The Pros and Cons of 5 Power Meters

Power meters provide an objective measurement of how hard you're working in order to take the guesswork out of training. It allows you to track changes in your fitness easily and will help you to determine your strengths and weaknesses, which can help you to customize your training plan around those areas that need improvement.

So if power meters have so many benefits, why doesn't every cyclist own one? Undoubtedly, a large reason for most consumers is the price. It's a big investment, and in some instances, can cost as much as a low-end performance road bike. It can also be difficult to learn how to use one correctly.

If you've decided to purchase a power meter, it can be hard to know which option is best for you. There are a range of pros and cons for each option, so it's good to know what's available so that you can make an informed decision prior to making the investment.

More: 4 Easy Steps to Begin Training With a Power Meter

CycleOps PowerCal

How it works: Embedded in a heart rate strap.

Cost: $100

Pros:

• Inexpensive.
• Can be used with any bike.
• Great for beginner cyclists who aren't sure if they're ready to invest in a more traditional, expensive power meter.

Cons:

• Uses a complex mathematical algorithm to estimate your power numbers. Basically, it's a heart rate monitor.
• Can't accurately measure short bursts of effort due to the delayed response of the heart rate.

More: Best Buy: Power Meter or Heart Rate Monitor?

CycleOps PowerTap G3

How it works: Embedded in the hub of the rear wheel.

Cost: $790

Pros:

• Easy to transfer from one bike to another by swapping rear wheels.
• Less expensive than many other options.

Cons:

• Requires you to use the same wheel set for both training and racing.
• The size of the hub increases the weight of the rear wheel.

More: 4 Tips for Using a Power Meter

Stages Power

How it Works: Embedded in the arm of the left crank.

Cost: $699 to $899

Pros:

• Inexpensive compared to other options.
• ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible (will work with a Garmin or iPhone).

Cons:

• Arguably less accurate than other power meters. Since the sensors are only mounted on one crank arm, the power number is doubled to achieve results. Stages claims to be within two percent of the real power number, but this is unproven.
• Not compatible with every crank manufacturer.
• Requires the use of an aluminum crank arm.

More: How Accurate Are Power Meters?

Garmin Vector

How it works: Embedded in the pedals.

Cost: $1,700

Pros:

• Easy to transfer from one bike to another (as long as you use the same pedals).
• Enables you to use any wheel set in conjunction with the unit.
• Good accuracy.

Cons:

• Not ANT+ compatible. Requires the use of a Polar computer that doesn't offer GPS.
• The unit must be calibrated before every use.
• Vulnerable to damage during a crash or when clipping in and out of pedals.

More: 11 Reasons to Buy a Power Meter

SRAM Quarq

How it works: Embedded in the spider of the crank.

Cost: $1,795

Pros:

• Lightweight and waterproof.
• Data is accurate (company claims to be within 1.5 percent of real numbers).
• Battery is easy to replace.
• ANT+ compatible. Works with most third-party head units.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Difficult to use on multiple bikes.

More: 5 Reasons to Train With a Power Meter

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