Power meters.......

[langy]

I’ve being a keen cyclist for a good few years now and have recently started to use TrainerRoad for winter training and I'm now starting to see the benefit of training by power.

To date I have been riding to cadence, HR and feel, which I think has worked fairly well for me (e.g. I know I can't sustain 170bpm+ for very long out on the road, or on the turbo).

I've been using the virtual power with TR to monitor power during work outs and I find it’s a very good method of ensuring perceived effort is maintained across multiple blocks within a given workout. So I want to transfer this 'knowledge' to the road.

I have been looking at power meters on and off for 12 months or so and have looked into getting one through our cycle to works scheme, but the preferred option (Powertap P1 pedals) have a cost above £1k from our provider, therefore they aren't eligible (not much flexibility and no option to change provider), so I've been looking at the Stages crank arm (not eligible through CTW as they are classed as crank arms….), so I’ve given up on the CTW scheme.

I can’t justify spending £1k on a power meter (have looked at P1’s and the Quark system, but above my budget), so have been looking at the 4iii or Stages crank arms. Has anybody got any real life feedback on either of these or anything similar? I’ve had a good read through the DC Rainmaker reviews which have been a great source of information.

TIA

[langy]

okgo said:

Quarq £400-500 on amazon.

I did look at the Quarq, however, because of my bottom bracket type, I need the GXP version of the Dfour and also would need to replace my BB with a pressfit GXP type, so unfortunately, none of the £500 ones on Amazon fit the bill. Appreciate the heads up all the same

[langy]

okgo said:

Which would take about 15 mins and £25?

Agreed, however the Quarq system is £968 (from Sigmasports).

[langy]

Dannbodge said:

Have a look at the Powerpod.

It's claimed to be as accurate as pedal based systems and is less than £300.

I have had a look at those and at £250 (from probikekit), it's tempting, however, as it works on wind resistance, it won't be any good on the turbo, unless I can connect my speed sensor to a fan and blow in the right amount of air.....

[langy]

Mmmm, made me think a bit more about the Stages option (although talking to a couple of guys at works and they rate them).

Looks like the 4iiii option is a good one and added that they may come up with a 'pro upgrade' version (like they do with the Dura Ace version) in the future so you can get both left and right power readings.

[langy]

okgo said:

(not to mention the fundamentally flawed method it uses for giving you power in the first place)

I will take your point on board, however, what does that ^^^^^^ refer to? the left hand only side, or something a bit deeper?

[langy]

AyBee said:

The left hand side doubling method that it's based on.

Thanks for clarifying. For my level of cycling and budget, I'm happy with that approach.

[langy]

Appreciate all comments.

Just measured my bike and I don't have space between my crank arm and frame for the 4iiii option, so that is out whether I wanted it or not. (Bike is a Canyon Ultimate)

[langy]

After reading this little lot, I'll think I'll invest in some new wheels or a smart trainer rather than a power meter

[langy]

okgo said:

Neither of the above are an investment. And the smart meter will be largely useless without a powermeter anyway unless they've changed very recently.

The answer is fairly simple, accept you need to spend a few more quid. Buy a proper unit, reap the benefits for ever more.

Thanks again for your useful comments. I will make my own decision on what I feel is best for my circumstances.

[langy]

Well after a conversation with the LBS and AN Other, it looks as though the Quarq Dzero (aluminium), new chainset and bottom bracket could be purchased for under £700

[langy]

Amazon sellers are somewhat misleading by advertising something they don't actually have to sell 🙁

[langy]

AyBee said:

That's a brilliant deal. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Quarq Dzero, just trying to work out which crank length would work best.

Same length as existing cranks....

[langy]

Well after less than a month, the my Quarq Dzero has developed a fault and needs to be replaced...... Not very happy.

I think it's fair to say that all power meters have there faults and none are 100% reliable, not matter what people say.

[langy]

langy said:

Well after less than a month, the my Quarq Dzero has developed a fault and needs to be replaced...... Not very happy.

I think it's fair to say that all power meters have there faults and none are 100% reliable, not matter what people say.

After a few weeks of discussing with Wiggle and as they don't have any stock (in fairness, neither does anywhere else), money has been refunded and I've switched the BB to run my original crank set.

Guess that is the problem with crank based systems, if they aren't compatible with your original BB and they develop a fault, you need to change your BB.

I'll be ordering another unit when somewhere gets them back in stock.

[langy]

okgo said:

Changing a BB is a 1 minute job on most bikes, though admittedly an additional cost.

Agreed, if you have the right tools (or a friendly LBS).

[langy]

AyBee said:

Would Quarq not send you a replacement unit direct?

No, had to go back via retailer (Wiggle)

[langy]

AyBee said:

Aah, ok. What was wrong with it out of interest? I've just started using one myself...

Honestly don't know. I was out for a ride, chain came of the inner chain ring, I put chain back on and power reading was 9697W..... When I recalibrated it, the offset was -1000 ish rather than the normal 200 ish.

Contacted Quarq and they asked me to reset the unit (which didn't work), so returned it.

Hopefully yours will be problem free.