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Powermeter for multiple bikes?

Old 05-17-20, 01:40 AM
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bikeme
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Powermeter for multiple bikes?

I'm considering getting one and want to know if there's a brand/model that I can easily switch between two bikes (road and mtb). I know some are hub-based, crank arms, and others are pedals--not sure if there's anything else out there. I have Looks on the road bike and SPDs on the mtb, so pedals won't work and aren't a fast swap anyway. Maybe I'll have to buy two crank arms...
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Old 05-17-20, 08:42 AM
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Yeah, unfortunately there's not currently a good option for this. There have been a couple of attempts to build power meters into shoes in the past, but those didn't really go anywhere. If you haven't seen it already, this is a good overview of the market. There is a company that's got an SPD-based power-meter pedal in the works, which I believe is a first.

I think the problem is that the power meter needs to be calibrated very precisely to the component it is on/in, so moving the power-meter mechanism around just isn't in the cards.
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Old 05-17-20, 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by adamrice
Yeah, unfortunately there's not currently a good option for this. There have been a couple of attempts to build power meters into shoes in the past, but those didn't really go anywhere. If you haven't seen it already, this is a good overview of the market. There is a company that's got an SPD-based power-meter pedal in the works, which I believe is a first.

I think the problem is that the power meter needs to be calibrated very precisely to the component it is on/in, so moving the power-meter mechanism around just isn't in the cards.
Hey, Adam--thanks! Good info. Another issue--the mtb is a 2013 and it's a fine bike but I'm due for a new one (I just keep replacing drivetrain components), so investing in something that may only end up fitting it is probably not good. The road bike has 6800 Ultegra 11 spd, so not it's that old. If it came down to it, I'd probably just get a PM for the road bike as that's what goes on my trainer and what I do most structured intervals on, even though XC mtb racing is what I do.
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Old 05-17-20, 11:33 AM
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Most people consider power meters a road only thing. Even though part of the way you train with one means using a PM to capture the stress from all the riding you do.

I bought a pedal based power meter because it's literally compatible with every bike there is. I ride a Cervelo which uses BBRight and that means if I got a crank based PM, selling the bike and keeping the meter was out. Mine has been on 3 bikes I've owned since getting it, the first had caliper brakes, the next two disc, that ruled the hub out. To be honest Keo cleats aren't ideal even on gravel, I'd have to really want power data bad to ever try this on an MTB.

Power2Max has some good options.
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Old 05-17-20, 04:06 PM
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Read up on the Powerpod on DC's site. That is about the only option that is easy to swap and cheap but last time I looked into it it wasn't great for MTBing.

That would be the other option but it will cost you
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Old 05-18-20, 11:03 PM
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Hello Bikeme:

I just received a set of SRM X-Power pedals specifically designed for mountain bikes. I literally only have one short ride with them, but so far I really like the design and quality. Charging is easy, installing and connecting straight forward. On the ride today I had them simultaneously feeding data to Ride With GPS, a Lezyne Super GPS and a Fenix 5 Plus Garmin watch. All seemed to record the data fine and the Lezyne displayed it during the ride (that's the only unit I have mounted in a visible location during rides). I wanted an SPD compatible pedal system for ease of switching between bikes and an indoor trainer and because on many of my longer rides I incorporate long hike-a-bike sections so I need shoes with cleats that can be walked in for long distances.

These pedals are in limited supply but I purchased mike through SRM USA.

Howard Snell
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