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Posted

 

Locally, I believe there only two real options available: SRM and Powertap.

 

The cheapest Powertap is the Elite+. It costs about R8,000 for the hub only and then you need to add another R1,000 or so to build it into a wheel. If you're worried about the 600g hub weight, the next cheapest one is the Pro+. It costs around R9,800 for the hub only and weighs 460g.

 

The cheapest SRM is built into an FSA Gossamer crank. It costs around R18,000 to import from Europe (there is a local agent, but they do not respond to emails). You can get SRMs with fancier cranks, but they are substantially more expensive (~R29k for Dura-Ace). The SRM can only be integrated into cranks with removable spiders. It will not work with one-piece crankarms like the newer Shimano and Campag cranks

 

From what I have read (and confirmed with the PT), the operation of both is pretty much plug-and-play (apart from the wheelbuild or crank installation). Which one is best for you depends on what wheels/cranks you currently have (that can be replace by the PM and sold) and how you intend to use the power meter.

 

If you are going to use it with one wheelset only, across many bikes, then the PT would be the better value option. As soon as you start needing extra wheels (e.g. training, racing, TT) then the SRM starts looking like better value. Some may say that if you plan to use the meter on many frames, the SRM is a bad option. I say that if you're even slightly mechanically inclined, then swapping the crank between multiple frames is not a problem.

 

A third option that may become available locally in the future is the Quarq Cinqo. It is also crank-based, like the SRM, but is a fair bit cheaper and has been receiving good reviews in the US. Don't hold thumbs though: they've been saying it'll be sold worldwide 'soon' for the last year or so.

 

Edman2009-07-28 13:57:27

Posted

I also had a look at it on the net and looks like a good option. The only proplem is they will not send it here and you will not have any support untill it goes worldwide.

Posted

 

 

ermm.. what about the Quark... its been specifically developed for edge 705... and way nicer than the PT. same principle as SRM

I edited my post to mention that as an option three.

I seriously considered getting one a while back' date=' but it would have been a complicated and expensive mission to actually get one into SA and I would have had no after-sale support.

 

Powertap SL - reasonably light, accurate, way cheaper than SRM, good local backup.

The wired PT SL can't be used with the Edge, though.

Edman2009-07-29 01:40:36

Posted

I was also thinking about the Quark because it would not require any wheel modification and would work with both sets of wheels. Why has nobody decided become a dealer yet?

Posted

I believe the problem with the Quarq is that they need to get regulatory approval from various authorities before they can sell it oversees.

 

I think the iBike would act as a replacement head unit for the Edge, rather that a complementary power meter.

 

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