How much disposable income do you have?

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Erik
Strava

You just need to spend alot of time riding your new bike. Don't worry about the toys for now. You don't need a cadence sensor to know when you are in the wrong gear. You will get a feel for that by just riding the bike. Ride the bike lots for a year and if you are still into this stuff, then buy a powermeter (it comes with a cadence sensor anyway).

powertap comp wired with cadence sensor. <700$ new.

The garmin cadence sensor is about $40.00. I am willing to spend up to $300.00 on one or both.

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"Wait.....and Hope" -Edmond Dantes

You could maybe find a used wired powertap for $300.

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Erik
Strava

it'd be tough to find a powermeter for $300 (but powermeter does have the cadence sensor included). i'd get the garmin accessory or just a cheap bike computer that has a cadence sensor hooked up. learn to ride with your cadence in the 90's (or higher). a lot of beginner cyclists will mash around at 60 or lower on a flat, easy ride.

PT, no question. It doubles as a cadence sensor if you really want one.

You don't need a cadence sensor.

Nice, so it sounds like I can dump the garmin candence sensor and focus on the power meter. As was suggested above, I probably need to just ride a bunch more before I buy any toys. If I was to pic up a new or used powertap power meter, which one should I get to get a nice middle of the road power meter,...how much should I spend for a new one and how much should I spend for a used one??? Thanks for all the help!!!!!

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"Wait.....and Hope" -Edmond Dantes

cadence is very important in making sure you are working at the correct leg speed, then if you can't afford a power meter use PE or HR and it will get close.

A thing to remember is that just getting out the door and putting in good quality training with good rest and you will get faster however fancy your bike or computers are.

which is?

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Training Plans -- Power Meter Hire -- SRM Sales Australia -- cyclecoach.com -- My Blog -- Sydney Turbo Studio

this

the naturally selected one

I agree with this in general, but not for new/untrained cyclists. Those folks can benefit from monitoring their cadence and training at a variety of CPVs to help them determine what cadence is most effective. A cadence readout can help raise awareness of that parameter to a new rider who may not be as sensitive to bogging down or over spinning as a moderately trained cyclist.

Just ride.

x2

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"It's easy to be hard, it's hard to be smart"

And as a random thought - take that $300 and buy a $100 trainer and the $35 cadence/speed sensor. Now for $135, you'll have no excuses to not ride - and can also get in some good solid indoor workouts in as well, all while recording them.

And you'll still have $165 leftover to spend on important things...ya know...like Taco's or something.

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My tiny little slice of the internets: dcrainmaker.com

If you can afford a Power Meter you should get one as soon as possible. You will quickly find a sweet spot for cadence that will maximize your power output at a manageble heart rate. You need to have the right combination of these 3 components that work best for you.

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Park City Condo Rentals
http://www.traverseridge.com

Ok so after looking at all the posts I have a couple questions. What does a power meter do besides tell you the watts that you are churning out??? The reason why I ask is because after doing some research I have discovered that I can purchase a cadence sensor for $60. But a hub for a powertap costs around $700 plus the costs of getting the spokes of my wheel woven into it. From what I can tell both devices give you a baseline from which to measure your output. So what gives??? What does a powermeter do to warrant the extra $600????? Thanks again for all of your great help.

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"Wait.....and Hope" -Edmond Dantes

How many people who recommend PM's do their long group rides in groups? Not drafting, but in groups.

I having trouble justifying dropping that kinda coin when I think I enjoy riding with my group more than I wuold knocking off 10 more minutes off my HIM time.

Wouldn't PM training basically be a solo deal?

<-obviously ignorant on the subject so please excusethe ignorance

I wasn't aware that a cadence sensor could give you a power output. I thought it just told you how fast you were spinning the pedals.

jaretj

a power meter is about $700 for a low end one brand new

^^^ This... and instead of Taco's, spend it on TrainerRoad.com and you will have yourself a virtual power meter with your trainer. You will learn and improve your cycling than any other tool out there.

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SmartBikeTrainers.com || YouTube || My Twitter

You realize this thread is 4 years old right?