Test 2021: Power meters up to 1,000 euros - How was I?

Robert Kühnen

· 21.01.2021

Test 2021: Power meters up to 1,000 euros - How was I?

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

Seven power metres for road bikes in a comparison test.

Power meters measure how hard we pedal on the road bike. These values can be used to plan and control every training session with pinpoint accuracy. In the test: seven power meters for less than 1000 euros.

1,200 watts in sprint mode. 320 watts FTP. Ten times 30 seconds with 380 watts of interval power: watt values pervade the reporting in professional cycling wherever you look. Watt - in cycling, this unit stands for the pedalling power of the legs. Those who produce more watts, especially in relation to their body weight (watts/kg), often have the edge on the road, but also in virtual cycling worlds. If you know your wattage values, you can train more efficiently and organise your competitions better.

The power is measured with measuring devices on the road bike, usually in the pedals or cranks. The second source of watt values are Indoor smart trainer. As cyclists cover a wide performance range - peak performance is ten times higher than continuous performance - the measuring job is demanding. New providers are constantly entering the market, usually with the promise of being much cheaper and yet accurate - which has rarely been the case to date.

However, competition among power meter suppliers has meant that there are now some products for road bikes that work very well at a price of between 600 and 700 euros. You no longer have to spend more for a power meter. Of course, even 700 euros is a lot of money, but you get the right measurement technology that can withstand the rough and tumble of everyday cycling.

The detailed test of the road bike power meters with all information and measured values can be downloaded below for 1.99 euros or in TOUR issue 02/2021.

Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!