Obtaining a used Power Meter

[false_aesthetic]

What would one choose:

Basic assumptions: batteries are good. thing works correctly. Computer/mounts are included. Unknown mileage.

Wired SRM. Square taper, etc. Unknown mileage. obviously older generation
Wireless PT. lower tier. generation or 2 old.

[Too Tall]

SRM because they never die and the wired SRM Pro units are easily reconfigured for any rider AND you can send it back for repair at reasonable rates AND it stays on the bike changing wheels at will.

Old powertaps have issues with wet weather, rapid temp changes, lousy cones and that's about it. That said I have several clients with Powertaps that will not die as long as I keep replacing cones, freshening up O rings. Used Powertaps are a real bargain but than again so are old SRMs.

Get the SRM.

[TJ]

Between those 2 id go SRM. They just plain work better.

[SignatureJustin]

SRM units are the best period.

[false_aesthetic]

thanks.

[lakeman77]

I have a friend who has nothing but trouble with his SRM. others love them. Basic Cyclops wireless powertaps are pretty reliable. cheaper, easier to use and do the job.

[roseyscot]

I have a friend who has nothing but trouble with his SRM. others love them. Basic Cyclops wireless powertaps are pretty reliable. cheaper, easier to use and do the job.

and when you send your powertap wheel in for service, it's a lot easier to slap a spare wheel on the bike than it is to slap a spare crankset on the bike while your SRM is in for service.

that said, i'm hoping to ditch my PT for one of those new non-driveside crankarm mounted power meters this spring.

[JoB]

What he said. To add: you can calibrate your SRM but you cannot do this with the PT. You can validate the PT to check if it is still accurate and if it is not, send it back. Last I checked, they scaled back their warranty a bit, however, so you are on the hook for fees for that.

Also: If you are not willing to learn how to calibrate your SRM and then make sure it stays within calibration, you should buy a wireless bike computer and spend the rest on a nice dinner for the Mrs.

SRM because they never die and the wired SRM Pro units are easily reconfigured for any rider AND you can send it back for repair at reasonable rates AND it stays on the bike changing wheels at will.

Old powertaps have issues with wet weather, rapid temp changes, lousy cones and that's about it. That said I have several clients with Powertaps that will not die as long as I keep replacing cones, freshening up O rings. Used Powertaps are a real bargain but than again so are old SRMs.

Get the SRM.

[boots2000]

Used srm all the way.
Should be able to get suqare taper for $500 or less. Dura-Ace 7800 for $600-800 (complete).
Make sure they have had recent battery change or use that as a lever to reduce cost. Will cost
about $100 (each) for battery in powercontrol and powermeter.

[Look585]

SRM. Biggest "drawback" is the battery issue, but if you have basic mechanical skills (about the level of changing a derailleur cable and readjust your shifting) you can easily change them yourself. You can buy the batteries for the headunit (~$4) and crank (~$12) via the interwebs. If for any reason this freaks you out, send them to me and I'll change the batteries and recalibrate for the cost of materials/shipping and a 6-pack.

The issue of downtime in the case of a repair is definitely possible, but if you can't find a compatible square taper crankset to borrow or buy for a song while the SRM is in the shop, you aren't trying very hard.

PM for all the gory battery details.

[Nightfend]

Aside from the other aspects that have been mentioned, there is a fairly sizeable cost differential between the two systems. You can find used Powertap wheels that are relatively new for less than a $1,000. SRM's, even used are fairly pricey unless you get a good deal from a buddy. Honestly, you might be better off just saving the coin and getting a Quarq.

[false_aesthetic]

Provided that the cranks are the right length, looks like I'll be doing the buddy hook-up for the SRM.
I was mistaken though its an Octalink crankset not square taper. Hopefully I can rock the battery change myself. Looks like I just need to order mounting stuff.





Of course, this is all dependent on me being able to ride hard again.

[boots2000]

Can get differnt crankarms for that unit cheap as well.
Also, I have heard that batteries plus can get and install the battery for the powercontrol, not sure about powermeter.

[Auk]

Can get differnt crankarms for that unit cheap as well.
Also, I have heard that batteries plus can get and install the battery for the powercontrol, not sure about powermeter.

I've ordered the batteries from Batteries Plus for both head and crank twice, and they work great. A simple soldering iron and 5-10 minutes of time and you're done.

[rustylion]

I vote SRM.

I was a Saris/Powertap user for a long time. Worked great and their software is the best for power analysis.

I changed to SRM because it was getting too expensive to manage too many multiple wheel sets. The Powertap hubs also added extra cost. I use a Garmin 705 (bought used) with an online account with TrainingPeaks. System works fine.

I have friends who love their Quark, have had no bad experiences (they have great warranty service) and I see nothing wrong with it.

Good luck. I have bought used stuff from reputable sellers on forums, Craigslist and ebay...kinda where you find the right item.

[DOOFUS]

mavic max








seriously, get the SRM

I like powertaps, but I got deals on them at different times, in different years...3 hubs is ridiculous

[PJC]

I have friends who love their Quark, have had no bad experiences (they have great warranty service) and I see nothing wrong with it.

.

I have had everything except an SRM...PT, Ergomo (nightmare...run), Quarq. Have been using Quarq for the last 3 years. Best yet...but no frame of reference for SRM. Only Quarq issue is that sometimes it just craps out in sub freezing temps...there is NO power data stream coming from it. When it warms up to about 40F, it comes back. I have read that others have observed this as well.

Sorry for the thread drift.

[mattsbeers]

Great insight. Now who has a square taper SRM to sell me?

[Freddy Salgado]

Anyone have experience with cycleops powercal? http://www.cycleops.com/en/products/.../powercal.html
Looks like a an inexspensive option to explore but maybe to good to be true?

[BR549]

After using the SEARCH feature [suggested to my by Frank Zappa] I learned;

A HR monitor is just as good or faaaaaaaaaar better than a power meter.

While some people here use them, they advise against YOU using one and you don't know what you're doing.

Cycling is about the beauty and a power meter will ruin that.

Just random rides will get you as fit as actual planned/executed training.

It doesn't matter anyway, you're a wanker and will never understand.

Bragging about you taste in esoteric beer/coffee and goat cheese is important.

I'm funny but you're not.