Originally Posted by
yayitsrobby
Hi!
I'm about to purchase my first tri bike - the Kestrel Talon 105 2016
Amazon.com : Kestrel 2016 Talon Tri Shimano 105 Gray/Red Road Bike : Sports & Outdoors
the bike is equipped with 105 derailleurs but Oval concepts components for the chainrings, cranks, wheels and etc. I'm trying to get a power meter and have gone thru alot of dc rainmaker's reviews but a lot of them seem like they would be incompatible with the current components of the bike.
i think the most compatible without having to get new parts would be a pedal based system. anyone have any recommendations of where to look? i'd prefer not to HAVE to upgrade parts right off the bat to keep my costs lower. would pedal based systems like garmin vector or the bePRO be the best?
thanks in advanced!
You'll come out ahead financially by replacing the crank - a Power2Max FSA Gosamer classic is just $599 which is the least you'll pay for a new power meter measuring both legs. It'll work with any wheel and your preferred pedals. You'll be unable to use different crank sets like a triple on your touring bike, and changing rings like 46/36 for cross will be a headache.
You may prefer a PowerTap wheel, which will work with any 700C derailleur bike using rim brakes, any crank you care to run on those including triple cranks, and any pedals. You'll be unable to use different training and racing wheels without spending much more money.
You may prefer pedals which work with any road bike (even your track bike), any wheels, and any cranks although you'll spend $700 single sided - $1300 for two sided measurement. You'll be unable to use the same SPD / speed play / whatever pedals you prefer or use the same shoes on multiple bikes.