I’m close to closing the deal on one of the two. Does anyone have any experience with both? If I go with the Powertap I will probably only get one for a training wheel which I find is a disadvantage… On the other hand I really like the concept of being wireless.
Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
derek
Many threads on this.
Issues are
Ergomo: Questionable accuracy and consistency, good display, flexible over multiple bikes and wheels, higher second by second variance in power readings.
PT: Cheaper, wireless, may not work well in wet
FWIW with more Powertaps in circulation than any other power mete they are the defacto people’s choice. Both systems have their benefits, with the primary benefit of the ergomo the ability to use any wheelset and one of the many benefits of the Powertap to (more) easily switch from bike to bike.
have use both, i see a clear and easy choice…
powertap is accurate and will work well in dry condition at least (wire version)
ergomo is only estimating power and it gets very annoying to use one if you have ever use a good systeme like a srm and powertap… if you never have use a good accurate one, you might be happy as you might think it is working fine… but it simply dosnt…
Many threads on this.
Issues are
Ergomo: Questionable accuracy and consistency, good display, flexible over multiple bikes and wheels, higher second by second variance in power readings.
PT: Cheaper, wireless, may not work well in wet
Not to go down a rat hole but how is a BB-based PM more flexible across multiple bikes than a hub-based PM?
Here’s what I’ve found:
Accuracy – You have to calibrate the Ergomo every ride. I haven’t zeroed the torque on one of my PTs in over a year. The auto-zero torque feature in the latest version of firmware 2.21 (Pro and SL) works perfectly from my experience. Having said that, given appropriate calibration they’re both accurate, imho. But I do know a couple of friends who have been struggling with getting consistent readings on their Ergomo from day to day.
Features – The Ergomo is pretty awesome because it supports the NP feature set (NP, TSS and IF). Otherwise I found them to be equal.
Reliability – Ever since PT went with new o-rings about 2 years ago I’ve only had my PT not work twice on me in the rain and I live in Seattle and I ride a lot. Ergomo seems to be quite sensitive to temp changes. For example, I’ve raced IMH and Honu twice (4x total) and never had a problem with my PT and nobody else I know has had a problem with their PT there either. However, I know a few people who have had problems with their Ergomos at IMH and/or Honu.
The number of people I know who have had to return their Ergomos or have had to have them reinstalled is staggering, imho. I wanted to switch from PT to Ergomo a little over year ago. I did a lot of research and spoke to people who had experience with both (eg I know a guy who has ridden extensively with an SRM, PT and Ergomo on his bike at the same time). I also met with Gita and Ergomo in person at the time. My final decision was to stay with PT. Keep in mind this is coming from a guy who has been whining and complaining about the lack of support for the NP feature set from manufacturers like Saris/CycleOps and SRM.
Hope that helps,
Chris
Many threads on this.
Issues are
Ergomo: Questionable accuracy and consistency, good display, flexible over multiple bikes and wheels, higher second by second variance in power readings.
PT: Cheaper, wireless, may not work well in wet
Not to go down a rat hole but how is a BB-based PM more flexible across multiple bikes than a hub-based PM?
Here
Chris
You have a BB on each bike and a single head unit.
You have a BB on each bike and a single head unit.
Well, in that case you can have a PT Pro on a training wheel and a PT SL on a racing wheel with a single head unit too and it’s a lot cheaper than buying 2x Ergomo BBs. You can also have one PT on a wheel with a single head unit and move it from bike to bike which is dirt cheap compared to 2x Ergomo BBs. If you want to race with that one wheel then put a wheel cover on it. Lots of people do this quite successfully today. I feel like I’m missing something because I just can’t understand how having multiple bikes is more flexible with an Ergomo than a PT. The single head unit across multiple bikes is not unique to Ergomo. Not to mention, the Ergomo head unit is much more expensive than the PT head unit.
Thanks, Chris
We are getting our wireless Powertaps tomorrow and are very excited about it. Mine will be on my R3 until I start riding the tri bike again in January then I will be switching the wheel back and forth, depending on the ride. Being able to switch them easily between bikes was a bike factor for me, the wireless version couldn’t be easier to move back and forth. Switch wheels and computer and your set, no tools, no wires, about two minutes time, thats it.
You have a BB on each bike and a single head unit.
Well, in that case you can have a PT Pro on a training wheel and a PT SL on a racing wheel with a single head unit too and it’s a lot cheaper than buying 2x Ergomo BBs. You can also have one PT on a wheel with a single head unit and move it from bike to bike which is dirt cheap compared to 2x Ergomo BBs. If you want to race with that one wheel then put a wheel cover on it. Lots of people do this quite successfully today. I feel like I’m missing something because I just can’t understand how having multiple bikes is more flexible with an Ergomo than a PT. The single head unit across multiple bikes is not unique to Ergomo. Not to mention, the Ergomo head unit is much more expensive than the PT head unit.
Thanks, Chris
Disk wheel, campy on one bike, shimano on the other. Trust me, moving the head unit over is far easier than messing around with disk covers, and changing wheels and cassettes. PT is however cheaper as you say.
Usually we apply the 80-20 rule in these circumstances. You clearly fit into the 20% category… 
Although, the point about having an existing disc wheel for racing is a factor one should consider too.
Thanks, Chris
Perhaps I do… fortunately the Ergomo’s flexibility is up to it!!
Now if only it gave me consistent power readings I’d be happy.