I recently bought a powertap, I have not used it much but it seems nice. Based on first experiences, I am convinced it will NOT tell me anything that the body is not telling me (I know when I am going very hard, hard, moderate, easy) but having a # to look at will make it easier to stick the the supposed intensity of the workout. A bit like a pace clock at the pool. If my 100m interval is 1:55, having a watch to look at will make it more likely that I will stick to that. Going by feel would probably make me hit the 1:55 pretty good but could be easier to slack off or get it wrong.
Anyway, the thing is +1000 USD from new and honestly. I bought it second hand which I am happy about. Honestly, not sure the 1000 USD is worth it for a piece of equipment that at this point seems more like a nice to have than a need to have (I might change my mind at somepoint). I remember having read about a cheaper (not cheap!) solution from Stages and I have also read the review from DC Rainmaker and posts on ST about it and it does not seem to get much love - but those reviews and posts are some months old by now. Any updated reviews or perspectives on the stages powermeter?
That it does not measure accurately vs other PMs I could live with, but I would need one that is consistent from workout to workout. From the first reviews this does not seem to be the case. Any news?
That it does not measure accurately vs other PMs I could live with, but I would need one that is consistent from workout to workout. From the first reviews this does not seem to be the case. Any news?
Last week I looked at the DC Rainmaker review and there were some recent comments that alluded to Stages making some firmware updates that address some of the variability in the data. I think Ray is planning a follow up review. If you are in the concerned camp you might wait for this but the tone of the responses seem to imply that things are getting better.
This is my first power meter, so I can only comment on how it seems to be working, not how it might compare to other devices. For me, the power readings seem to be consistent between rides and using 3s power and NP I am able to pace my effort well. The device calibrates easily and has been reliable.
I have a Stages PM on my tri bike, and I love it… for me it is as accurate as it needs to be, and to be honest as long as it is consistant it will tell you what you need to know. I have now ordered another one for my road bike as well, and will still be less money than a Quarq, which I think is a great power meter as well. For the 20g it weighs you cant go wrong…
I’d have to get a new crank to replace my existing one if I got a stages - but i’m considering it. They’re backordered for most of the affordable models though.
