Power Meters

[velogirl]

I've been using PowerTap for four years now. I also coach most of my athletes using power. I've got two PowerTap Pros and a PT SL. I'm a big fan of PT. One of the nicest features is that I could have one PT and multiple mounts and just move it from bike to bike (it's a wheel).

iBike is bogus. No one who really uses/understands power for training purposes would use one. I've got pretty much the same opinion about Polar. I've never used Ergomo, but have heard mixed reviews (better than iBike and Polar). SRM is insanely expensive and not portable (you can't move it from bike to bike easily since it's a crankset).

If you choose PT, wait until they release the wireless unit this fall. The price on all the other models has already dropped. My prediction is you'll be able to find a lot of used PTs on eBay once the wireless comes out (including mine).

Remember, power is simply a tool. You won't improve as a cyclist just because you have a power meter. You need to understand how to use that information. If you don't have a coach, you might consider it. If not, join the watts list -- http://lists.topica.com/lists/wattage/prefs/info.html and get a copy of Hunter Allen & Andy Coggan's book.

If you want to chat, email me off the forum. I'd be happy to answer your questions. Lorri <at> velogirls <dot> com