polar PM since Xmas 04.

This year i have aks Santa for a SRM Pro, i have been very good and hope that Santa will grant my "WHICH"

,Ride Hard ,Musher

tridoc3 · #43 01-17.-2008

Ergomo Pro

mick1 · #44 01-28.-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyzackery

I have the Performance Bike (made by Elite) Real Axiom VR Trainer. I find the speedometer on the trainer reads about 1 mph slower than both my Polar 725x and VDO cyclometers.

I'm wondering if anyone has done any comparisons with regard to the accuracy, or lack thereof, of the electronic ergometer/trainer power meters versus the on-the-bike power meters.

Please Email me at mgroszko1@aol.com. I have some questions (off lime) about the Real Axiom software.

thanks,

Mick

no1kung1 · #45 02-04.-2008

Woohoo! As of yesterday I've joined the power club. Powertap SL laced to bontrager x lite aeros. I bought it used from a teammate, great deal. Spent last night fidgeting around to get TrainingPeaks working on my non-intel Mac. Once I did, i found it to be pretty seamless (if slow...but thats not the programs fault). Looking forward to better targeting my training as the season almost hits full gear.

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