Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive?? Rss Feed  
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2019-01-23 9:57 AM


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Subject: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Several of my plans incorporate power meters for bike. I a triathlon "on the cheap" meaning an older bike, goggles, cheap wetsuit, and decent running shoes. Any idea where to get an inexpensive power meter? I'm on several FB groups but dang... those things are pricey!

Apparently I'm in a rich person's sport... lol

2019-01-23 10:11 AM
in reply to: Onlyhisway

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??

There are a few ways to go cheaper on the purchase:

1. Used Powertap wheel off of ebay.

2. Stages, Powertap, Favero Assioma, etc... single-sided pedals

3. Powertap C1 chainrings

 

2019-01-23 7:01 PM
in reply to: #5254432

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Power meters are becoming more affordable now that the technology is trickling out.

A company out of the Netherlands, iqsquared has a power meter for around $170 USD for one sided power and a touch more than that for double sided power. It is Bluetooth and ANT compatible. You can preorder now. I’m probably going to put a order in pretty soon.
https://www.iqsquare.com


Another company I’ve heard to be inexpensive is tempo. I’ve heard they will mount a power meter to your existing crank arm for $200. I’ve not followed up on this yet as I really want the option for Bluetooth connectivity and tempo is ANT only.

Or as Joel pointed out, you can find Powertap wheels for under $200 If you keep your eyes open.
2019-01-24 7:15 AM
in reply to: Parkland

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??

Originally posted by Parkland Power meters are becoming more affordable now that the technology is trickling out. A company out of the Netherlands, iqsquared has a power meter for around $170 USD for one sided power and a touch more than that for double sided power. It is Bluetooth and ANT compatible. You can preorder now. I’m probably going to put a order in pretty soon. https://www.iqsquare.comAnother company I’ve heard to be inexpensive is tempo. I’ve heard they will mount a power meter to your existing crank arm for $200. I’ve not followed up on this yet as I really want the option for Bluetooth connectivity and tempo is ANT only. Or as Joel pointed out, you can find Powertap wheels for under $200 If you keep your eyes open.

This is what I did - bought a used PT wheel for about $200 shipped on eBay a couple of years ago.  It's an old PT model but it worked fine.

2019-01-25 4:31 PM
in reply to: Onlyhisway

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Ebay or Facebook shops.

You are paying for the R&D that goes into them...
2019-01-25 7:32 PM
in reply to: #5254461

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
I also stumbled across a cheap one in the lbs on consignment. Shop owner checked it all out and gave me a 30 day “warranty”.


2019-01-28 4:04 PM
in reply to: drfoodlove

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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
It's possible to use a wheel-on smart trainer (which is also kind of expensive) and avoid the power meter, but then you can only use it on the trainer.
2019-01-29 10:28 AM
in reply to: Onlyhisway


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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Watteam powerbeat is another very cheap option.

If you have a kinetic fluid trainer you can get the inride sensor for the trainer, which is $50 and works to estimate power pretty well. It works with zwift. If you want power outdoors, don't bother.

I graduated from a wired powertap hub ($125) to a single sided 4iii (329) to dual sided assioma pedals, which I switch from bike to bike.
2019-02-01 10:35 AM
in reply to: Parkland


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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Thanks for all the replies! I'm looking into the options.
2019-02-04 7:09 PM
in reply to: Onlyhisway


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Subject: RE: Whay are power (FTP) meters so expensive??
Lol,

Yes, rich person's sport. Maybe try the 4iii power meter. I think the price is a little better but it still seems pretty reliable. I've also noticed that my left/right difference isn't too crazy. You could probably get away with a left only power meter saving you some serious $. I created a two part video about training with power meters a while back and I think they're really helpful for triathlon training and pacing.

Also, here's a link to DCRainmakers power meter guide if you're still trying to figure out what to get:
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/11/power-meter-buyers-2018.html

Best of luck and let us know what you end up doing!
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