Measuring Bicycle Power

Different types of power meters for a bicycle are available but they don't come very cheap. Power meters are seen on pulse monitors like Polar. A rough estimate of power output can be obtained on the basis of the descent, ascent, speed as well as your weight. Different types of power computers for bicycles are available. To name a few there are Garmin Comp., Power Tap Hub, Ergomo Bottom Bracket and Quarq Chainset.

Power Tab Hub and Garmin Computer:

The Power Tap Hub is important to keep an eye on the heart rate when you are training and hence the importance of the watts output too. The watts output will be able to tell whether you are training just enough, too much or if you are too tired or unwell.

Methods of measuring power are different. As far as the Garmin computer is concerned, there are chains set Quaq and SRM from which power is directly measured since the chain rings fit in the existing cranks. The same is seen in models from Campagnolo, SRAM and Shimano. Your current bottom bracket can be replaced by the Ergomo bottom bracket measuring system with power measure which can be transmitted to the comp on the handle bar.

Quarq Chainset and Ergomo Bottom Bracket:

As far as the Quarq chain set is concerned a rear wheel built with Power Tap Hub is one of the most popular methods to measure power from your pedaling, straight from the hub. The bar computer displays the information. All important facts on your training, like the distance, pulse, speed etc. is given by the Garmin head unit which works with the power tap.

The Power Tab wheel need not be used all the time and it can be taken out, to be replaced with a normal wheel. This makes the cycle comparatively lighter than with the power tap wheel. Racing is beneficial with this wheel as the weight of the bicycle is brought to the UCI minimum weight. Disassembling for some weight saving can be difficult as there is much work involved in getting the bottom bracket system and the chain set disassembled. One of the best systems is to get a combination of the Garmin Comp. with heart rate and the Power Tap wheel, which will help training for sure, even if it is just slightly heavy on your pocket. The real value for money offered by the deal makes up for the price tag!