I trained and raced last week with the Cycleops Powercal.  It looks like your basic heart rate strap, but the difference is that it uses a formula to translate heart rate into power.  It’s compatible with ANT+ and it’s pretty much plug and play.

My power numbers actually came out pretty close.  The biggest difference with the Powercal is that it didn’t show zero when you coast and there is a 1-2s lag time.  So compared directly to a Cycleops Hub the Powercal is a bit more conservative.  The difference is not enough to effect training if you were to switch between the Powercal and another device.

The kicker is that it starts $99 retail and $139.99 for the speed sensor package.  The reviews online have been good.  With such a drastic price difference to enter the power game, I can see why Cycleops is having trouble keeping these around.  At that price point, I believe this is not only a product for the racing cyclist but also for the fitness cyclist.  Expect to see more of this in the near future.

Email me if you have more questions or you want to purchase one, shaun@thecyclinghouse.com