Cycling power meters

A power meterfeatures a sensor, which is in charge of interpreting the force applied by the cyclist.This force is applied to components such as the cranks, bottom bracket axle, spider or chainring, rear wheel hub and pedals. The sensor registers the force, thanks to a system of strain gauges that vary their electrical resistance depending on the pressure they support. Another sensor registers the angular speed of rotation and records the power data for a certain period of time.

Perhaps you have already considered purchasing a power meter for your bike. If so, you will know that this kind of training requires a certain investment. There is no such thing as a cheap power meter, but it is also true that more accessible models are already available, such as the power meter installed in the Favero Assioma Uno pedals. Logically, the cheapest version is the one that registers the power through just one of the pedals, (the left one), but this system also allows the option of purchasing the right pedal with a power sensor, at a future date, so as to measure the force applied by each of leg. An additional advantage of pedal power meters is that they are compatible with any bike, simply by replacing the pedals.

Another inexpensive, but probably less versatile system is the crank power meter. This can be installed on one or both cranks. Power meters, such as the 4iii potentiometer for Dura Ace cranks, installed on the left crank of this Shimano model are a good economical option. There are also other versions available for Shimano road cranks such as the Ultegra cranks and there are different versions of the Shimano MTB crank power meter. This system stands out, among other things, for its light weight, adding just a few grams to the total weight of the bicycle.

In the case ofbottom bracket power meters, several models stand out, such as the Rotor INpower 3D+, with sensor and measurement on a single crank, but with a slightly higher investment you can acquire the Rotor 2INpower models with independent measurements for each leg. Both models have several versions for different types of bottom brackets and record 360 degree torque, which provides important information about the cyclist's pedalling style.

In the past, it was the rear wheel hub power meters that were most commonly used by cyclists of a certain level. And one of the most popular brand names, at the time, was Power Tap. The price and weight, together with the impossibility of measuring both legs, has resulted in other systems and brands gaining sales at a much faster rate.

Companies such as Shimano, SRAM, FSA and SRM have opted to place the power meter on the spider, or chainring, as is the case with Power Tap with its C1 model. These power meters are among the most reliable and accurate. A good example of this type of power meter is the Sigeyi Axo Sram 8-5-110 BCD Road.

There has been a lot of talk about cycling shoes featuring power meters, but for the moment only a few prototypes are known and they are not yet on the market. They are even working on designs that feature a power meter in the cleats of the shoes, but this is still a prototype.

If you have already made up your mind and are looking for the best offers of cycling power meters, with the best price and conditions available, we have a wide range of models in stock, both in our Mammoth shops and in our online store, so that you can choose the most suitable for your type of training and we will always offer first class advice and information.