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In Depth Product Reviews
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Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
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Have some fun in the travel section.
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My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
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The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
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Slightly off topic, but I’ve seen advertisements for a insole based “power meter” from RPM2, fascinating idea and price point ($650), especially considering the “tri” option gives you running metrics too. Any experience/knowledge about the product or company?
I’ve seen the site, but haven’t dug into it beyond that.
I was thinking the same thing. If we were taking bets, the insoles would be the most versatile. Pros changing out bikes mid race over a mechanical issue would have consistent data by just clipping in and turning on the head unit. Not to mention that I could jump between my road and mountain bike, or any other bike seamlessly – for that option I would put down the big cash on the table.
Would love it if you did a review of the RPM2 power meter! I am curious to know how it stacks up against standard power meters like Stages, PowerTap, etc.
Likewise. It looks like it could be really useful given its versatility. I just feel like it lacks legitimacy without a DCR review :)
I’m waiting on a unit still. As of an e-mail conversation on Tuesday, they are still about three weeks away until the next production batch comes in (that has some mods in it).
Awesome, thanks for the update!
You are the best! Can’t wait!
Oh man would love to see a Powertap Speedplay Zero become real!
As you said, they didn’t give any timeline, but do you suspect that their big announcement will be by/at Interbike?
I don’t expect anything at Interbike from them. Like most companies that have a more global presence, you tend to get announcements at Eurobike for both shows. Whereas if a company is more US-focused (either in locality or market), then you’ll get Interbike-focused announcements.
One other thing I’m wondering, perhaps your speculation is limited here because you’re bound by an NDA? The existence of which you may not be able to divulge.
Even if that isn’t the case here, I have to imagine that that occurs reasonably often with your posts!
“Basically, the power meter engineering equivalent of walking into a crowded room – farting – and walking out leaving everyone in the room pointing fingers.”
OMG – Too funny!
To pick a nit:
“This year however, they’ve taken a slightly different tact.”
I think you may mean “tack” – change course by turning a boat’s head into and through the wind.
:)
I’m guessing cassette. Most of the others have been done, and a cassette option probably carries over a lot of technology from the hubs, while removing the biggest downside with powertap, the training wheel/race wheel issue.
I’d also like to see a cassette based option, but only if the price reflects the fact that cassettes are essentially consumable. I’d hate to drop cash equivalent to the price of a Powertap only to have my power meter effectively wear out after 6 months.
Taking into account the expensive process of designing, making, and testing power meters before they can be sold, I doubt that this could be done in a cost effective manner.
That said, if it was designed in a way that you could just replace the cassette rings (without it costing the earth) and keep the same power measuring cassette body then I’d be pretty happy to spend £500 or £600 on one.
Overall, it’s a pretty exciting time in the power meter world!
“the power meter engineering equivalent of walking into a crowded room – farting – and walking out leaving everyone in the room pointing fingers.”
You do make me laugh Ray :D
“Finally, as a minor note – expect to see them refresh all of their existing sensors (such as the heart rate strap and speed/cadence sensor) with dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart sensors as they move forward.”
Any idea when this might happen? And, is this likely to happen with their hub power meters too? I know they have different caps that will do either ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart, but I’d love to see one that does both.
It sounded like later this year for the sensors.
As for different caps, they’re also looking at a dual-cap there as well and working away on it.
Off topic but power meter related. Any word on the Brim Brothers device at Eurobike?
+1
They have a booth at Interbike, so I suspect we’ll get more information there (first time having a booth).
In the spring a new powermeter from PowerTap. But not a regular powermeter , a smart one with added bonuses i was told. It will be an awsome feature for the bike fitters as well.
Looks like the new teaser is out. Any information / speculation?
I’m guessing that they may issue an easily removed freehub powermeter. This would allow users to move the powermeter from one wheel to another and it would allow reasonable Campy-SRAM-Shimano compatibility since an 11 speed cassette of any of these manufacturers works reasonably well in any drivetrain.
Spotted this….
link to paligap.cc
Not a lot of details but guess coming soon