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Post by xavier on Dec 1, 2006 0:08:40 GMT
Looks like this cyclingforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6998And reading up on it, it seems as though the only update is ease of installation. They didn't contact the original developer of the power meter to help, so are unlikely to have made major changes. I'm looking forward to lots of people selling their old ones so I can have a few spares! One thing it does have is wireless capability (for the chainstay sensor and wheel speed sensor), but the chain speed sensor is still wired, plus there's another wired pod thingy that has the batteries in. Also does 1sec recording intervals via the new wireless computer, but to be honest once it's set up who cares if it's wired or not? I vote save your £££££££ and don't get it - find an older one Xav |
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Post by twistedbiscuitdunk on Dec 2, 2006 15:42:40 GMT
Does that mean the price of the old ones will come down?
I've tried to buy two of the old ones via e bay but lost out when the price went to £20 under the price of a new one!
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Post by triandrun on Dec 2, 2006 16:01:09 GMT
Do they actually work?
i mean, how can they be accurate ?
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Post by xavier on Dec 2, 2006 17:09:06 GMT
They can be accurate because the physics works! Lots and lots of people write them off because
a) They've read what people who can't be @rsed setting them up properly have written on the internet (most of the time without any first hand experience ...)
b) They can't be @rsed setting them up properly themselves!
c) They don't believe that an entire system costing potentially £150 (if you're lucky) can be on the same par as a £800-£1500 system
So, yes they work. I've got one on my training bike, and one on my race bike. People will tell you they don't work on the turbo (again, often this is without actually having used one), but mine does in every gear!
If you get one (and I'd recommend getting one second hand - but yes they do go for a bit on eBay, often around £100-120), then find someone who already has one and likes it, buy a new chain (and weigh it at the post office) and get them to help you sort it. I might do a step by step guide and post it on the net as I think a lot of people are missing out.
Remember it'll also do your cadence, HR, altitude and speed at the same time. Plus the Polar software is pretty good (as it's free - you have the option of paying for CyclingPeaks if you want). The Polar software does power smoothing which not a lot of people realise. Get an s625x or s725x and you can use the footpod and have running speed too ...
Polar service has got a hell of a lot better recently with a very quick turnaround if anything goes wrong. Replaceable batteries are handy too (for the head unit)
Xav
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Post by doug on Dec 2, 2006 17:11:48 GMT
The old ones work quite well if properly set up, not as accurate as an srm or powertap, but not bad - for the geeky technical perspective see here: www.biketechreview.com/archive/pm_review.htmThey are quite delicate though, the chain speed sensor cable broke on mine when fixing a puncture. Polar fixed it pretty promptly for £18 |
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Post by triandrun on Dec 2, 2006 17:13:32 GMT
They can be accurate because the physics works! Lots and lots of people write them off because a) They've read what people who can't be bumd setting them up properly have written on the internet (most of the time without any first hand experience ...) b) They can't be bumd setting them up properly themselves! c) They don't believe that an entire system costing potentially £150 (if you're lucky) can be on the same par as a £800-£1500 system So, yes they work. I've got one on my training bike, and one on my race bike. People will tell you they don't work on the turbo (again, often this is without actually having used one), but mine does in every gear! If you get one (and I'd recommend getting one second hand - but yes they do go for a bit on eBay, often around £100-120), then find someone who already has one and likes it, buy a new chain (and weigh it at the post office) and get them to help you sort it. I might do a step by step guide and post it on the net as I think a lot of people are missing out. Remember it'll also do your cadence, HR, altitude and speed at the same time. Plus the Polar software is pretty good (as it's free - you have the option of paying for CyclingPeaks if you want). The Polar software does power smoothing which not a lot of people realise. Get an s625x or s725x and you can use the footpod and have running speed too ... Polar service has got a hell of a lot better recently with a very quick turnaround if anything goes wrong. Replaceable batteries are handy too (for the head unit) Xav Sounds good. Are you power reading accurate on both bikes? How difficult is it to set up in the 1st place? I'm getting an s625x for my Xmas. Would have to buy the power unit too |
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Post by xavier on Dec 2, 2006 17:20:14 GMT
Takes about 45min or so if you've done it before, but 2hrs maybe if you haven't. There's a series of videos on the net (somewhere!) made by Polar telling you how to do it.
I ran out of batteries on my training bike, but the power reading is consistent, yes. Between bikes there might be a discrepancy but will be minimal if you're careful (and from what I've read about SRM cranks and calibration, they have some issues too).
Main thing is to make sure that the chain actually rubs on the sensor unit in the small/small ring combination. Put some electrical/duck tape on top to save the plastic. The closer the sensor is to the chain, the more accurate it is (in general). If you work out typical chain ring combinations (ie. you're not going to be using big ring/big ring or small/small, and maybe the ones either side of that too) then the chain doesn't change height really that much.
Lots of zip ties and a bit of tape and it's pretty solid - might post a picture in a bit
Xav
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Post by xavier on Dec 2, 2006 17:21:49 GMT
ps. I use ovalised chainrings as well and it doesn't seem to make any difference (I don't think)
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Post by doug on Dec 2, 2006 17:49:25 GMT
Hywel had a good write up on how to install one on the real TT
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Post by triandrun on Dec 2, 2006 18:03:11 GMT
Hywel had a good write up on how to install one on the real TT Does he use one himself ? |
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Post by doug on Dec 2, 2006 18:13:53 GMT
He has done in the past - not sure if he still does
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Post by xavier on Dec 2, 2006 18:26:37 GMT
They don't fit on the new stealth apparently
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Post by flyingelephant on Dec 2, 2006 18:55:43 GMT
I don't mind if they are not 100% accurate. It's the trends that you are after.
I'm hoping that there is going to be a price drop and a flood of cheap ones hitting the market either new or 2nd hand.
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