Okay, let me explain. I have saved up money to buy a new bike but I am going to let my wife race this next season. I will still train and race but no “A” type races just a couple short races nothing longer than a Oly. So I ask what will be better option 1) Buy a power meter save the rest of the money to buy a bike at the end of 07 for the 08 season) 2) Buy a new bike and forget about the power meter or save for that later
Any thoughts?
Two questions, what are you riding now and what is your budget (if you don’t mind sharing)?
Just sold my Trek TTT bike but I am on a Scott CR1 Pro for a road training bike. I was looking at Trek TTX 9.9, Cervelo P3c and Scott Plasma Ltd. Power options Ergo, Powertap or SRM
I’d say neither. Take that money and put it into longer crank arms!!
Seriously, I’d go with the PM, hands-down. With that said, you have to invest some time learning about training with power, so you aren’t using it as a very expensive bike computer.
That what I get for typing without thinking
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A power meter is a tremendously useful tool for gathering training and racing data. That data is only as productive as you, or your coach, make it. I would say the powermeter has the most potetial to make you faster in the long run, assuming you like the idea of looking at your data over the long term. If the idea of analyzing power data after a ride is not exciting to you, your money may be better spent on another bike. On the power geek spectrum, I’m pretty far out there, but even I will admit that the power meter is a tool. What makes you faster is more and harder riding. For most of us, the power meter helps us do that better. For some, a new cool bike is more motivating. Only you can decide where you fall.
I would go for the bike. Forget about the power meter. That’s a “real dude”'s training tool.
It won’t make you as fast as on a brand new shining bike!
I would definitely go for the power meter as long as your bike fits and is aero. Getting my SRM was a good decision. It has helped me train much better and made my training more interesting.
You can see how hard you are really working - it is surprising at how much the power drops when you are drafting, going down a hill or have the wind on your back. And sometimes when you are tired it helps you stay focused and keep the efforts on task.
It is so much fun to download each workout and see how you did and to watch your progress!!
It sounds like you have a lucky decisoin either way you go. Good luck!
go for a computrainer.
Personally I would get a CT before getting a “regular” PM. Yes, I know that you can use the Power numbers for pacing, use it for all of your training, etc. but I personally see the computrainer as a very very good training tool. Especially for high intensity threshold or above threshold sessions. Can’t do that kind of work on the road.
And as far as race pacing goes, it is definitely nice to have a PM while racing, but it is not like you cannot pace yourself well without PM. It depends on weather conditions anyways…(edit: so it’s wise to be in tune with your body and not to have to rely on the power numbers)
I would go with the computrainer as well. I have an SRM as well and I think the computrainer is a more valuable tool for improving your cycling (pedal stroke).
You’re having a laugh aren’t you? Why can’t you do high intensity or > threshold training on the road?
Ric
How does a CT improve your pedal stroke? Hint: don’t answer “with Spin Scan” as it doesn’t measure what it purports to measure.
ric
Go for the new bike, hit the road and JFR. Maybe your wife will be so happy you allowed her to race she will buy you a PM for your birthday. You should ask her! 
Ric,
I was absolutely serious. The way I give 100% in a “lab setting” cannot safely be performed by me on streets that aren’t closed. I’m talking about balls to the wall kind of stuff.
bizarre then. so, you never ride in a group and have to deal with an increase in intensity?
Out of curiousity how do you think cyclists doing road races cope?
Personally, i’d suggest you don’t need a CT – you need an on the bike power meter, and someone who can teach you the ‘skill’ of riding in a straight line and being a responsible road user. Or you could continue as you are, and carry on being a hazard if you ever have to ride hard.
Ric
Go for the Power-Tap
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whatever.
Mark, forget about power, just buy this one from Tom D. and cruise around, commute, enjoy;)