cheapest options for power meter ?
 

something that is compatible with a decent computer like a Garmin 500 ?

help a broke brotha out !

One that actually works would be a used powertap. I've heard that those ones that calculate your power output are sketchy when more variables like wind and grade are involved.

Srm.

Read the first chapter of "Training and Racing with a Power Meter". They give a good and "unbiased" break down of all the ads/disads of the different power meters. There's also a recent thread talking about the IBike and other power meters. Give that a read as well.

Obtaining a power meter can be expensive but well worth it. I've used both the IBike and a Power Tap. I'm happy with both.

well lets say you had a power tap and a garmin 500 - what else would you need to make them work together ? i presume you would need the wheel ;) and just where do you get it ?

cheapest new option would be the powertap comp from competitive cyclist for $600-ish including the wheel and head. It's wired so you can't use the edge 500 with it.

I got mine from Psimet who does a very good job at wheel building. Or you could you could go to Willliams Cycling.

Used wired powertap. Keep your eye on ebay, weight weenies for sale sections, slow twitch for sale, and the serotta forums for sale section. If you want something new, competitive cyclist has a wired pt for a tad over $600 IIRC.

Are you married to the 500? All the PTs should come with the saris "cervo" headunit which is good enough for most everything (except elevation and gps). If you have to use a garmin 500, then you're looking at a used wireless "+" powertap. Once again, check ebay and the forums.

If you want new, psimet is probably your best option.


:lol:

Depends on what your cycling goals are. Cheapest option is just estimate what you think your power output is and post about it on BF.

ftfy

ftfy

Another brilliant and informative BF Drivelfest.

Carry on.

The more I lurk on this forum the more I like it, there's always someone to reply something funny about the forum itself :D

Fixed for Quebec.

Wired PT is about the cheapest acceptably accurate device there is. Anything less is crap and anything more is cake.
Unless you get a crank based power meter in which case your cake also has frosting.
Unless that frosting is an SRM in which case the frosting has little star shaped sprinkles on it.
Unless you had to pay for it in which case you'll feel like you're the cake sitting in the oven after your wife finds out. GL

that funny, and probably accurate as well.

Get a cheap video camera. Cell phone will suffice. Video tape your ride.

Go to the gym (trial membership for free) and get on a stationary bike. Play the video back and pretend you're doing the same ride.

Check your power output.

Niterider Rebel 5.0, has a power meter on it. Sells for approx $135. I believe it uses its Altimeter function, speed, cadence to guesstimate your power output. I have one that I used for a month until I switched to a Garmin Edge 705. Id sell you mine for half price if your interested.

Works for me. Of course, I stay about the same speed as well. Perhaps I should ditch the computer and estimate that too.