by Patrick Davis
Here are my thoughts on choosing between a Quarq power meter and PowerTap G3 hub.
I am somewhat of a geek when it comes to techy training equipment. I like to use it and get general baselines, but don’t get too wrapped up in analyzing every aspect of training. My mentality is to do what's on the schedule, take a quick look at the data and bank it, and then forget about training until the next time around. I feel like it keeps me a little level headed.
Fortunately, working at a bike shop and liking to play with new gear go together well. In the past, I have owned a Quarq S975 and PowerTap SL+ but have gotten rid of them as wants and needs changed. (Things like buying a car or deciding not to race anymore change financial priorities.)
I recently got back into specific training, which meant buying another power meter. Yay for expensive toys! I ended up getting the standard PowerTap alloy wheelset with a G3 hub. In my opinion, it is the best bang for your buck power meter out there right now.
About a week after getting the PowerTap I was talking with the SRAM rep, who was showing off the new Quarq Elsa power meter. I got the whole speech about the updates and how awesome it is, and I took a shot in the dark asking if I could ride it for a bit. To my surprise he let me keep it for a week! Needless to say my bike easily doubled in price for that week.
Going off my experience with both, here is a general overview of what you should think about when considering a power meter purchase.
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