Originally Posted by
tadawdy
I've decided to get a power meter, but it's a total splurge. I can't pay a lot for one on CL, where I see them on sale. The problem is these are built into nice wheels, and retain resale value. I assume a hub-based system will be cheapest, though heavy.
I basically need a whole power setup, for as cheap as I can (no iBike garbage).
You can get a complete used wired powertap setup for under $250 (first generation) or $350 (second generation).
I sold a 1040g Powertap SL wired hub in a 30mm deep Kinlin XR-300 rim with DT Revolution 2.0/1.5 spokes and alloy nipples on craigslist with electronics for $300 shipped.
Be sure to check the zero. The Cervo (aka Little Yellow Computer) has a test mode where it displays the torque offset. You want it to be "about 512" inch-pounds according to the manual with a tolerance around +/-8.
A bad zero often coincides with slope changes or non-linearities that lead to bogus power files.