Everyone wants to know their power output. Here are some simple solutions to figuring out what kind of wattage you’re putting out.
On the Bike VS On the Trainer
There are 2 different ways to measure power on your bike. You can affix a power-meter to the bike itself, or you can use a trainer which measures power output when the bike is on it. There are Pros and Cons to each.
On-The-Bike power meter:
Quarq are renowned for making extremely accurate crankset-mounted power meters. Choose your crank length and drivetrain-type and go.
Quarq powermeter crankset for SRAM 1o/11speed
• 11/10 x 2 speed powermeter cranks
• +/- 1.5% accuracy
• ANT+ ID visual display to aid in pairing and operation
• Exogram hollow carbon arms with aluminum Quarq powermeter hidden bolt spider
• AxCad accelerometer cadence (no magnet required)
• Power Balance: Uses crankset torque to display the ratio of power generated in the right drive stroke vs the left drive stroke for each crank evolution
• Omnical Power measurement is independent from chainring selection allow user to swap our chainrings without impacting accuracy
• Waterproof design
• BB and chainrings sold separately
• Requires ANT+ computer or smartphone and training software (sold separately) 2 year warranty / free firmware updates
• 567 g (BB30-172.5 mm)
On-The-Trainer Power meters.
Kurt Kinteic SMART CONTROL I resistance unit
Kinetic Smart-Control Unit
The Kinetic Smart Control Resistance Unit gives current Kinetic trainer owners the option to upgrade their existing trainer to our most advanced electronically-controlled power training experience
• The unit can be installed in any Kinetic trainer frame in minutes
• Pair up with the Kinetic Fit App on your smartphone or tablet for workouts, training plans, video integration, and much more
• Massive flywheel provides the highest inertia in the category for unmatched ride quality
• Works with Kinetic Fit app platform, as well as third-party software (including Zwift and Trainerroad)
Wahoo Kickr Power Trainer
Wahoo’s immensely popular Kickr Smart Trainer
mount your bike on the direct drive for a smooth (and quiet!) ride. The KICKR measures power (wattage), speed, and distance. Use your smartphone to control the resistance for structured workouts or virtual course riding.
Key features:
• Super flywheel engineered to simulate an ultra-realistic road feel
• Direct power measurement happens at the hub
• Adjustable to fit most bikes and foldable legs for easy portability
• As quiet as your favorite fluid trainer; no shouting required!
• Future-proof – firmware is upgradable over the air
• Power accuracy: 2% power accuracy—precise and consistent data measurement
Wahoo Kickr Snap
• SNAP makes it easy to turn your regular road or mountain bike into a powerful indoor SmartTrainer
• Made from heavy-duty stainless steel and featuring a wide stance, SNAP is designed to keep its feet firmly planted on the floor and your bike securely locked in so you can train with confidence
• Like KICKR, SNAP uses your smartphone, tablet or computer to control resistance and provide a reliable power measurement so you can monitor and adjust your intensity
• Devices: iOS/Android/PC (Mac/Windows)
• Accuracy: +/- 5%
• Power you can feel: Snap is designed around a heavy, high inertia flywheel that replicates the inertia felt when cranking up or down the open road
We hope you enjoyed this article, and found some motivation to get an early start on your spring and summer riding.