Power Meters

Isn't it a lot more expensive than power tap?

I don't have one, but all my mates have power tap and love it.

frenchcycling said:

Which power meters would u guys suggest. I am considering the SRM amature model. Any experiances with this model? reliable? accurate? long lasting? waterproof?
thanks

I researched them recently and decided on PowerTap SL. The main alternative for me was the SRM Pro, but I couldn't justify the increased cost with any meaningful (to me) benefits. I rejected the SRM Amateur based on accuracy (# of strain gauges). The early models of the PT SL had problems due to the O-rings, but that seems to have been totally fixed. I am very happy with my PT SL. The cheapest way to go is the Polar (especially if you already have the computer, cadence, etc.), but the power data are not reliable on a trainer and I wanted to go with a system that I could use on a trainer as well as the road. If I had a power-based trainer, I might have more seriously considered the Polar. I don't think the ergomo is a proven product at this point, so I gave it only slight consideration. I think the accuracy of the PT Pro, PT SL, SRM Pro and Polar is completely acceptable for most training purposes. The Polar gets pretty thoroughly trashed on this site, but I have a buddy who both sells and uses it and he says the problems people have had with it are largely due to incorrect installation. I do think the Polar should be actively considered. If you have multiple bikes, you might want to give some consideration to the implications of having the power data collected at the hub or at the cranks, unless you're rich and just put a power meter on every bike you ride. Whichever way you go, I can virtually guarantee you that you will want to have power data for both training rides and races. As to software, I wouldn't use that to choose which PM to go with. The CyclingPeaks software is better than any of them and has the benefit of Andy Coggan's Normalized Power computation. This is huge! I have never even taken my PT software out of the sleeve. Here's a link to an article that evaluates the (then) available PM products.
biketechreview.compm review.htmOpen ↗

yes the srm is more expensive then the power tap, i understand this. which is better?

Since I have a PT SL and not an SRM, can't give an absolute answer about "better." Lets assume that both are equally "repeatable," which is probably more important than absolute lab accuracy. The advantage of the SRM is that you can use as many different rear wheels as you want, since the meter is in the bottom bracket. The downside is that you can only use it on one bike. The PT is sort of the converse - you must use the PT wheel, but since the harness is quite inexpensive (about $70 I think) you can have harnesses on several bikes (say a road bike and a TT bike, etc.) and use the PT wheel on either. So ultimately you have to decide how you will use the meter, and that will help with the choice. By the way, I've had my "repaired" SL out in thunderstorm downpours and 90+F temperatures, it has worked perfectly since the initial "repair" (or whatever Saris would call the SL fix/upgrade program).

youd be one of the only ones around with the SRM.......