dutret

How inaccurate is this? If I already have the computer and can get this cheap it is worth it?

DocRay

Very and no.

bdcheung

Very. No.

DrPete 

I've asked around about it too, and it's apparently fairly consistent IF it's set up and functioning correctly, and that's quite a big "if." Lots of moving parts/sensors/etc. cable tied to the bike.

If it weren't such an expensive experiment I might try it out, but unless they drop the price I'll save up for one of the reputable power meters.

Psimet2001 

+3 - Very and no.

cslone

Okay, since I have actually used it, I'll chime in.

I had one for about a year before I got my Powertap. I didn't have the first major problem out of it. Install is fine if you take your time, and when side by side, it was maybe 10-12 watts at the most, off my Powertap through every gear but the 25, where it was more like 25 watts off. The biggest thing is reproduceability, i.e. your LT at 250watts is the same day in and day out on that particular meter.

I think it is a decent option if you already own a Polar watch and want to get into power training. Is it better than a PT or SRM? Nope, but you can pick them up off ebay for $100-150. For that, it's probably worth it if you have the watch.

cslone

And read this too:

https://mywebpage.netscape.com/rechun...a/rosetta.html

DanteB

I’ve been using the Polar Power for about 3 years now and haven’t had any major problems. As far as it being accurate everything I’ve seen says they are. How accurate does it have to be, as long as it is consistent with every ride. I think the main thing I’m looking for is repeatability, does it show 250 watts with the same effort everytime.

shawneebiker

I've owned one for several months and I found it to be repeatable. As long as it is set-up correctly it seemed to correlate well with my power tap over most efforts.

One exception is that due to the 5 second recording interval it will tend to under report or even miss short bursts.

If you can pick one up cheap it is definitely worth it. Training with the polar power meter is way better then not having a power training device. Once you learn to train with power you'll find out just how effective using a power meter becomes.

operator

Then you might as well just guage your effort. Cheaper and more accurate.

Except you'll soon realize that the data is so bad that you need to buy the powertap or srm.

cslone

Read the link in post #7.

DrPete 

I threw this question out a couple times and never really got a consensus. Now it seems like the overall view is pretty favorable. I'm actually thinking of trying it out.

shawnee, cslone, danteB... I hate you all.

PolishPostal

You can add me to the haters as well. I've been fairly pleased with mine. I've had my 720 for a while and decided to pick the power sensor up on ebay. It came down to $150 (Polar power sensor) vs $900+ (Powertap SL). I figured it was worth a shot for $150.

Like others have said. I think that it is pretty consistant. I'm not sure how accurate it is and I really don't care. I'll take consistant of accurate any day.

The only complaints that I have are in the big ring and the next to largest cog the wattage numbers are a bit high for the effort. And that very well could be a set up issue. I may need to just shim the sensor more.

This has only happened a few times since I've had it, for the entire ride it will give totally bogus wattage numbers (ie 2000ish). Then the next ride everything is back to normal.

Ultimately I would like to get a PT but for now this setup will do the job.

shawneebiker

I'll go ahead and make the prediction now.........

You'll get the PM option for your Polar. A few months down the line once you realize all the benefits of training with a PM, you'll then up for a PT, Ergomo, or SRM.

It's simply the natural evolution in training with a PM.

After all is said and done, all the bling on our bikes are nice but If I had to choose between a kick ass frame, wheels, grouppo, etc. I'd get junker bike that fits with a PM....and Cycling Peaks....

DrPete 

I'm starting to think that the Polar kit will end up being the gateway drug, for sure... The tax refund should be able to finance this...

cslone

That's not a prediction. It's a fact.

That's exactly what will happen.

NomadVW 

So save yourself the $150, know that eventually you're going to go to the higher power meter anyway, use that O3 money we were talking about , and buy a PT SL on an Open Pro (or another rim of your choice) and be happy that you made the right decision.

SpongeDad

I'm sure the Polar is the Pot in the Pot to Heroin (SRM) transition.

But, I have the Polar 720 or 725 (can't remember) HRM with cadence sensor and it's great. Now it may have been smarter to get the Powertap right from the get go, but it was a lot easier to digest the HRM purchase. So the ebay option is a pretty easy way to go.

cslone

Yes, again, if you already own a top of the line Polar buying a used Polar powermeter is a very viable option. If you don't have anything, a Powertap is the way to go as far as cost.

DrPete 

Yeah, I'm thinking that the Polar option would be good for now because I have the S725X already, and a power sensor is much easier to sell to the wife than a whole new wheel...

I watched the install video on Polar's website and it seems relatively simple. Unfortunately, there are no good auctions on ebay right now (one for a used, untested unit). Might be worth paying retail ($299 is still way cheaper than a Powertap of any variety) so I can return it if there are any problems.

What did you guys think of the installation? Like I said, it seems simple, but some real-world comments would be good.

bdcheung

Pete, check this out:
https://www.biketechreview.com/archive/pm_review.htm

cslone

The video was the best way to install it. Watch it while you're installing it and you should be fine. Head over to Slowtwitch.com and in the classifieds, post and ad looking for a Polar meter. It seems that a few of those guys have them and will sell them cheap.

DrPete 

Yeah, I read that one a while back. I'm kinda kicking myself because I should've budgeted for a Powertap on the Pinarello, but shortcomings and all the Polar may be the best option for now...

SpongeDad

Ah, now there's the rub - do you put it on your ace bike, or the bad weather / trainer bike (assume you still have the Flyte)?

DrPete 

I did sell off the Flyte, so I'll be installing any power meters on my race/training/rain/snow/good weather/bad weather bike.