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3 Reasons Why PowerTap SL is so Popular

July 7, 2007 by Jesper Bondo Medhus 4 Comments

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PowerTap SL

1. Watts
First of all, power meters are getting popular because they are way better than heart rate monitors for monitoring your training. Power output is an objective measure of exercise intensity representing the actual work in the pedals.

The PowerTap SL collects enormous amounts of data during your training ride. This data gives you an excellent opportunity to optimize your training and analyze your race performance. These analyzes can be time-consuming, but it is here you get the value for your money.

2. Lightweight
PowerTap SL is a lighter version of the original PowerTap. The weight is reduced by combining a carbon hub shell with a new lightweight aluminium axle connected to the hub. The complete system now weighs 480g, including the computer.

Saving some weight has a lot of attention from high performing athletes because no one wants to carry heavy equipment that doesn’t provide extra speed for their bike (at least not immediately). The hub has a slightly heavier weight than Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Record, but that shouldn’t have much influence on the overall performance and especially not with the current rules weight limits from UCI (minimum bike weight: 6.8kg).

3. Price
In many years SRM was the only provider of power meters, but only professionals (or rather their sponsors) were willing to pay the price of these power meter cranks. Now you can buy a PowerTap SL for a lower price than the cheapest version of the SRM crank (amateur version).

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About Jesper Bondo Medhus

I am a medical doctor with a special interest in cycling training. I work at the Hospital of Vejle using clinical physiology and nuclear medicine to diagnose cancer and heart patients. I have written two e-books: Time Effective Cycling Training and 12-Week Winter Training Program.

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  1. Introduction to training with power meter says:
    May 14, 2008 at 9:41 am

    […] Power meters like SRM, Ergomo and Powertap are very useful if you want to optimize your training and start getting better results. Before you throw away all your pocket money consider how serious you are with your training. If you find it very difficult to stick to a rigid training scheme, doing specific intervals in heart rate target zones, then a power meter might not be the best choice for you. […]

  2. Power Meter Training Made Simple | Training4cyclists.com says:
    June 9, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    […] TrainingIntro: Power Meter TrainingHRM TrainingPowerTap SLIndoor Cycling ProgramsHeart Rate MonitorsWhat is a Good Resting Heart Rate?Power Meter […]

  3. SRM and PowerTap Are Not Allowed in the Pro Tour 2009 | Training4cyclists.com says:
    June 10, 2008 at 9:45 am

    […] – All about SRM, PowerTap and Ergomo APRIL FOOL: UCI has declared that power meters like SRM, PowerTap etc. will not be allowed in the Pro Tour next year. There also a couple of other implementations […]

  4. How To Optimize Your Aerodynamic Position Using a Power Meter says:
    May 14, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    […] meter: Great performance and affordable If you are the lucky owner of a power meter like SRM or PowerTap you can perform your own aerodynamic tests. It”™s essential to have a precise measuring of power […]

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