Cheapest way to get power?
 

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). Only desire: for it to be reliable. I don't care about wires, and I can't afford to be concerned about weight. No hills here, anyway. Reasonably aero should be doable, I would think.

So I'm thinking of getting a powertap Comp and having it built into a cheaper rim. It's just the next step as a training tool, so anything reasonably aero and durable should be fine.

any specific Recommendations or guidance? what's the cheapest way this can be done and still get a decent product?

competitve cyclist is selling pro+ for under 700.

if you want new, and an actual strain guage based power meter, this is likely your best bet.

Although you might want to check what Psimet can sell you a similar set up for.

The Comp is a little cheaper, but not that much...how much difference?

Have requested a quote from Psimet.

Watch roadbikereview.com classifieds as well as slowtwitch.com. I have seen wired powertap wheels going for around $350 - $400.

I believe the Comp comes with a head unit (Cervo, aka the little yellow computer) while the 675 for the Pro+ doesn't include a computer. If you already have a Garmin or other ANT+ computer, or plan to get one, then the Pro+ is the clear choice. Other than that I think the only difference, besides wireless, is basically weight. The DT 465 rim on the Comp probably has a slight aero advantage.

The Comp is also wired, as I now realize. Although the DT is on the Pro, and is probably a little better as you noted.

I guess the Comp hub also doesn't use strain gauges...something about calculating based on torque. I'm not up to date on power meters, obviously.

Torque is measured via a strain gauge. I'm pretty sure the measurement guts are identical across the line.

Get a pair of campagnolo legs

Che?

Ohh, relevant to my interests for this winter :D

Keep an eye out on ebay too. I've come across some elite hubs w/ no rim for fairly low prices. Then you could lace it to an open pro for a fairly inexpensive wheel like $500 or so, but then that makes the CC deal look even better. hmm

One more thing: I'm having hard time finding any info on the most basic little yellow Cervo computer (the one that retails for about $100 and comes with the Comp wheel from CC). Even on the Powertap page, there's nothing. Is it more just a basic cycle computer, showing Watts and speed, or does it actually record data for download later? Can the wired Powertap be plugged into a Garmin if i got one in the future, or would I need to opt for wireless transmission?

The basic PT computer, the little yellow one, records data for download...

To use a PT with a Garmin, in fact any power meter, it has to be ANT+...

So wired will not work with a Garmin...

Get the wireless, much easier to move around if you have multiple bikes...

Here's a no-frills New Powertap wheel for $600

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/pr...p+Wheel+091511

Che Copete?

IRRC, Competitive Cyclist had been selling that setup for $669 for some time.

Interesting that the price has dropped below $600.

I can only assume that it's because people are really moving away from wired systems. The Pro+ is only $675. Of course, then you also need to buy the head separately...

$600 seems pretty good to get into power, considering it comes w/the basic computer. Seems unlikely that Psimet or other will beat this with a current hub.

"Cheapest" is probably used. Try Craigs or Ebay for powertap options. I see tons of wired packages as low as a couple hundred bucks complete. If wireless is a must you can find used wireless wheels for as little as $400-500 but usually in the $750plus range. If you go this route you can skip the added price of headunit or other comp if you have a smartphone. Mapmyride (and other software) is ANT+ compatible and at less than $5 is an inexpensive way to collect/read power data.

The real kicker with used is making sure you know how "cheap" versus "inexpensive" you want to get. $500 for a power wheel (tee-hee, POW-POW-POWER-WHEELS!!! nevermind...) that isn't all that road worthy or is at the end of its life isn't worth it in my book. Better to have a solid wheelset regardless of power/no power...

Bontrager RXL with Powertap SL for $550:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.c...=unread#unread

Sold. Thanks, I'll keep my on that site.

Will also keep my eye on CL.

CC's deals don't really look so bad for new stuff.

The wired powertap does have a good price, but does the computer log the data and allow you to save that out to a PC?

Much cheaper to go SRAM, you also get DoubleTap.

There's a joke here I'm not getting.
I couldn't find good info, but someone here said they do.

I did just see a new Pro+ wheel with a Joule 2.0 for a little over $1000, which sounds nice, but is a lot more than $600.

Has cycleops redesigned the hub assembly? If that is the case now would be the best time to buy an older model as retailers won't want to get stuck with older models.