I already gave a Garmin 500 with ANT+ so I have the computer portion taken care of. What would be my cheapest option for the actual wheel mechanism? I’m trying to keep the numbers low here. I would even be open to wired instead of wireless. I’m on a Specialized Transition Pro so in have an internal route for the cable.
get the cheapest wireless Powertap (I think it is the Elite model) hub that has Ant+. Wired wont help you if you want the to use the Garmin. I have seen new ones on ebay for 700 - 800.
Good luck.
Awesome. Just what I was looking for.
Indeed, if you’re in the market today the cheapest is the PT hub (used).
However, look for prices to start dropping like rocks in water over the next 12-18 months. There’s a number of crank systems coming onto the market here shortly (all ANT+), some of which have started shipping, others being still a few months out. All of which though are lowering the prices towards sub-$1000. Then I’d expect that Vector will go well under sub-$1,000 as well, next fall - further driving prices south.
I got my Elite+ for less than $700 during one of the 20-25% off sales at trisports.com. Then had a reasonably priced wheel built around it. All told, less than $800, I believe…already had a Garmin 705, so that end was taken care of…just like you already are on the computer front.
I was in your shoes about a year ago and was able to get a wired PT, hub pre-installed on a nice Mavic wheel, for about $700. The service end of things is really quite good. I am not one of those folks that has to have the newest/best (read most expensive) items as they come along and the wired PT (I have hubs on both my bikes) has served me well.
John
Which crank based PM’s are you referencing other than the quark and srm? Also does anyone know whats going on now that metrigear has been bought by gamin?
Which crank based PM’s are you referencing other than the quark and srm? Also does anyone know whats going on now that metrigear has been bought by gamin?
RE: Metrigear - yes, here’s the most up to date:
Interview with Garmin and Metrigear team.
And here’s the latest on Metrigear timelines (H2CY2011) from just last week.
RE: Other crank PM’s.
There’s three others that I can remember:
Power2Max (Euro only at the moment)
Pioneer (announced two days ago) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/44105968@N08/5148552678/in/set-72157625193490613/
Osync (don’t have link handy)
And one more that I’m brain-farting on, will remember when I’m less tired.
RE: Other crank PM’s.
There’s three others that I can remember:
Power2Max (Euro only at the moment)
Pioneer (announced two days ago) - http://www.flickr.com/...t-72157625193490613/
Osync (don’t have link handy)
The other crank based option in the market is MEP Misurantore Efficienca Pedalata http://www.aip-mep.com/index.php
The O-synce http://www.o-synce.com/en/page-icyclopower.html is pedal based.
Which crank based PM’s are you referencing other than the quark and srm?
There seems to be a bit of discussion on the Google Wattage Group in regards to the Power2Max system being somewhat of a lower cost clone of the wireless ANT+ SRMs as it is now available for 930 €.
Which crank based PM’s are you referencing other than the quark and srm?
There seems to be a bit of discussion on the Google Wattage Group in regards to the Power2Max system being somewhat of a lower cost clone of the wireless ANT+ SRMs as it is now available for 930 €.
Yeah, been following that discussion.
They’re sending me one here shortly, just finalized the details of which model/cranks/etc… I’ll be getting.
Love to know what you think of the power2max … so far the only reviews I’ve seen are google translated ones from France, and then mostly just ‘I just got it’ … looks like an intermediary is needed to facilitate any northamerican orders … preferably someone in Norway or le Swiss who can then get the VAT-free price (and then forward on here)
Getting the P2M with the TA cranks is pretty cheap indeed - and a good stepping stone assuming leftover BB’s and left cranks in the parts bin.
Love to know what you think of the power2max … so far the only reviews I’ve seen are google translated ones from France, and then mostly just ‘I just got it’ … looks like an intermediary is needed to facilitate any northamerican orders … preferably someone in Norway or le Swiss who can then get the VAT-free price (and then forward on here)
Getting the P2M with the TA cranks is pretty cheap indeed - and a good stepping stone assuming leftover BB’s and left cranks in the parts bin.
It’s on it’s way to me next week. Should have some thoughts shortly thereafter.
The issue with USA availability is due to FCC compliance on one of the wireless parts. I know they’re trying to resolve that as fast as possible (for obvious reasons).
Looking forward to your thoughts! … the wattage folks who replied have largely had pretty dismissive tones, and I (and my wallet) would love to see the device check out!
Looking forward to your thoughts! … the wattage folks who replied have largely had pretty dismissive tones, and I (and my wallet) would love to see the device check out!
Yes. This is frankly for two reasons:
- It’s not an SRM
- It’s a copy of an SRM
Based on that, (some) people who have vested with SRM are annoyed they spent money on something that now costs half as much (and they’re annoyed on behalf of SRM for their patent expiring). This may sound blunt, but I’ve yet to see any significant evidence to the contrary.
Actually, the third (fairly reasonable)reason is my understanding is that calibration options are limited - but I’ve yet to get good firsthand knowledge of this (something I’m looking forward to). Further contributing to some of the annoyance is that the website and manual is semi-poorly translated, leaving a number of folks uncertain about what the product’s functionality really is.
I hope to be able to clarify all these items.
Perfectly correct … and I think all the points raised there are valid too, but the fact that most were overlaid with just a hint of sour grapes make them amusing reads (for a group that is so devoted to data … we all know what the plural of anecdotal observations isn’t…), and make me hope even more that the device turns out ok! 
Indeed, if you’re in the market today the cheapest is the PT hub (used).
However, look for prices to start dropping like rocks in water over the next 12-18 months. There’s a number of crank systems coming onto the market here shortly (all ANT+), some of which have started shipping, others being still a few months out. All of which though are lowering the prices towards sub-$1000. Then I’d expect that Vector will go well under sub-$1,000 as well, next fall - further driving prices south.
Which have started shipping?
Damn, I was excited reading your post saying that Power2Max was quoting 690 €. 930 € is quite over that budget! And unfortunately, power meters are still rare enough that cost breaks on them do not happen very often.
Damn, I was excited reading your post saying that Power2Max was quoting 690 €. 930 € is quite over that budget! And unfortunately, power meters are still rare enough that cost breaks on them do not happen very often.
Yeah, I’m not sure why/when they raised the initial prices - it’s on my list to ask.
One thing that i am interested to see is the service backing these newcomers to the market will bring. With the current three we have the “golden standard” but sucky personal level response of SRM (unless you get leslie…but they’re still slow), the reliability, nice folks and easy swapping from saris and then there’s everyone’s favorite south dakotans! 
Mieke, Jim, Kai and the rest of the crew there bend over backwards to get your stuff done exactly right and do it with a nice chat along the way.
Will the newcomers be able to match this? I know that when Jim and Mieke came to the market they made sure that the whole support structure behind the operation was SOLID. There was also this other powermeter company that i’m not so sure did their homework in this department and now no longer exists in North America.
I need to bake some cookies, mieke smashed her ankle on the ice. 
Oh yeah, on that note. Send Gluten Free and Nut Free cookies to Quarq. Jim and Mieke will love you! …or hate me for having put this out in public
disclaimer…see sig line.