Road Bike Racing - PowerTap or Ergomo?

Got some money for graduation, enough for me get an Ergomo to replace my PowerTap Pro. Is this a silly idea? A waste of time and money?

yeah, buy expensive carbon things instead.

Got some money for graduation, enough for me get an Ergomo to replace my PowerTap Pro. Is this a silly idea? A waste of time and money?

You could always sell the Powertap Pro for a good amount of cash... or give it away to me :D

I'd sell the PT to help recoup some cost of the Ergomo

Did you graduate from HS or college? Do you have a full-time job?

College. I'm waiting to hear back from a potential employer today/this week.

BD,

Your call. I will say the Ergomo gives you more flexibility in cranks and wheel choices. Better computer head too. If you're a big fan of the outboard bearing cranks you may want to hold off until they have their new unit out, and if you are OK with ISIS you might want to wait for the new unit anyway, the price on the older style BB will drop a bit I'm guessing.

Or just get it and enjoy it.

I'm an Octalink person. My main reason for consdering the Ergomo is the altimeter, ability to use my "boutique" wheels, and doesn't it also show you your TSS in-ride?

I'm an Octalink person. My main reason for consdering the Ergomo is the altimeter, ability to use my "boutique" wheels, and doesn't it also show you your TSS in-ride?

all true. multiple wheelsets is why i went with it

I'm an Octalink person. My main reason for consdering the Ergomo is the altimeter, ability to use my "boutique" wheels, and doesn't it also show you your TSS in-ride?

Yep, and IF too. Slick unit.

Nothing wrong with it, BD. It's nice. But I'd at least wait until you're gainfully employed, and maybe wait until you're settled down.

I don't know what your situation is, but coming out of college, I had a cash-flow problem - i.e., no credit and lots of expenses getting an apartment for my new job. Temporary and all that... but still, it sucked having a well-paying job, but not being able to buy anything for lack of cash at hand.

Your mileage may vary.

Right now I'm saying that if I get this job, then I'm buying the Ergomo as a reward for my hard work and perseverence. So, cross your fingers for me. Because I really want this job (the ergomo would be a fringe benefit)

do you have a coach? if not, spend the money on one.

Got some money for graduation, enough for me get an Ergomo to replace my PowerTap Pro. Is this a silly idea? A waste of time and money?

$1500 in a 401k at age 22 = $108,597 at retirement, assuming historical rates of return. ( not even considering Employer matching).

$1500 in an ergomo equals nada in a couple of years when it's kaput.

Unless you're in a position to max out your 401K in your new job, and still have money left for the Ergomo, it is silly.

While I could dispense life advise and financial investment strategies, I will refrain. Personally, I like the idea of the Ergomo, and because of the Altimeter function I have thought of dropping the SRM and going with it. It is the only other power meter that would consider because I like having freedom of wheel choices. So, if you want to upgrade, reward yourself and sell the PT. You will probably be able to make it a not so expensive reward that way. However, if you are happy with the data from teh powertap and you have other rewards you would be interested in having, I don't think that the little bit of ino that you don't have (on board TSS, altimeter functions) are worth it. Go with something else that will make you happy.

$1500 in a 401k at age 22 = $108,597 at retirement, assuming historical rates of return. ( not even considering Employer matching).

$1500 in an ergomo equals nada in a couple of years when it's kaput.

Unless you're in a position to max out your 401K in your new job, and still have money left for the Ergomo, it is silly.

You need to subtract the amount he'll get for his Powertap. And what numbers are you using for retirement and rate of return? And are you factoring in historical inflation so you can give him an adjusted purchasing power, after taxes on his withdrawals? Minus the estimated salvage value of the Ergomo?

Assuming, of course, he makes it to retirement age, what ever that is by time he's eligible...probably 75 or 80 by then for full vesting.

BD just graduated from college after working his tail off for several years. He was a little money and would like to treat himself to a reward. Let him be. Before he knows it there will be a wife, kids, house and car payments, 60 hour work weeks, and all the rest. It's not like he's spending it on drugs and chicks like I did.

assumes 10% rate of return (which the stock market has done over the last 80 or so years). and assumes he keeps it invested till age 65. It would fully vest immediately (your own contributions to your 401 k are always fully vested.) Admittedly its in nominal, not inflation adjusted dollars. Even netting out the sale of the used PT, you're still talking $1000 to invest.

God knows I'm not against spending money. And BD didn't ask for financial planning. I just wish, however that I would have fully appreciated the concept of time value of money, and the power of compound returns, at his age. With a 40 year investment horizon that return potential is pretty amazing.

Simply passing it along FWIW.

God knows I'm not against spending money. And BD didn't ask for financial planning. I just wish, however that I would have fully appreciated the concept of time value of money, and the power of compound returns, at his age. With a 40 year investment horizon that return potential is pretty amazing.

Simply passing it along FWIW.

Pointing that out has value. I'm just doing the yin/yang thing.

And considering your blingmobile...:D

Nothing wrong with it, BD. It's nice. But I'd at least wait until you're gainfully employed, and maybe wait until you're settled down.....

this is your parents talking

$1500 in a 401k at age 22 = $108,597 at retirement, assuming historical rates of return. ( not even considering Employer matching).

$1500 in an ergomo equals nada in a couple of years when it's kaput.

Unless you're in a position to max out your 401K in your new job, and still have money left for the Ergomo, it is silly.

maybe cycling is the one thing in his life he loves above all else. so what that ergomo WOULD give him is some enjoyment doing what he really loves, especially at a time in his life when things probably are gonna be kinda lean. this may be the only chance he has to get this thing for a decade. or more. go for it, kid. while merlin's advice is certainly sound, you have to enjoy your life as well. that's not silly

and congratulations on your graduation

Ok, so here's the deal:
- I won a new 2007 ErgomoPro off ebay for $1100.
- I'll be selling the PowerTap for $600-700 (it's already built into a Velocity Deep-V), for a net expense of $400.
- I've already started investing in my retirement; financial planning seminars at school taught me to invest young, so I started my retirement planning during my 2nd year of college.
- Anyone need a PowerTap?

Thanks for all the input!

Ok, so here's the deal:
- I won a new 2007 ErgomoPro off ebay for $1100.
- I'll be selling the PowerTap for $600-700 (it's already built into a Velocity Deep-V), for a net expense of $400.
- I've already started investing in my retirement; financial planning seminars at school taught me to invest young, so I started my retirement planning during my 2nd year of college.
- Anyone need a PowerTap?

Thanks for all the input!

well done, grasshopper

i'm outa the PowerCrap business