With more products entering the market for 2013 it’s hard to decide which power option is right for you.  Here’s a guide to help.  I’m using pretty general groupings so please contact me (406-544-5270) with your specific questions.

Balling on a Budget (<$200)

You are a collegiate racer or just on a tight budget, you coach yourself or you are looking to make a jump into the next category and want to step up your training methods.  The Cycleops Powercal retails for $99 w/o the heart rate strap.  I’ve used this for the past month.  It works good.  I couldn’t get heart rate and power to work at the same time, but it was probably user error.  It’s 1-2 watts off in either direction and interval sessions can show a bit of lag.  You get done with an interval and since your heart rate is still pumping the watts are still spiked even though you’ve stopped.  Overall the price and quality are fine for this category and I recommend the product for entry level power seekers or your weekend warriors who are curious on their outputs.

Serious Cyclist/Triathlete looking for a deal (<$600)

You’ve been serious about training and racing for a couple years and you want something that’s reliable.  Maybe you are hiring a coach for this year and he or she says you should send them your power files.  Your first look should be at the Ibike Newton.  It’s one unit and records power without any other products.  It retails for $500.  Ibike also has products for your Iphone, that are bit bulky for my liking, but you can get into them for under $300.  Also, like the Powercal it’s an all in one unit, next extra purchases.

Serious Cyclist/Triathlete gear head (<$1400)

Just like the last category you are making the step into the power market.  Maybe you’ve used the Powercal or Ibike and you want something fancier or more reliable.  You aren’t rich but you want to make an investment in something with a warranty, ect.  The CycleOps Hubs and Wheels are still the gold standard for this category.  The bottom end for 2013 is the Cycleops Powertap G3 training wheel ($1400).  You can buy the hub for $1300.  Of course you can get into the 2012 Pro or 2011 SL+ on the secondary market for a lot cheaper, but if you want to make an investment go with the 2013 G3.  They’ve worked out a lot of the kinks and these are super light weight.  The key with the Powertap stuff is remember that you need a computer if you don’t already have one.  This adds a minimum $250 to your order.

Pro/Cat 1-2/Rich and want the best (<$2500)

The Powertap G3C retails for $1800 and is super light.  You could build a race wheel around this hub for $2500.  The other option is of course the choice of the pros.  SRM is a fantastic product.  If you are sponsored or you can afford it then do it.  The stock Specialized SRM model is $2044.  Obviously it can go way up from there.  If you don’t have a computer then plan on an extra $250 minimum.