Anyone out there no much about their latest 2006 PM shown at Interbike, who sells them, and what they will retail? Like the SRM I like the fact that you don’t need to build up a wheel (and therefore use a disc) as compared to a PT. I’ve heard they are about half the price of the SRM and if they are just a little bit less accurate than the SRM, that’s OK with me. Also, I’ve heard that if you have a Shimano 10sp crank/bb you will need to switch them out which obviously dials up the cost:(.
I am in the same boat. I really do not want “custom” wheels, and I keep hearing about reliability issues with PT’s. I want the cheapest, reliable setup I can do that gives me cadance and a decently accurate power reading.
So, what bottom brackets do the ergomo and SRM need? Sounds like they do not come with the product. I also would like to use rotor cranks so what how do these two powermeters interface with the RC’s?
Dave
You can do some searches and find out a lot. I have an Ergomo sport. My understanding is that the pro (new version) has an updated computer. There are some pics at the cpc coaching site.
Ergomo is a bottom bracket. They were only available in campy-style, square taper so you needed square taper cranks. They initially came out in octalink also but had to recall and stopped production once shimano went to the new BB. I’ve heard they may be coming out with ISIS or octalink but I would be surprised if that was true. You can use any wheels and any cranks that are compatible wth the type of Ergomo BB you buy (currently only square taper - 102mm). I use some older FSA carbon cranks. You can use all of the new higher end campy stuff, too.
People’s main issues with Ergomo’s were/are: computer is big, measures only left leg and doubles (some say an issue), and lack of splits on computer (fixed on newer model).
My guess is that a new Ergomo with new computer will run 1500-1700 but thats a plain guess. You’ll likely need to get some new cranks with can add $100-$500 (campy compact carbon…).
I like mine. I also like my PT. The PT’s have their advantages. The ergomo has its.
Haven’t used an SRM but its a crank-based style so you’d need a bottom bracket if you went with the older pro. The newer 3.4K Dura-ace version must come with the BB. I’ve been told to avoid the amateur. Lot of people like the SRM’s.
Dave
I like the looks of the Ergomo unit, myself, but have only seen it on the website (www.ergomo.net). You may want to check it out. There is some info there, as well as a contact. It seems to be the most practical and versatile of the three. The PowerTap measures at the wheel hub, and requires building a wheel on their special hub. As of yet, there is no disk wheel available for the PT. The SRM measures in the crankset, so changing wheels is not a problem. They do make a unit built around the DuraAce 10spd cranks, but you cannot adapt existing DA cranks although you can use your BB if you already have DA10. I think the regular SRM cranks are made for the various BB out there (Octalink, ISIS, and taper). The Ergomo unit measures in the BB, and the unit replaces your existing BB. However you can still use your existing crankset ( the various type splines are available) and any wheels, so the BB is the only thing removed from the bike. Even if it is a little less accurate than the SRM and comparable to the PT, the price difference is substantial enough to make up for the slight margin of error. Only a lab would be able to tell. The Ergomo unit is what I would be considering if I was looking to buy a power meter right now.
I know that Ergomo has been making some improvements and a few folks are testing them on the wattage forum. The display sounds cool with some nice interval functions and a view of TSS and altitude I think.
My concerns are still this (which might be fixed?): the single side recording (it seems like you could put strain guages on both sides? 5sec recording (fine for triathletes, but a bit useless for road racers who want to do neuromuscular work).
I have a few PT’s (including a 404 Zipp with a disc cover) and also a D/A SRM. I have had no problems with reliability with the PT’s (I live in Maine and ride in the weather). The PT pro’s and the SRM all seem very accurate and repeatable (this is important).
The funny thing i here is that people don’t want a PT as they want a “race wheel”. Fine, have Rich at Wheelbuilder.com build a PT SL in a Velocity rim, and get a disc cover…problem solved. I guarantee that a powermeter and the knowledge of how to use it, will make you much faster than a “race wheel” any day!
Kurt
My concerns are still this (which might be fixed?): the single side recording (it seems like you could put strain guages on both sides? 5sec recording (fine for triathletes, but a bit useless for road racers who want to do neuromuscular work).
Can’t do a strain gauge on both sides with a powermeter that measures BB spindle strain. There is no strain on the BB spindle from the right side crank arm because the chainring is directly connected to the crankarm, hence SRM and their own crankarms.
“Fine, have Rich at Wheelbuilder.com build a PT SL in a Velocity rim, and get a disc cover…problem solved.”
Or a SRM. Maybe even a set of Q Rings to go on it.
Hey Jack,
I’m interested in the Ergomo, but I REALLY want to take a ride on your daughter, Kim. Care to lend her to me?