Following our recent article on Power Meters and if they are worth it where we covered all the key questions on Power Meters we follow up with our 2020 Power Meter Buyers Guide. Read through a comprehensive guide of the various types of bike power meter and their individual advantages and disadvantages. We also have all the latest prices from the main suppliers coupled with any discount codes we have negotiated for them to get you the best deals.
4iiii Precision Power Meter
Costs – £299 – £899
Type – Crank
Groupset options – Shimano only
Advantages & Disadvantages of the 4iiii Precision Power Meter
- Lightweight
- Compatible with all bike types
- Easy to move between bikes
- Limited to Shimano groupset
Summary of the 4iiii Precision Power Meter
Manufactured by Canada-based 4iiii is the first of our bike power meters in our 2020 buyers guide. It measures left leg power within a claimed 1% accuracy. It’s a lightweight option, adding just 9 grams to the left crankarm’s weight. It can also be installed in minutes by most bike owners with a handful of tools. It comes “Ride Ready” fitted to either a Shimano 105, Ultegra or Dura Ace crank. It is also available with a full chain ring set that allows dual readings from both legs. The electronics are built into a small unit (29mm x 8mm x 38mm) that is actually smaller than most cadence sensors.
4iiii can use both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart so the cranks will communicate with smartphones too. Connection to devices is quick and provides a remote indicator on battery life. Battery performance compared to others is good with over 100 hours of battery life. In a hugely competitive market the 4iiii Precision power meter is a relative steal offering access to power data for real world money.
Latest deals on the PowerPod
Current Best Price - £299 - £899
Buy direct from the manufacturer using exclusive code TRIVELO20 for 20% off.
Current Best Price - £269.99 - £645.55
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle. Latest reviews of Wiggle rank this as 5* based on reviews from 4 customers.
Current Best Price - £299.99 - £649.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles. Latest reviews on Chain Reaction Cycles rank this as 2.5* based on reviews from 2 customers.
Current Best Price - £899.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
PowerPod Power Meter
Costs – £399
Type – Frontal wind force
Groupset options – Compatible with all groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the PowerPod
- Lightweight
- Compatible with all bike types
- Easy to move between bikes
- Won't work with indoor training
Summary of the PowerPod
The PowerPod bike power meter is unique amongst the others in this list working unlike anything else. The PowerPod does not use a strain gauge like all others here. Instead this cycling power meter uses a filter with a Gore-Tex membrane to measure frontal wind force. The unit combines this wind measurement with elevation and atmospheric pressire information to calculate power meter readings.
The unit mounted on the front of your bike uses ANT+ for connectivity to devices with a good level of accuracy. With many people currently seeking to train indoors this power meter may not be a good fit for you. If you want a power meter to use on an indoor turbo trainer then I am afraid you need to scrub this one off your list.
Latest deals on the PowerPod
Current Best Price - £399
Discount code available use TRIVELO12
FSA PowerBox Power Meter
Costs – £416.99 – £819.99
Type – Chainset
Groupset options – Shimano and SRAM compatible
Advantages & Disadvantages of the FSA PowerBox
- Auto-Zero feature
- Built in cadence sensor
- Highly accurate
- Heavier than alternatives
- Limited groupset compatibility
Summary of the FSA PowerBox
FSA (Full Speed Ahead) are a popular choice for manufacturers. They are common place across a wealth of bikes including Cannondale amongst others. FSA have teamed up with Power2Max to develop the powerbox crank based power meter.
Prices vary depending on an alloy or carbon based crankset. Weight varying between the two options as you could expect (585g versus 984g). Fitted with ANT+ and bluetooth connectivity this provides real time cadence and power meter information. Compatible with Shimano and SRAM groupsets depending on the rest of your bike set up.
Latest deals on the FSA PowerBox
Current Best Price - £459
Discount code available use TRIVELO12
Current Best Price - £416.99 - £482.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Current Best Price - £737.99 - £811.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
PowerTap G3 Hub Power Meter
Costs – £453.99 – £549.99
Type – Wheel Hub
Groupset options – Compatible with all groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the PowerTap G3 Hub Power Meter
- Wheels are Easily Interchangeable Between Bikes
- Very accurate power readings
- Compatible with all groupsets
- Needs custom wheels building
- No cadence information
Summary of the PowerTap G3 Hub Power Meter
The PowerTap G3 hub is the latest evolution in their hub based power meters. The latest version is lighter and more accurate than previous models. The latest version comes with ANT+ connectivity. The hub weighs 325g fitted within your rear wheel to measure power readings.
Highly accurate results but not a method for comparing right and left leg power output with the hub based device. Very reliable results but complex for battery changes given the position of the meter at the heart of your rear wheel. Build is again very specialist and not something your standard cyclist could install.
Latest deals on the PowerTap G3 Hub Power Meter
Current Best Price - £453.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
Current Best Price - £453.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Current Best Price - £549.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Shimano FC R9100 Dura-Ace Chainset Power Meter
Costs – £887.99 – £1054.99
Type – Chainset
Groupset options – Compatible with all Shimano groupset only
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Shimano FC R9100 Dura-Ace Power Meter
- Dual sided measurements
- Ease of recharging through USB
- Simple calibration
- Expensive
- Accuracy not as good as some others
- No bluetooth connectivity
Summary of the Shimano FC R9100 Dura-Ace Power Meter
The Shimano FC9100 power meter is a dual-sided, light, and accurate chainset. The chainset has an internally built crank arm strain gauge. This is reported to have accuracy to within +/- 2%. The battery is rechargeable rather than replacement battery alternatives such as a number of the others here.
As you would imagine it is only compatible with Shimano so limited if you already have another groupset fitted. The strain gauge is fitted to the arm so allows for changing the chain ring if you want to use specific configurations for events that are demanding this.
Latest deals on the Shimano FC R9100 Dura-Ace Power Meter
Current Best Price - £929.99
Discount code available use TRIVELO12
Current Best Price - £959
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Current Best Price - £887.99 - £1054.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Current Best Price - £887.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle. Reviews giving this 5 stars from 6 reviewers on Wiggle.
Garmin Vector 3S pedals Power Meter
Costs – £349.99 – £749.99 (single versus dual side meters)
Type – Pedals
Groupset options – Compatible with all Groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Garmin Vector 3s Pedal Power Meter
- Ease of installation
- Compatible with all groupsets
- Simple calibration
- Battery life of only 120 hours
- Subject to damage in event of a crash
Summary of the Garmin Vector 3s pedal Power Meter
Now on its third attempt, Garmin has refined the Vector’s design. The Garmin are easy to attach to any cranks, whatever type of groupset you have fitted. We have a detailed test of these in our recent Garmin Vector 3 power meter review that is well worth a look.
Latest deals on the Garmin Vector 3s Power Meter
Current Best Price - £349.99
Discount code available use TRIVELO12
Current Best Price - £375
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
Current Best Price - £394.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Look SRM Exakt pedals Power Meter
Costs – £760 – 772
Type – Pedals
Groupset options – Compatible with all Groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Look SRM Exakt Pedal Power Meter
- Ease of installation
- Compatible with all groupsets
- Lightweight
- Expensive
- Subject to damage in event of a crash
Summary of the Look SRM Exakt pedal Power Meter
A collaboration between French pedal manufacturer Look and German power meter manufacturer SRM. The Look pedals look and feel like conventional non-power meter pedals. They have no additional pods or attachments and are less bulky than some other pedals on the market. They are only 26g more in weight than a standard Look Keo 2 Max pedal which make them a very appealing option.
Latest deals on the Look SRM Exakt Power Meter
Current Best Price - £772
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
Current Best Price - £760
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Current Best Price - £760
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Quarq SRAM Red Dzero Power Meter
Costs – £760 – 772
Type – Cranket
Groupset options – Compatible with SRAM road groupset only
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Quarq SRAM Red Power Meter
- Ease of installation
- Compatible with all groupsets
- Lightweight
- Expensive
- Subject to damage in event of a crash
Summary of the Quarq SRAM Red Dzero Power Meter
This latest generation of Quarq’s chainset-based power meter. This latest instance includes many upgrades from the previous model. It forms the basis for a range that includes a carbon version as well as the aluminium one. The chainset is built specifically for the RED SRAM groupset but is compatible with the full SRAM range. Runs off standard CR2032 batteries which are easy to come by if you should find they go flat. Accuracy is claimed to be within +/- 1.5% measuring both legs power output which is better than many others here including the more expensive Shimano FC9100.
Latest deals on the Quarq SRAM Red DZero Power Meter
Current Best Price - £628.99
Discount code available use TRIVELO12
Current Best Price - £670.49
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle. No ratings currently available on Wiggle.
Easton Cinch Power Meter
Costs – £587 – £695
Type – Bottom Bracket inner Spindle
Groupset options – Compatible with the Easton crankset
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Easton Cinch Power Meter
- Lightweight
- Compatible with all bike types
- Rechargeable battery
- Expensive
- Difficult to fit
Summary of the Easton Cinch Power Meter
The Easton CINCH Power Meter Spindle is the only power meter of its type in our line up hence its inclusion. The Easton Cinch sits inside the bottom bracket making it well protected on your bike. Accuracy is within +/- 2% so well within the tolerance of alternative power meters. Power is read from left leg only so it is single sided not able to provide variance between legs.
The spindle is compatible with Easton cranksets adding only an additional 65g for those watching the weight of their bike closely. Cadence as well as usual power readings are available from this capturing rotation from the crank arm. The power meter uses a rechargeable in-built battery that uses a USB recharge method. Connectivity uses both bluetooth and ANT+.
Latest deals on the Easton Cinch Power Meter
Current Best Price - £587
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle. No reviews available.
Current Best Price - £695
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Current Best Price - £587
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Stages Chainring Power Meter
Costs – £416.99 – £849
Type – Crank & Crankset options
Groupset options – Compatible with various groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Stages Power Meter
- Lightweight
- Compatible with a range of groupsets
- Long battery life
- Not interchangeable between bikes
Summary of the Stages Chainring Power Meter
Stages offer a range of power meter options and claim to be universally compatible with all groupsets. All models come with both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for a full range of integration options. They make use of CR2032 batteries like the Quarq system so a simple option for sourcing replacements. Accuracy is within +/- 1.5% so highly competitive against everything else you see here.
Prices vary widely depending on configuration you choose. You can select single or dual sided readings and also select the groupset from a range of Shimano models, Campagnola and SRAM. They come with some pedigree having been used by the last three winners of Le Tour so you are in good company in choosing a Stages Power Meter. Read our detailed review of the Stages Dura Ace power meter for further information.
Latest deals on the Stages Chainring Power Meter
Current Best Price - £416.99 (Dura Ace crank arm)
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
Current Best Price - £449 (Dura Ace crank arm)
Contact us for latest discount codes with Tredz
Current Best Price - £449 (Dura Ace crank arm)
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
Rotor INpower Flow Power Meter
Costs – £661.99 – £722.99
Type – Crankset
Groupset options – Compatible with various groupsets
Advantages & Disadvantages of the Rotor InPower Flow Power Meter
- Lightweight
- Compatible with a range of groupsets
- Long battery life
- Not interchangeable between bikes
Summary of the Rotor InPower Flow Power Meter
The Rotor INpower Flow power meter allows you to record your power readings with connectivity using ANT+ to a suitable head unit or computer. The power meter is built into the crank arm. The battery is also located within the bottom bracket spindle. Uses a standard AA sized battery so easily sourced when needing replacement. Even if mid ride from the local shop! The unit comes without a bottom bracket or chain rings so you need to consider costs of these on top of the unit price.
Latest deals on the Rotor InPower Flow Power Meter
Current Best Price - £661.99 - £722.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Wiggle
Current Best Price - £661.99 - £722.99
Contact us for latest discount codes with Chain Reaction Cycles
A power meter is a perfect addition to any serious road bike. If you are looking to have a power meter built into your next road bike check out our article with the best road bikes you can buy for £1500.
We work with a number of the major manufacturers and suppliers to get you the latest kit and deals so if thinking of buying a power meter but still not sure leave a comment and we will contact you.
